CHAPTER 2: MONITOR ENVIRONMENT AND IDENTIFY SECURITY RISKS

• Monitor environmental factors to maintain situational awareness in accordance with workplace requirements. In doing so, you can reduce security risks in the workplace.
• Identify potential security risk situations and security risks.

2.1 Monitor environmental factors to maintain situational awareness in accordance with workplace requirements.

• Every security plan is based on awareness of one’s surroundings, understanding how they affect potentially dangerous circumstances, and the seriousness of potential threats. However, maintaining vigilance is essential to minimise security risks.
• Situational awareness is a mindset rather than a talent.
• Knowing that risks exist is the first step. Above all, identifying security risks early can prevent incidents before they occur.
• Ensure your onsite security team members can trust their instincts and focus on technologies and security data even when they are preoccupied or distracted.
• Sometimes hostile behaviour goes unnoticed. Rapid response and situational awareness help your team stay ahead of dangers.

Environmental factors that should be monitored to maintain situational awareness

• Access to assistance and resources
• Availability of exits and opportunities for escape
• Crowds
• Different degrees of light including low light and darkness
• Presence of several sources of threat
• Time of day
• Weather.

2.2 Identify potential security risk situations.

Security risk situations include the following:

• Falls
• Trips
• Road accidents
• Fire hazards
• Bumps and collisions
• Insufficient lighting
• Noise
• Inappropriate levels of temperature, ventilation and humidity
• Persons demonstrating suspicious behaviour
• Persons carrying weapons

Potential security risk situations

• Handling weapons
• Radiological exposure
• Bomb threats
• Fire
• Explosives
• Chemical spills