Chapter 4: Identify, report and respond to security risks

4.1 Confirm alarm signals and identify potential security risks

A security alarm is a safety device that alerts you to a situation that requires immediate notice or action. An effective risk response often involves the use of such alarms as part of an overall safety plan. Implementing a strong risk response can make a significant difference in maintaining security.

The alert during prime time was fairly rudimentary and consisted of a bell with strings, a dog barking, and various noisemakers.

Some of the important aspects of an alarm system are as follows:

  • Sensors
  • Transmitter
  • Control panel

Types of security alarm

  • Local
  • Centralised monitoring
  • Remote or direct connection

There are four primary causes for an alarm to sound:

  • A specific occurrence has occurred (an intruder has entered the premises, for example)
  • A problem has arisen.
  • Human error
  • Undetermined

4.2 Communicate security risk details to relevant persons, and request assistance

Security risks may relate to:

  • Breaches of law, e.g. criminal damage, offences against people, public order, misuse of drugs and alcohol
  • Emergencies, e.g. fire, scenes of crime, accidents
  • Hazards, e.g. physical, chemical, electrical, psychological, biological

Your physical security system should guard against the following top 5 threats:

  • Theft and break-ins
  • Vandalism
  • Natural catastrophes
  • Sabotage or terrorism
  • Workplace violence.

Security risk details cover the following:

  • Type of security risk
  • Causes of security risk
  • Consequences of security risk
  • Ways of dealing with the security risk

Ways of communicating the security risk details

  • E-mail
  • In-person communication
  • Filling various incident forms

4.3 Assess risk and carry out security response within the scope of own competence and authority

A physical security risk assessment evaluates every component of your security system. A security expert conducts this review, which offers a list of the assets that need to be safeguarded and suggestions for how to do so. Moreover, risk response strategies play a key role in these assessments.

Responses include the following:

  • Checking identification
  • Defusing the situation
  • Evacuating the premises
  • Isolating area of potential risk
  • Isolating risk
  • Issuing verbal warnings
  • Notifying relevant emergency services agencies

What is a security site assessment? A physical security risk assessment reviews each element of your security system. This evaluation is carried out by a security specialist and contains a list of the assets that need to be protected and advice on how to do so. In fact, effective risk response is part of the recommendations made by specialists.

The micro and macro levels are addressed, and you are provided with the knowledge you need to manage your facility more successfully.

Potential risks could be addressed:

  • Rate of crime
  • The most frequent types of crime
  • The number of visitors to your facility
  • The number of doors and exits in your building
  • No surveillance systems

A plan for handling incidents should include:

  • Information about incident response teams, such as essential roles and responsibilities
  • A first-aid kit (go-kit)
  • Your property’s evacuation procedures
  • A communication strategy outlines the essential communication channels and times for keeping everyone safe.

4.4 Monitor changing circumstances and adjust response to maintain security

Analysing the risks and rewards presented by the occurrence, choosing an appropriate response (system of work), and determining if the risks are proportionate to the benefits are all steps in the decision-making process during the dynamic (rapidly changing) phase. Clearly, adapting your risk response is vital under changing circumstances.

Dynamic Risk Assessment

  • The phrase “Dynamic Risk Assessment” is frequently used to refer to a risk assessment procedure carried out in a dynamic environment, where the object of the assessment changes as the procedure is carried out.
  • Therefore, thinking about the procedure during three different phases of an incident is helpful.

The initial risk assessment process is divided into six parts:

  • Assess the circumstances, duties, and people at risk.
  • Declare and introduce tactical mode.
  • Decide on safe working practices.
  • Examine the work systems you’ve selected.
  • Implement extra safeguards.
  • Reevaluate work systems and include more safety precautions.
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