Bomb Protection

The Threat Assessment is normally the essential first step in the process of providing effective security and safety for any organisation. Until all the elements which could constitute a threat have been identified and evaluated – together with the degree of probability, the specific risks will occur, and their potential consequences – there is a danger that:

a. Some risks, perhaps the most critical, will not be identified;
Therefore countermeasures will not be devised.

b. Countermeasures, which are taken, may lack focus.

c. Human, technological, and financial resources may not be
used to maximum effect.

Security and Safety Risks stem from the following threats:

• Political
• Terrorist
• Criminal
• Environmental

SDS Group with its considerable operational experience at all levels and good relationship with various key organisations will consult amongst others:

• Relevant Police Forces
• Security Services (NCAS)
• SO13 Anti-Terrorist Branch
• Relevant Local Authority

Reports are tailored for your need and can range from just a few pages to over 100 (Crown Jewels Project)

Risk Analysis

This follows on from the Threat Assessment and analyses the threats appropriate to your specific location, premises and environment.

Threats are scored at the level of risk and probability of success, which affects the impact of the building, business and people.

Often the most difficult to provide cost effective solutions for are those that are low risk but high impact such as a large vehicle bomb or a biological/ Chemical attack, as opposed to a theft of a wallet which is high risk but low impact.

Deliverables: Quantifying the threat

Eg Vulnerability of laptops
or
Letter device containing firework rocket
or
Car Bomb containing 25kg commercial explosive TNT equivalent
or
Large vehicle containing 1000kg ANS explosive

Explosive effects analysis

This is a staged process and can include accidents as well as intentional attacks by terrorists or others.

Stage 1 - Threat Assessment and Risk Analysis – see previous pages

Stage 2 - Vulnerability Assessment – a detailed analysis of the present state of the building or complex

In terms of:

• Structure
• Enclosure
• Internal Fit-out including services
• Security measures

Stage 3 - Damage Predictions

Based on the threat and the state of the building and how it operates, we can accurately predict the damage in the various different areas including human injury estimations.

These predictions are based on a number of factors and can include:

• Mathematical and Physics calculations using a US military computer model
• Trials and Tests carried out by government institutions
• Operational experience
• Incident Reports and subsequent analysis
• Commercial-in-Confidence criteria such as manufacturing detail, material specification
• Academic research – particularly on human injury

Stage 4 - Protective Countermeasures

Bomb Shelter Measures

Introduction

Under certain circumstances e.g. a vehicle bomb in the street, it would be unsafe for staff to remain at their normal place of work in offices or meeting rooms due to the potential for glazing failure or deformation and subsequent fragmentation (even if the glazing had been treated with anti-shatter film (ASF)).

However evacuation may not be the safest option since glass from many other surrounding buildings would also be flying about in the streets – the big bombs in the City of London produced over 500 tons of glass each!

Therefore a Bomb Shelter Area (BSA) or refuge area within the building may be safer.

Criteria

Many modern buildings of predominately glass cladding do not appear at first sight to have a suitable area. However the criteria is for an area of comparative safety rather than an area of perfect safety i.e. it is an area that is safer than either staying at one’s place of work or immediately evacuating from the building.

Suitability

The foregoing Explosive Effects Analysis will have produced a very accurate picture of what is going to happen to the building/ facility in a bomb incident so areas can be judged in terms of levels of protection or if necessary be upgraded cost effectively. However protection is not the only factor that needs consideration

e.g. Capacity - can all the staff fit into the area under H&S guidelines
Amenities - toilets, water, lighting
Communication - internally and externally
Control - diversification makes control difficult
Evacuation - subsequent case of evacuation, particularly if building is damaged
Psychological aspects - claustrophobic, fear of going underground (basements)

Experience

SDS Group Ltd have carried out many studies over the last 15 years in numerous types of building both old and new and has yet to find a building that cannot provide a suitable area.

Protective Countermeasurees

STAGE 4 Protection (Mitigating) Options

A number of recommendations can be made to mitigate the damage. In all but the most severe situation, there will be cost effective solutions – not “fortress mentality” and should not interfere with the normal function of the building.

These can include:

• Anti-shatter film
• Steel blinds (for protection of key installations)
• Up-graded glazing – by type and/or format or frame
• Increase Venting
• Production of buffer zones
• Blast walls
• Blast reducing tiles or cladding
• Procedures that incorporate barriers/ planters/ bollards etc.

Contingency Plans

Introduction
Basic Considerations
One page Appendices for the following:

• Action by person receiving a bomb threat message
• Action by person delivering a suspect package
• Action by ICO on receipt of bomb threat message
• Action by ICO on notification of suspect package/ vehicle
• Building Search Procedures (working hours)
• Building Search Procedures (out of working hours)
• Check / Search Proformas
• Evacuation Procedures (for a suspect package discovered in building)
• Invacuation Procedures
• Contact Personnel
• Bomb Alert Report Form