SDS

Explosive Threats and Effects Analysis

This is a staged process and applies to accidents as well as intentional attacks, terrorist or otherwise:

Unless threats are identified, evaluated and probabilities examined and their consequences there is a danger that:

some risks, perhaps the most critical, will not be identified and counter-measures will not be devised;
counter-measures that are taken may lack focus;
human, technological, and financial resources may not be used to maximum effect.

Threat Assessment and Risk Analysis –

Threat Assessment

The Critical Risk Assessment is the essential first step in the process of providing effective security and safety for any organisation.

All the elements which could constitute a threat must be identified and evaluated – together with the degree of probability, the specific risks that could potentially occur, and their consequences.

Security and Safety Risks stem from the following threats:

Political
Terrorist
Criminal
Environmental

Risk Analysis

An analysis of the threats appropriate to your specific location, premises and environment needs to be undertaken. It is essential that threats are evaluated on their level of risk and probability of success of impacting the building, the business and its 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.

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

Damage Predictions

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

Predictions are based on a number of factors including:

maths and physics–based military modelling
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

Protective Countermeasures

Protection (Mitigating) Options  

A number of recommendations can be made to mitigate damage. In all but the most severe situations, there will be cost effective solutions which should not interfere with the normal function of the building. These can include:

anti-shatter film and frame anchoring
steel blinds (for protection of key installations)
upgraded glazing – by type and/or format or frame
increased venting
production of buffer zones
blast walls
blast reducing tiles or cladding
procedures that incorporate barriers/planters/bollards etc.

Appendix: Bomb Shelter Measures

Under certain circumstances such as a vehicle bomb in the street, it may be unsafe for staff to remain at their normal place of work even well protected glazing can fail and cause serious injury.

However evacuation may not be the safest option since shattered glass from surrounding buildings would be a serious hazard – the City of London bombs generated over 500 tons of shattered glass each!

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

Criteria

A modern glass-clad building may not appear to offer much opportunity for refuge, however what's needed is an area of comparative safety rather than an area of perfect safety; a better alternative than staying at one’s place of work or immediately evacuating from the building.

Suitability

This Explosive Effects Analysis produces a very accurate picture of what will happen to a facility in a bomb incident. Levels of protection can be assessed and if necessary upgraded cost effectively. However protection is not the only factor that needs consideration:

Capacity - can all the staff fit into the area under Health & Safety guidelines?  
Amenities – are there toilets, water and lighting?
Communication – what links exist, internally and externally ?
Evacuation – can the area itself be evacuated, particularly if the building is damaged?
Psychological aspects – is there a risk of claustrophobia or other limiting factors that could cause serious distress?
Experience

SDS have carried out many studies over the last 15 years on a broad range of buildings: we have yet to find one that cann

Detection and Protection Consultation

SDS provides an end-to-end solution to the threat of explosive devices.

Our unique capability encompasses expert understanding of evolving threats, developing comprehensive responses, and supplying the equipment required to implement effective action plans.

The company's research, engineering and technical team includes experts in blast mitigation, robotics, chemical-biological agents and decontaminants, as well as electronic warfare systems.

SDS'S sustainability is based on four key capabilities:

Expertise: SDS's experts have exceptional qualifications and experience in counter-IED doctrine development, which underpins the formulation of policy and procedures and the design of new equipment

Training: SDS provides training at all levels, from senior personnel briefing on the nature and source of threats, through training in specialist mission tactics, to operator training on a wide range of detection and neutralising equipment

Science: Research & Development within SDS is focused on technology that improves survivability and helps defeat the threat. Research and test results are shared openly with customers to increase their understanding of both the threats they face and to increase their confidence in SDS's solutions

Equipment: We are exclusive suppliers of fully SDS-tested and approved professional equipment designed and built for the detection and neutralisation of critical risks

The services we provide reflect the range and depth of SDS's experience and expertise and include:

Bomb Damage Prediction
Bomb Disposal
Blast Effect Simulation
Bomb Damage Predictions
Bomb Scene Management
Building Integrity
Countermeasures
Critical Infrastructure Security
Explosive Effects Analysis
Explosive Ordnance Dispos
Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance and Investigation
Human Injury Estimation
Humanitarian Mine Clearance and Mine Warfare Training
Predictive Surveys
Security Audit
Threat and Vulnerability Assessment
TVR Threat
Underwater Weapon Identification and Radiography
Vulnerability and Risk Assessment
X-Ray Image Analysis.

Contact us now for more details on these services ...

Threat Assessment

The Critical Risk 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 and countermeasures will not be devised

b. Countermeasures that 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 (e.g. our Crown Jewels Project)

Risk Analysis

Risk Analysis follows on from a 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 reflects on the building, business and people.

Often the most difficult threats to protect against cost-effectively are those that are low risk but high impact, such as a large vehicle bomb or a biological/ Chemical attack (the theft of a wallet on the other hand is high risk but low impact).

Deliverables: Quantifying the threat e.g.

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

Contingency Planning

Basic Considerations 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

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Detection and Protection Consultation SDS provides an end-to-end solution to the threat of explosive devices. Our unique capability encompasses expert understanding of evolving threats, developing comprehensive responses, and supplying the equipment required to implement effective action plans. The company's research, engineering and technical team includes experts in blast mitigation, robotics, chemical-biological agents and decontaminants, as well as electronic warfare systems. SDS'S sustainability is based on four key capabilities: Expertise: SDS's experts have exceptional qualifications and experience in counter-IED doctrine development, which underpins the formulation of policy and procedures and the design of new equipment Training: SDS provides training at all levels, from senior personnel briefing on the nature and source of threats, through training in specialist mission tactics, to operator training on a wide range of detection and neutralising equipment Science: Research & Development within SDS is focused on technology that improves survivability and helps defeat the threat. Research and test results are shared openly with customers to increase their understanding of both the threats they face and to increase their confidence in SDS's solutions Equipment: We are exclusive suppliers of fully SDS-tested and approved professional equipment designed and built for the detection and neutralisation of critical risks The services we provide reflect the range and depth of SDS's experience and expertise and include: Bomb Damage Prediction Bomb Disposal Blast Effect Simulation Bomb Damage Predictions Bomb Scene Management Building Integrity Countermeasures Critical Infrastructure Security Explosive Effects Analysis Explosive Ordnance Dispos Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance and Investigation Human Injury Estimation Humanitarian Mine Clearance and Mine Warfare Training Predictive Surveys Security Audit Threat and Vulnerability Assessment TVR Threat Underwater Weapon Identification and Radiography Vulnerability and Risk Assessment X-Ray Image Analysis. Contact us now for more details on these services ...