As stipulated in the API's “Security Vulnerability Assessment Methodology for the Petroleum and Petrochemical Industries,” an SVA team is made up of individuals knowledgeable on physical and cyber security, procedure safety, facility and process design and operations, emergency response, management and other related disciplines. The team surveys the facilities and distribution supply chain for possible risks. It decides countermeasures that ensure the safety of the company and its workers, as well as the general public, national interest and the environment.
For economies based on petroleum, petrochemical and natural energy, a nationally coordinated plan — managed by an authority supported by legislation outlining standards for training, operational measure, and a compliance-monitoring process with clearly articulated consequences for noncompliance — is key to efficient security measures, response and management, Alexander said.
To ensure surveillance equipment is operational 24/7, server placement is important for data storage. “If servers are placed too far from each other, it would be difficult to achieve connectivity since a oil/gas facility could span miles,” Ostrovskaya said. “The system also has to be 100 percent stable to assist with providing quick technical support to such a large area.”
Other industry experts consider reliable and dependable security a must for oil and gas sites. “Reliability and comprehensive real-time monitoring and alarming for local and remote sites through a central station or command center are vital factors to ensure efficient security measures, response and management,” Liong said. “Fully customized and seamless integration among subsystems running on the corporate IT network will provide user-friendly and full operational efficiency, response and management.”
To operate and utilize a surveillance system effectively, education on system operation is also emphasized. Training on, and familiarity with, the various components of the system is key to efficient security, Karas said. “It is also important to have continuously updated response procedures and protocols clearly documented and readily accessible so any member of the team, whether they are on-site or remotely monitoring an installation, can rapidly react to any situation.” In an environment filled with highly combustible substances, security and safety cannot be taken lightly.
Shouldering Responsibility
The responsibility of protecting a petrochemical company and its workers falls on the shoulders of the security head. For day-to-day management, the head of security might be responsible for updating the country risk assessment for the corporate head office and country manager; providing local input for projects planned overseas; managing asset protection plan for in-country personnel and facilities; engaging with local law enforcement agencies and organizations; supporting visits of corporate executives; and prosecuting any corporate security initiative as required, such as training, Alexander said.