Chemical Plant Security Consultant

Is your chemical security program a strategically planned and synergistic system that cost effectively prevents and mitigates your real threats and risks, or is it a collection of measures developed over the years as a reaction to incidents and concerns?

The security of chemical processing, storage, distribution and transportation facilities and operations, as a part of our critical infrastructure, is an issue of significant importance and much misunderstanding.   Organizationss such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS),American Chemistry Council (ACC), Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS), and the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA) established chemical security guidelines and methodologies to help members assess, plan and implement a better level of security.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS),

We can work with you to complete and implement the Security Vulnerability Assessment (SVA) and Site Security Plan (SSP) or Alternative Security Program (ASP) requirements of the DHS Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS).  We suggest consideration of the ASP which can provide a more specific and usable security plan that reasonably and cost-effectively addresses each of the relevant Risk-based Performance Standards (RBPS).  Dick Sem is CVI certified.

Chemical Facility Security Consulting Services Provided

Sem Security Management is a leader and innovator in the area of chemical facility security.  Over the last several years we have conducted over 35 chemical security vulnerability assessments of and developed plans for chemical facilities throughout the U.S., Europe and the Caribbean.  These facilities included chemical processors/manufacturers, ports and terminals, storage and transportation facilities, corporate headquarters, and warehouses. 

Our chemical plant security consulting services include:

• perform chemical and refinery security and vulnerability assessments and surveys.  Note that we are experienced in performing chemical vulnerability assessments based on the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) vulnerability assessment methodology
• develop chemical security-related policies, plans and procedures
• develop self-assessment and audit methodologies
• train staff in conducting chemical facility security self-assessments
• provide security awareness and workplace violence prevention training
• develop emergency and crisis plans, to include workplace violence, bomb threats, terrorism, sabotage, contamination, etc.
• conduct penetration testing
• plan for strikes and work stoppages
• develop and enhance contract and proprietary security officer programs
• review or develop security departments

Our chemical security consulting services, including chemical security plans and assessments, meet and exceed ACC, SOCMA, CCPS, ISPS, C-TPAT, CFATS, U.S. Coast Guard and related codes, guidelines and methodologies for chemical facility security.  We also consider Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) in our reviews and planning.

Key Concepts of Effective Chemical Security Planning

• An effective chemical security program should complement existing programs and processes including safety and safety awareness, environmental management, hiring and screening procedures, emergency and crisis planning and response, shipping and receiving, etc.
• The team-based chemical plant security vulnerability assessment (see the "Security Assessments" page) elicits local and corporate buy-in, understanding and support by involving key staff and related departments in the process.
• Don't forget overseas chemical facilities when planning your security.  Risks and vulnerabilities may be higher.
• In addition to counter-terrorism considerations, chemical security assessments should consider all sorts of security-related harm that could occur including sabotage, arson, theft and pilferage, vandalism, trespassing, workplace violence, activist disruption, contamination, etc.
• Positive security awareness by employees is the most powerful, cost effective and frequently neglected of all security countermeasures.  (see our page on Security Awareness)
• Effective and comprehensive chemical facility security doesn't have to cost an arm and leg.
• Most chemical-related firms have comprehensive emergency planning and response processes, but those processes typically don't consider or allow for security-related emergencies and crises.
• While most chemical firms have done much to screen and manage their own employees, relatively little has been done concerning contractors and non-company drivers who may have equal levels of access and exposure.
• For firms with many and diverse operations, it may not be necessary to personally conduct assessments of each.  Self-assessment and planning processes can be developed that will elicit involvement by all facilities, large and small alike.
• Assessments of a representative sampling of locations can provide a base for overall planning for chemical security.
• Most firms do not have dedicated security managers.  Typically the security function is managed by someone who wears "many hats," which may include EHS, Safety, Human Resources, Facilities Management/Maintenance, Engineering, etc.  In those cases, we provide the support and expertise of the in-house security manager.

Please call or write if you have any questions, would like to confidentially discuss your chemical security needs and concerns in more depth, or would like for us to submit a proposal.

We can provide a list of chemical security clients and professional references upon request.

We are located in the Midwest between Chicago, IL and Milwaukee, WI close to St. Louis, Madison, Minneapolis, Detroit, and Indianapolis, and support clients throughout North America, Europe and the world