Business continuity Flashcards
If it is intended that equipment is to be left operating without staff in attendance then has a specific risk assessment for the process been undertaken and appropriate control measures introduced?
Even a small fire can have a disproportionate effect on a business if it occurs in a critical area. The use of solvents is hazardous and must be carefully managed to avoid unnecessary disruption to the efficient functioning of the business.
In commercial premises where processes routinely involve the use of solvents, the fire hazards and thus the threat to the business are increased if the processes are allowed to continue unattended. If it is intended that equipment is to be left operating without staff in attendance then a specific risk assessment for the process should
be undertaken and appropriate control measures introduced.
Further information RC55: Fire safety in the storage, handling and use of flammable and highly flammable liquids 9 regarding unattended processes is set out in RISCAuthority recommendations RC42
(ref 23).
Have steps been taken to maintain the continuity of operations by making a suitable emergency plan?
Does the emergency plan indicate the lines of communication that should be followed and the contact details for specialist assistance, providers of alternative accommodation and suppliers of replacement equipment?
All businesses should take steps to maintain the continuity of their operations by making a suitable emergency plan. Guidance for this is set out in Business resilience:
A guide to protecting your business and its people (ref 24). The emergency plan should address the implications of a fire, flood or other perceived disaster on all facets of the business model. It should indicate the lines of communication that should be followed and the contact details for specialist assistance, providers of alternative accommodation and suppliers of replacement equipment.
Are table top exercises held periodically to test the effectiveness and suitability of the emergency plans?
Tabletop exercises should be held periodically to test the effectiveness and suitability of the emergency plans.
Is consideration given to applying commercially available computer programmes, such as the ROBUST software (Resilient Business Software Toolkit) or a similar product, to develop and check the adequacy of the plan?
Consideration may be given to applying commercially available computer programs, such as the ROBUST software (Resilient Business Software Toolkit) that is available free of charge (ref 25), or similar product, to develop and check the adequacy of the plan
