Tips from Charter Global on how best to protect your science-based business
As a profitable industry, laboratories and pharmaceuticals have significant insurance premiums when regarding research equipment and machinery, medical and scientific professionals and chemicals. The security measures in place must be sufficient in protecting against forced entry and sabotage, with focus on the detection and delaying of any threat.
Assets contained within these laboratories such as exploratory medical equipment have high black-market values, so members who refuse to understand the value of placing effective security solutions will do so at their own risk.
A controversial business segment
Constituting the industry with the greatest number of external threats, labs and pharmaceuticals will face issues regarding corporate espionage, product altering, animal rights activism, among others.
Understanding the risks posed to any site is the most effective approach to integrated security. At best, the pharma industry is controversial and therefore faces risks from every possible angle.
Potential risks include:
– Forced entry with intention to release animals.
– Intrusion with intention of causing long-lasting damage to production potentially resulting in casualties.
– Corporate espionage focused on research and methods fuelled by aggressive competition.
– Terrorist attacks or extreme sabotage intended strictly to cause loss of life by means of firearms, explosives or releasing toxic chemicals.
Physical security
Sites will require a high standard of physical security, along with teams and technological systems to create integrated and smart property control.
Businesses in charge of providing security solutions to the pharma industry must identify and assess all vulnerabilities, practice an open perspective regarding the method of threat neutralisation and prioritise reinforcing perimeter security around high-value assets. More so, while security systems such as CCTV, alarm systems and security personal serve as a deterrent, these will not play an effective role in delaying or completely fending-off unwanted access on their own. Structural enhancement is key.
Applicable solutions include vehicle-height barriers, bollards, gates, security roller shutters, reinforced doors, shock-proof glass, among others. A selection of the above can be used both internally and externally. It is strongly advised to use security-rated systems that can provide robust protection depending on the threat level. Consider taking advantage of security features like automation and high-speed deployment of emergency measures. Integration is key; keep in mind to create an ecosystem among all security measures for a more robust and efficient method of protection.
