SITE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES
CONDUCT SECURITY OPERATIONS
Version 1.0 | 17 September 2020
Purpose
The purpose of this Conduct Security Operations Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to outline step-by-step safe processes for conducting Security Operations in the Heart Hospital.
Scope
This procedure applies to all security personal contracted to Heart Hospital.
Procedures
Dress standard for Security officers
Protect Staff
- Stand at the entrance/exit of the Emergency Room to observe reception and carpark.
- Always ensure safety of Hospital staff
- Between the hours of 2100 and 0400 escort Staff members to and from their cars in the carpark.
Response Options
- Qld Health has a general zero touch/contact policy in place.
- However, security may use reasonable and proportionate force as required to protect themselves, Qld Health workers, their contractors and patients.
Zero touch
OR
Reasonable and proportionate force if required.
Possible Threats
- People becoming violent or abusive because Needle Vending Machine is confusing and difficult to operate.
- People becoming violent or abusive because they have mental health issues.
- People confronting staff in the carpark.
Suspicious packages
Even though you may think it’s highly unlikely that your place of business will be targeted by a suspicious package, it is essential to be diligent and on the lookout for the above characteristics, to keep yourself and your workmates safe.
Suspicious packages should always be treated carefully and promptly reported in all cases to avoid exposing yourself or anyone else in the workplace to risk or harm.
In most cases, these packages are harmless. However, there’s always a chance the package could be life-threatening or cause serious damage to property. In these uncertain times, it’s very important for your organization to be prepared pre-incident, have a plan, and ensure everyone is educated on how to handle a suspicious package.
It is critical that security officers working at this Hospital know what to do in the event of suspicious packages.
How to Spot a Suspicious Package
Spotting a suspicious package is not as challenging as one might think. By simply being observant, you should be able to identify a suspicious package quickly and mitigate your risk for further issues.
Here is what you should look for when trying to identify a suspicious package:
- Inaccurate spelling – Often, a key feature of a suspicious mail or packages is inaccurate spelling of names, titles, and locations.
- No return address – If someone is sending a life-threatening package, they likely won’t be giving you a return address, so be sure to double check this when you receive a package with no return address.
- Excessively marked packages – Packages that have “RUSH: Do not delay,” “Personal,” or “Confidential” should be carefully looked at.
- Postmarked different than return address – If the postmarked location is different than the return address, that is a sign that the letter or package is suspicious.
- Context around the package – For example, packages addressed to prominent or controversial people that are from an unknown sender.
Controversial medical specialists are at a high risk of receiving suspicious or harmful packages, due to the highly emotional and volatile world of politics, religion and ideological views.
If a package is received from an unknown individual without any obvious explanation, it should be treated as suspicious.
In some cases, terrorists have been known to send harmful packages to random individuals purely to cause panic.
For this reason, random packages with no discernible purpose should raise alarm.
- Unprofessionally wrapped packages – If the package uses an excessive amount of tape, strings etc. then you should be wary of the package. There is wires protruding out of the package
- Excessive postage – If an envelope or package has an excessive amount of postage, or excessive postage stamps, that is a warning sign the item might be suspicious.
- Strange noises – This one goes without saying, but if the package is making a buzzing, ticking, or any other odd noise, you should not open it.
- Strange smell – Of chemicals or cleaning products
Security response to a Suspicious Package
Once you have identified that the package you have received looks a bit suspicious, you need to take the proper precautions until authorities arrive.
Consider that the package could contain:
- Hazardous material (Deadly chemicals Solid, Gas or Liquid)
- Explosives
- Bio Hazard
- A mixture of the above 3 items
Here are a few things you can do in the meantime:
- Do not touch the item
- Do not move the item
- Do not open the suspicious letter or package
- If contents have spilled, do not touch, sniff, taste or get very close to it
- Do not touch your face or anyone else before washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Isolate the package (without touching it) and leave the immediate area
- If safe to do so. Conduct an evacuation of the immediate area
- Establish a perimeter around it of no less than 30m to keep others safe, and call 000 Police as soon as possible. Follow any instructions they have for you.
- Write down what was suspicious about the package while you wait for authorities to arrive
- Make a list of everyone who has had contact with the package
- Do not move, open, or disturb the package or envelope in any way
- Do not put the item in a confined space or put it in water
- Open windows, if possible, to assist in venting the exposed area
If the item is an envelope;
DON’T
- Fold or crease the item
- Shake it
- Handle the item unnecessarily
- Immerse in water
DO
- Place the item in a clean protective covering
• Plastic sleeve
• Inside a larger envelope
• Crush proof container (Envelope to remain unfolded) - Identify who handled the envelope
- Call 000 Police
If you have reason to believe that a package or envelope is suspicious, do not chance it. While yes, the possibility of it being dangerous is low, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You should immediately call 000 and clear the immediate area until the police have arrived.
Incident Report
Complete Security company Incident Report form and submit to hospital after any incidents.
References
- Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)