Chapter 4 – Information Technology

49020.8.3 Protecting Against External and Environmental Threats

• Consideration shall be given to any security threats presented by neighboring premises, e.g. a fire in a neighboring building, water leaking from the roof or in floors below ground level or an explosion in the street.

• The following guidelines should be considered to avoid damage from the fire, flood, earthquake, explosion, civil unrest, and other forms of natural or man-made disaster:

  • Hazardous or combustible materials should be stored at a safe distance from a secure area. Bulk supplies such as stationary should not be store within a secure area;

  • Fallback equipment and back-up media should be sited at a safe distance to avoid damage from a disaster affecting the main site;

  • Appropriate firefighting equipment should be provided and suitably placed.

• Working in Secure Areas

  • Physical protection and guidelines for working in secured areas shall be applied. The following guidelines should be considered:

    • Personnel should only be aware of the existence of, or activities within, a secure area on a need to know basis;

    • Unsupervised personnel working in secure areas should be avoided both for safety reasons and to prevent opportunities for malicious activities;

    • Vacant secure areas should be physically locked and periodically checked;

    • Photographic, video, audio or other recording equipment, such as cameras in mobile devices, should not be allowed, unless authorized.