Safety Update

Safety Update: CSA Z1600-08 Emergency Management Standard Officially Released

Can your business survive disaster!

eCompliance is proud to announce that on October 8, 2008, our partner, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), released a new voluntary standard to assist organizations in creating emergency measure strategies.

According to a study by Leger Marketing:

• 7-in-10 working Canadians say that a disaster would affect their ability to do their job; and
• more than 40 per cent of Canadians say that the company where they work does not have an emergency plan in place.

The new voluntary standard, CSA Z1600: Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs, outlines the requirements for private and public organizations to develop an emergency management program that focuses on hazards and business continuity. Traditional emergency programs have focused on preparedness and response. CSA Z1600 is the first Canadian standard that includes both emergency and business continuity planning giving Canadian organizations a framework in which to manage risks and hazards more proactively.

The new standard is directed at emergency situations that include natural disasters, human-induced disasters, and problems with critical infrastructure- such as roads and water systems- and widespread technology meltdown. Its guidelines would also be useful in large-scale situations such as the SARS outbreak, the 2003 blackout and the 1998 ice storm, or in a potential influenza pandemic. The guidelines it provides to evaluate and manage risk, revolve around prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

"A natural or human-induced disaster can happen anywhere at any time," said Suzanne Kiraly, the CSA's president of standards; and went onto say "A company without an emergency management and business continuity program is like a homeowner without insurance."

This new standard is based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1600 Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs standard used extensively in the United States; and was also developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including first responders, private sector and non-governmental organizations, emergency management and business continuity specialists, and various levels of government, including Public Safety Canada.

"It has become increasingly important that public organizations and private businesses of all sizes be prepared for the fullest range of disasters that can strike," says NFPA President James M. Shannon. "NFPA was extremely proud to build on our longstanding relationship with CSA to support the development of CSA Z1600 which will provide the blueprint for companies throughout the country."

To better assist stakeholders in understanding and applying the CSA Z1600 standard, CSA’s Learning Centre is offering seminars that will cover the elements required for a comprehensive program as outlined in the new Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs standard. Also included are case studies and exercises to maximize understanding and facilitate application of the standard. Sessions will be held in a variety of locations through the year. To learn more, or obtain a copy of the standard in English or French, visit the CSA Learning Centre online at http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=137452&r=115493&qz=4ae73d93e5dda0477b3e22df45ed6a66 or the CSA website at http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=137453&r=115493&qz=636e009113efaf80a72887de6ab9f900 or call +1 800-463-6727 for more information. For more information you can also contact Ben Snyman at eCompliance (see link below).

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