BASC STANDARDS /
BASC Standards

Organizations do not operate by themselves; various groups have legitimate interests in the security and control services offered by organizations. These groups include employees, clients, suppliers, communities, shareholders, contractors and official authorities, among others.

The interests of these groups must be recognized. The importance of the BASC Management and Security Control System has been recently recognized in official reports and in a large number of legislation on the subject.

Security cannot be left to chance. Organizations must give the same or higher level of importance to the achievement of high security standards of the BASC Management and Security Control System as they give to other aspects of their organization. This requires organizations to design a structured plan for risk assessment and for the control of risks related to their international trade activities.

These standards are designed to help organizations in the development of Management and Security Control System concepts in international trade, which protect companies, their employees and any other person whose security might be affected by the activities performed by the organization. Many of the characteristics of an effective administration are closely related to management and administration quality standards.

These standards are based on the general principles of good management and are designed to promote the integration of the Management and Security Control System and the general administration system.

In order to use these standards

The elements addressed by these standards are essential for an efficient Management and Security Control System in international trade. The human factors of an organization, including culture, policies, etc., can either create or damage the effectiveness of any administration system and as such, must be closely examined when implementing these standards.

Following a series of stages, organizations can establish procedures to determine security policies and objectives as well as the procedure for their implementation. Organizations can also define the criteria for reporting their security achievements.

Small organizations must become aware that although the general principles discussed apply to all organizations, they need to be selective regarding the aspects that specifically apply to their organization. Small organizations must comply with the legal requirements before planning to achieve continuous improvement.

Scope

These standards establish requirements and provide information on:

The development of the Management and Security Control System in International Trade and other standards on management systems.

The standards are designed for organizations of all sizes, regardless of the nature of their activities. The application is proportionate to the circumstances and needs of each particular organization.

BASC Standards

Security Program
A security program consists of a number of operating measures adopted to protect an organization, its assets, properties, employees and customers.

Factors to consider in preparing a security program include:   Organizational security requirements. Potential of the organization to meet those requirements. The organization's vulnerability to current and future security risks. Available options to the organization to cover its security needs.

Other important aspects that should be included in a Security Plan are:

	Clear definition of security methods.
	Written procedures for internal / external security notification.
	Mechanisms to establish accountability in case of theft or robbery.
	Handling of documents and files.
	Procedures for checking lighting and perimeter fencing.
	Procedures when closing facilities (doors, gates, windows, etc).
	Security systems to check entry and exit of people and /or vehicles.
	Procedures for handling cargo.
	Defined policies for external monitoring.
	Control and handling of keys and conducting periodic inventory checks.
	Policies and procedures for personnel hiring.
	Policies to be applied in criminal background checks.
	Procedures for obtaining photographs and fingerprints of all employees.
	Assignment of responsibilities of security personnel.

To maintain the security program it is important to:

	Update the safety and security program at least once a year.
	Update the security methods included in the plan.
	Assessment of contract services.
	Personnel training.