Previous Projects - Connley Walker Security Consulting Services: ACS Laboratories

Consultation and Physical Site Inspection

Our project commenced with a detailed consultation and physical site inspection at ACS Labs. This initial phase involved engaging with ACS Labs’ key stakeholders to understand the current security environment and identify any existing issues. The consultation was essential in gathering insights into the security concerns and operational intricacies specific to the facility.

During the on-site inspection, we assessed the effectiveness of the current security measures in place at ACS Labs. This inspection covered several crucial aspects:

• Physical Security Hardware and Architecture: We scrutinised the robustness of doors, locks, windows, roofing, car parking facilities, and sight lines.
• Electronic Security Systems: Our evaluation included a thorough review of the CCTV systems, electronic access control mechanisms, and intruder alarms.
• Security Processes: We examined the management of keys, visitor management protocols, and staff access control procedures.

This comprehensive inspection enabled us to identify potential vulnerabilities in ACS Labs’ security infrastructure and processes.

Review of Documentation

Following the physical inspection, we conducted an exhaustive review of ACS Labs’ security documentation and site plans. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the documented security measures. The documentation review included:

• Physical Security Hardware and Architecture: Analysis of the state and maintenance of doors, locks, windows, roofing, car parking, and sight lines.
• Electronic Security Systems: Verification of the functionality, coverage, and adequacy of CCTV, electronic access control, and intruder alarm systems.
• Security Processes: Examination of the key management system, visitor management records, and staff access logs.

This documentation review ensured that ACS Labs’ security protocols were consistent with their actual practices and helped identify any areas requiring enhancement.

Security Risk Assessment

The core of our engagement with ACS Labs involved a detailed security risk assessment, conducted in line with the Australian Standard for Risk Management AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018. This assessment was divided into several key stages:

Risk Identification:

We identified potential security risks associated with criminal threats. The specific risks considered included:

• Crimes Against People: Potential threats to the safety of ACS Labs employees, contractors, and visitors.
• Crimes Against Property: Risks related to theft, vandalism, and damage to ACS Labs’ property and assets.
• Other Crimes: Additional criminal activities that could potentially impact ACS Labs’ operations.

Risk Analysis:

During this phase, we determined the level of risk associated with each identified threat by considering the existing risk controls. This involved evaluating the likelihood of each risk occurring and the potential consequences. This analysis enabled us to prioritise the risks and focus on the most critical areas that required attention.

Recommendations:

Based on our findings, we developed cost-effective security risk mitigation measures tailored to address the identified threats. Our recommendations were designed to enhance ACS Labs’ security posture while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. These recommendations covered improvements in physical security, upgrades to electronic systems, and enhancements in security processes.

Documented Report

The final deliverable of our engagement was a comprehensive report documenting all our findings and recommendations. This report included:

• A detailed assessment of the immediate storage facility, such as safes or vaults, to ensure they met the required standards.
• An evaluation of the general security of the premises, including access control systems, camera surveillance, and the presence and effectiveness of security personnel.
• A suitability assessment of the premises in line with the Medicines and Poisons Regulation, as well as the requirements set forth by the Regulatory, Risk, Integrity, and Legal Division of the Department of Health.

The report provided ACS Labs with actionable insights and practical recommendations to enhance their security infrastructure and ensure regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

Connley Walker’s security risk assessment for ACS Laboratories was a comprehensively planned and executed project, adhering to the highest standards of risk management and regulatory compliance. Our thorough consultation, physical inspection, documentation review, and comprehensive risk assessment provided ACS Labs with valuable insights and practical recommendations to fortify their security infrastructure. By addressing the identified vulnerabilities and implementing our recommended measures, ACS Labs can significantly enhance the safety and security of their facility, ensuring the protection of their people, property, and operations.