Continuity of Operations
A strong Continuity of Operations (COOP) strategy is vital for business resilience. It is more than preparedness; it is a strategic imperative integral to risk management. COOP ensures organizations can endure unexpected events, protect assets, and sustain operations. This resilience is crucial for maintaining business services, preventing downtime, and minimizing the impact of unforeseen events. Industry regulations mandate effective COOP plans, ensuring legal compliance and displaying commitment to risk management. COOP also includes crisis management strategies, enhancing safety and providing a structured approach to crisis management.
AcuTech’s extensive background in emergency management allows us to tailor our services to meet the specific needs of each organization. We cover emergency response and evacuation planning to business continuity and chemical process safety. Our proficiency covers design, operations, inherent safety, fire protection, risk management, and security. We have a track record of providing comprehensive consulting services across all facets of planning and response. With this comprehensive expertise, we ensure holistic preparedness for various scenarios.
Our consultants offer a comprehensive suite of COOP planning services. These include business impact analyses, COOP plan development, site suitability assessments, testing, training exercises. Additionally, we can formulate long-term strategies and program management plans. Our experience extends to successfully supporting federal, state, and local governments in implementing Continuity of Government (COG) plans and programs.
AcuTech’s legacy spans decades, underscoring our commitment to delivering top-tier support in industrial process safety and security. We pride ourselves on consistently evolving and adapting to provide the highest caliber of service to our partners. Our mission is to equip organizations with pragmatic, cost-effective solutions that empower them to effectively mitigate operational risks. Collaborate with AcuTech. Together we will fortify your organization’s readiness for the challenges that lie ahead. Contact us to enhance your organization’s resilience and operational integrity.
- Conducting business impact analyses
- Developing COOP plans
- Conducting alternate site suitability studies
- Developing multi-year strategies and program management plans
- Conducting tests, exercises, and training
AcuTech’s consultants are well versed in codes and standards developed by industry bodies and will refer to these as well as each client’s local jurisdiction codes and standards. A sampling of the relevant codes and standards can be found below.
- NFPA 1600: Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity/Continuity of Operations Programs: Published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), this standard provides a comprehensive framework for disaster management, emergency preparedness, and business continuity planning.
- ISO 22301:2019: Societal security — Business continuity management systems — Requirements: Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard outlines the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving a business continuity management system.
- API RP 756: Management of Hazards Associated with Location of Process Plant Portable Buildings: Issued by the American Petroleum Institute (API), this recommended practice provides guidance on managing hazards related to the placement of portable buildings near process plants, which is crucial for COOP.
- ASIS SPC.1-2009: Organizational Resilience: Security, Preparedness, and Continuity Management Systems – Requirements with Guidance for Use: This American National Standard, published by ASIS International, offers guidelines for establishing and managing organizational resilience, including aspects of COOP.
- CCPS Guidelines for Risk Based Process Safety: The Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) provides guidelines for risk-based process safety, emphasizing the integration of safety practices into business processes, which is essential for COOP in the process industries.
- DHS Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS): For facilities handling certain chemicals, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) CFATS program outlines requirements to enhance security and resilience against terrorist attacks, aligning with COOP objectives.
- OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM): 29 CFR 1910.119: While primarily focused on safety, OSHA’s PSM standard has elements that overlap with COOP, especially in terms of risk management and emergency planning for process industries.