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Threats
Chemical, Biological, Radiological (CBR) Threat

Although a rare event, there is growing awareness of the possible use of CBR materials by people with malicious intent.  This could be a deliberate release into crowded places, through the mail or courier borne, or by contamination of food or water supplies.  There is also speculation that low grade radioactive materials could be used in an improvised explosive device often referred to as a "dirty bomb".
 
An explosive or incendiary device is still the preferred method used by terrorists.
 
 
The CBR Risk
The likely risk to domestic BBC staff is from an incident near to their place of work, or from covering a news story. The BBC operates worldwide, actively reporting incidents, and in hostile and poorly managed areas the risks are much greater. In some cases the media can also be targeted by combatants and access to information may be more limited outside the UK. The BBC has been a target of terrorists.
 
A favoured method is by using mail or courier to deliver materials, or devices, that cause harm. In some countries where the BBC operates, and now in the UK, suicide bombers deliver the bomb close to a target for maximum impact. 
 
By carrying out risk assessments, designing procedures that mitigate the risk, and awareness and avoidance training, the BBC can often reduce the risk to our people in these situations.
 
 
Risk Assessment
Head of Corporate Security regularly carries out a Corporate Security Risk Assessment, which is communicated to Divisional security managers, and which results in the BBC Security Response Level.
 
 
Procedures
It is essential that anyone at the scene of an incident, likely to have a risk of CBR exposure, obeys security staff, the police cordon and emergency services instructions, if these are in place.
 
In the early stages of an incident before the emergency services are fully organized, or in locations where they are disorganized or non-existent, take extreme caution. See the safety card checklist for more information.
 
It is essential in a Chemical and Biological incident, that people obey the instructions given by security staff, and stay where they are until the arrival of emergency service decontamination units and medical assistance.  This is a life saving measure to ensure rapid medical attention, and the prevention of cross contamination of others. 
 
Anyone who routinely handles external mail or deliveries by courier see the CBR Mail checklist.
 
When Head of Corporate Security assesses the risk as EXCEPTIONAL, external mail may be redirected for opening elsewhere, in addition to the screening operated in the UK by the Royal Mail. Additional mail screening may be necessary for World Service Bureau. Contact Head of Corporate Security for advice.
 
 
Information, Advice & Support
As in other emergencies, should a major incident occur in or near BBC occupied UK premises, immediate instructions may be given by emergency public address system.  The BBC People 159 staff emergency information pages  and 159 phone and CEEFAX alerts can be accessed for information and incident updates.
 
The UK government maintains an online source of general advice.
 

Health Reporting & Monitoring
Anyone involved in a CBR incident should seek medical attention as soon as possible. UK emergency services decontamination procedures will carry out this function.
 
 
Premises Incident Investigation and Recovery
If an incident has occurred in the UK, the police will carry out a 'scene of crime' investigation.  At BBC occupied premises, this may necessitate days or weeks when access will not be possible. 
 
In the UK, the decontamination of buildings is the responsibility of local authorities. 
 
This process can involve extended timescales depending on the type and level of contamination. Access will not be possible during this period, which may run into weeks and months.
 
The above factors must be taken into account when planning for mail or parcel reception areas, which must be sited away from broadcast facilities.
 
 
Incident Risk Factors
The following criteria may help assess an emerging incident:
 
Who is involved?
  • Recipient - VIP target
  • Witnesses
  • Victims
 
What is involved?
  • Nature of suspicious item
  • Where has it come from
  • How did it get there
  • Has it been packaged to reach the venue
  • Is it unsolicited
  • Have enquiries been made of its origin/sender
 
Why is there suspicion?
  • Who says it is suspicious
  • Are there any previous similar reports
  • Is there a connected threat/demand
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