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Assignment 7: Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA) 1 Assignment 7: Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA) Name School of Computer and Information Sciences, University of the Cumberland ISOL634Physical Security Instructor Name: Current Date Table of Contents What Could Happen? 4 Threat 1 from Outside- Meteorological Crisis 4 Threat 2 from Outside- Accidents from the Industry 5 Threat 3 from Outside-Flooding 5 Threat 1 from Inside-Carbon Monoxide 5 Threat 2 from Inside-Falls 5 Threat 3 from Inside-Fire 5 Frequency of Potential Threats 6 Frequency of Threat 1 from Outside 6 Frequency of Threat 2 from Outside 6 Frequency of Threat 3 from Outside 6 Frequency of Threat 1 from Inside 6 Frequency of Threat 2 from Inside 6 Frequency of Threat 3 from Inside 6 How effective are the Layers of Protection 7 Effectiveness of Layer 1 against Threats from Outside 7 Effectiveness of Layer 2 against Threats from Outside 7 Effectiveness of Layer 3 against Threats from Outside 7 Effectiveness of Layer 1 against Threats from Inside 7 Effectiveness of Layer 2 against Threats from Inside 8 Effectiveness of Layer 3 against Threats from Inside 8 How Tolerable is the Mitigation Layers 8 Outside Layers of Protection Tolerability 8 Inside Layers of Protection Tolerability 8 References 9 A layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) is a method that is used to conduct a risk assessment and threat evaluation (Baybutt, 2002). The method conducts the assessment by applying the guideline and framework of the quantitative and qualitative research methods. The method enables an organization to utilize the available resources to protect the most sensitive data in an organization. The critical steps involve identifying the hazards, the occurrence of the hazards and the consequences of the perils. LOPO is a critical process, particularly due to high chances of data loss due to unfair competition from firms in the same industries. What Could Happen? Risk assessment and threat evaluation are critical in an organization since it enables the critical personnel to prepare for uncertainty proactively. LOPA enables an organization to keep the risks in the organization at an acceptable level, protects the working environment, and prevents data loss from artificial and natural calamities. LOPA applies to all organizations since it can conduct a simple and complex assessment. The method accommodates more costly to less costly assessments, thus becoming effective for large and small organizations. Small organizations can be able to utilize HAZOP since it is one of the smallest techniques. Threat 1 from Outside- Meteorological Crisis The threat is caused by natural meteorological events such as drought, lightning, tornado and groundwater temperatures. For instance, lightning can interfere with the electricity in the organization, thus causing a potential threat to people and property. Threat 2 from Outside- Accidents from the Industry Most of the accidents in the industry are artificial and includes chemical leakage and gas explosions. The industry accidents such as explosion cases damages due to pressure impact, detonation and deflagration. Threat 3 from Outside-Flooding The main causes can be heavy rains, tsunamis, leakage of a water channel, groundwater and corrosion caused by saltwater. The main consequence includes life loss and submerging an organization property, such as the building. Threat 1 from Inside-Carbon Monoxide Carbon Monoxide can occur as a leakage and have negative health impacts such as vomiting, dizziness, headache or even death. Carbon Monoxide is risky to human beings since it does not smell and it is hard to note. Threat 2 from Inside-Falls Falls is a common threat in many organizations due to slippery stairs, wet floors and scattered objects (Evarts & Stein, 2019). Falls affect mostly the elderly and children in an organization. More than a third of injuries caused by death can lead to death. Threat 3 from Inside-Fire Fire is a common threat in an organization and can be caused by ovens, gas cylinders, stovetops and candles. Kitchens are the main source of fire in an organization. Fire can also cause by electricity. Frequency of Potential Threats The assessment process from the LOPA framework involves critical steps identification of the risk, identification of consequences of the hazard, a decision on tolerance standards and trigger of frequency event. Frequency of Threat 1 from Outside The meteorological crisis based on the LOPA is evaluated based on the scale that evaluates an organization every ten decades. Frequency of Threat 2 from Outside The industry from the industries is considered unlikely and evaluated after every a hundred decades. Frequency of Threat 3 from Outside Flooding is common in many parts of the world and affects organizations frequently, particularly during the rainy season. Organizations are more vulnerable to flooding and thus evaluated after every decade. Frequency of Threat 1 from Inside The risk of Carbon Monoxide is a frequent phenomenon and is estimated to be among the severe threats. Organizations are vulnerable to carbon monoxide throughout the year. Frequency of Threat 2 from Inside Falling is considered to be highly probable. Fall is among the severe risks since they occur severally with the year, causing death in some cases. Frequency of Threat 3 from Inside Fire is considered highly probable and severe since it causes death and occurs multiple times in a year. How effective are the Layers of Protection The layers are effective in protecting the assets in an organization if they are separately developed and implemented. The most common layers include community emergency response, process design, automation action, alarms and CCTVs. Effectiveness of Layer 1 against Threats from Outside The meteorological crisis leads to pipes exploding and frozen pipes. The Best measures to prevent meteorological crisis includes installation of insulation to protect pipes, removing two to three inches of snow, and using a broom to clear snow. Effectiveness of Layer 2 against Threats from Outside Protecting assets from accidents can be protected by conducting regular checkups on the machines and equipment. The employees in an organization should be trained on how to identify and prevent accidents. Effectiveness of Layer 3 against Threats from Outside Flooding can be prevented from damaging the assets by renovating the buildings by raising the level of the building to increase the flood level. The organization can also install sum pumps or vests. Windows, doorways and walls should be protected from sealants and coatings. Effectiveness of Layer 1 against Threats from Inside An organization can prevent the effect of Carbon Monoxide by installing a Carbon Monoxide detector. The detectors will automatically turn off when the level of the gas reaches a certain point. Effectiveness of Layer 2 against Threats from Inside An organization can prevent people from falling by renovating the floor and making it less slippery to prevent sliding. An organization should ensure proper lighting, particularly at night. The subordinate staff should ensure wet floors are dried and cleaned. Effectiveness of Layer 3 against Threats from Inside The best strategy to protect an organization from fire is by installing fire extinguishers. Employees should be proactive in removing flammable objects near stoves and any source of the fire. How Tolerable is the Mitigation Layers The risk assessment should be compared with the risk evaluation if the threat is tolerable. The mitigation layers should be separately implemented to be successful. The mitigation layers are tolerable since LOPA can be able to identify and provide mitigation measures. Outside Layers of Protection Tolerability Risks are identified, and effective measures are considered based on the resources and consequences of the risk to an organization. Mitigation processes are important since they ensure that the threats are within the manageable level. Inside Layers of Protection Tolerability Inside layers are tolerable since LOPA can identify risks and offer the most effective measures to reduce or eradicate the inside threats in an organization (Beaudry, 2014). Most of the effective protective layers include process design, control systems, physical protection and emergency responses. References Baybutt, P. (2002). Layers of protection analysis for human factors (LOPA‐HF). Process Safety Progress, 21(2), 119-129 Beaudry, M. H. (2014). Understanding How to Use the Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and the Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA). In The Handbook for School Safety and Security (pp. 85-89). Butterworth-Heinemann. Evarts, B., & Stein, G. P. (2019). US fire department profile 2017. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association.