4: External Factors
Definition/Typical Issues
Did external events contribute to the causal factor?
This node addresses issues that the organization typically has little direct control over, such as:
- Natural phenomena
- External sabotage
- External events
- Weather conditions
- Releases from external sources (adjacent facilities, trucks, etc.)
These issues should also be coded at other locations to address the organization's method of dealing with the external risks.
Note 1: Coding under the Hazard/Defect Identification and Analysis Issue (#94) node may also be appropriate.
Examples
Example 1
- Inventory in the warehouse was damaged when the warehouse was flooded following heavy rain.
Note: The design and location selection processes should also be addressed to determine why they did not adequately address the potential for flooding.
Example 2
- A release of chlorine from an adjacent facility affected the operators in your facility.
Note: Issues associated with the organization's response to the release should also be addressed to determine whether emergency response planning and implementation should be improved.
Example 3
- A chlorine tanker accident on a nearby railroad spur required the evacuation of a portion of your facility.
Note: Issues associated with the organization's response to the release should also be addressed to determine whether emergency response planning and implementation should be improved.
Example 4
- A nearby accident on the expressway prevented shipments from leaving your facility for an 8-hour period. As a result, some deliveries were not made on time.
Note: Issues associated with the organization's response to traffic issues should also be addressed to determine whether contingency planning and implementation should be improved.
Example 5
- A key supplier's warehouse was struck by a tornado. As a result, the warehouse was unable to supply your facility with raw materials for two weeks.
Note: Issues associated with the organization's supplier selection process should also be addressed to determine whether multiple suppliers should be used.
Example 6
- The local utility's power plant shut down, resulting in a 5-minute power outage to your facility. It took 2 hours to restart the plant and stabilize the process.
Note: Issues associated with the design of backup power supplies for the facility should also be addressed to determine whether emergency power sources should be modified.
Example 7
- A rabid fox bit a worker who was checking some equipment in a remote location.
Example 8
- The facility's emergency evaluation plan did not take into account a road construction project that temporarily shut down a bridge that was the primary evacuation route for the facility.
Typical Recommendations
- Coordinate emergency response and planning with nearby facilities.
- Develop contingency plans for dealing with external risks.
- Develop a written plan or set of written plans that address emergency management.
Cross-References
| Version 10 Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 4 | Other Difficulty |
| Maritime Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 5 | External Factors |