Homeland Security & Standards

Earlier this month, ANSI’s Homeland Security Standards Panel met to examine progress over the past decade and discuss a path forward. Over the last decade, the panel has collaborated with Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the 9-11 Commission, national standards bodies and ISO, among others. “Standards . . . play [a key role] in enabling first responders to coordinate activities in emergency environments,” said keynote speaker Adam Theil, fire chief for Alexandria, VA.

During panel discussions, the group discussed standards developed to respond to potential terrorist threats, others on the horizon and gaps that remain. The group also discussed hazards standards, such as biometric identification standards, the Digital Imaging and Communications in Security standard and initiatives to protect the nation's water supply.

The group also focused on topic that is gaining traction within the SH&E community: risk management. Panelists noted that organizations must to invest in proactive, preventive controls for risk management to ensure business continuity.

As for the future, the panel believes that international harmonization on standards and conformity assessment activities are vital, as is engaging the insurance industry, small business community and other stakeholders less represented in the standards development process.

Find copies of meeting presentations here.