ISO standard for emergency management
To minimize the impact of disasters, terrorist attacks and other
major incidents, ISO has published a standard for emergency management
and incident response. ISO 22320, Societal security – Emergency
management – Requirements for incident response, will help save lives,
mitigate harm and damage and ensure continuity of basic services such as
health, rescue services, water and food supplies, and electricity and
fuel delivery.
Any response following an incident might include the participation of
both public and private organizations working at international, regional
or national levels. Harmonized international guidance is needed to
coordinate efforts and ensure effective action. ISO 22320 is a valuable
tool that all types of organizations can use to improve their
capabilities in handling incident response in any crisis.
ISO 22320 outlines global best practice for establishing command and
control organizational structures and procedures, decision support,
traceability and information management. Interoperability amongst
involved organizations is essential for successful incident response.
The standard also helps ensure timely, relevant and accurate operational
information by specifying processes, systems of work, data capture and
management. It also establishes a foundation for coordination and
cooperation, ensuring that all relevant parties are on the same page
during a disaster, minimizing the risk of misunderstandings and ensuring
a more effective use of the combined resources.
In addition to its many benefits, the information and communication
requirements outlined in the standard can promote the development of
innovative technical solutions enabling maximal interoperability for
communication, which in an emergency, can be a key element for success
or failure. The standard encourages community participation in the
development and implementation of incident response measures, to ensure
a response that is appropriate to the needs of the affected population
as well as culturally acceptable.
ISO 22320 Societal security - Emergency management - Requirements for
incident response, was developed by ISO technical committee ISO/TC 223,
Societal security. It is available from the Library of the Sri Lanka
Standards Institution (SLSI). SLSI is the member body of ISO in Sri
Lanka. |