CSA Z1600 – Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs

SA Z1600 – Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs

Threats to our communities and prosperity today, ranging from terrorism to pandemics to compromised information systems and natural disasters, can have a devastating impact on global economic operations and trade, as well as local delivery of key services. In this light, the responsibility for emergency management and business continuity programs cannot be ignored.

This has led to the development of a new comprehensive emergency management and business continuity programs standard, CSA Z1600, designed for use by private and public organizations of all sizes if disaster strikes.

North American approach and collaborative effort

Demand from public and private stakeholders that emergency management, security systems and standards evolve to be North American in scope and application led to the adaptation of NFPA 1600, the well regarded U.S standard in this area, as the basis for CSA Z1600.

The standard was also developed in cooperation with Public Safety Canada and other stakeholders including first responders, private sector and non-governmental organizations, emergency management and business continuity specialists, and various levels of government.

Building resilience

After the headlines fade, ongoing impacts of a disaster or emergency event and the resources and efforts needed to truly recover are rarely given such attention or are fully appreciated.

Traditional emergency programs have focused on preparedness and response. CSA Z1600 is the first Canadian standard that includes both emergency and business continuity planning giving Canadian organizations a framework to manage risks and hazards more proactively. CSA Z1600 serves as a benchmark, allowing organizations to initiate programs and recovery plans that let them to continue to operate in the event of an emergency.

Training Products

To better assist all stakeholders in understanding and applying the CSA Z1600 standard, CSA's Learning Centre is offering seminars that cover the elements required for comprehensive Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs. Case studies and exercises are used to maximize understanding and facilitate application of the standard

CSA Z1600 Program Essentials This two-day workshop, following the requirements of the Z1600 standard, details the elements included in emergency management and business continuity programs addressing prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery issues. Focusing on interactive, practical exercises participants gain knowledge about risk management concepts, program management, planning, implementation, evaluation and management review processes.
CSA Z1600 Auditing This two-day seminar focuses on effective auditing techniques for emergency management and business continuity programs. Topics include auditing procedures and requirements as well as auditor qualifications. Using supporting guidelines from ISO 19011 for auditing management systems, participants will learn how to direct a systematic, independent and objective assessment of emergency management or business continuity programs.
Response Ready Simulation Response Ready is an interactive learning module for Emergency Planners and Responders, developed to allow users to practice sections of CAN/CSA Z731 (now a supporting standard of Z1600) in a safe environment.

Application Tools

NEW – Z1600 EMBC Program Assessment Tool
This practical, intuitive, and affordable software application provides a road map to aid in successfully developing and implementing a comprehensive CSA Z1600-08 compliant emergency preparedness and business continuity program.