Application of VAM-CFTM to High-Consequence Facilities

The Vulnerability Assessment Methodology for Chemical Facilities (VAM-CFTM) was intended to be a tool to provide a systematic, risk-based approach to assess security at chemical facilities based upon potential threats and vulnerabilities, the likelihood of a successful attack occurring, and the severity of consequences resulting from a successful attack. The VAM-CFTM incorporates security measures and appropriate safety and emergency response measures that could prevent or mitigate the consequences of a successful attack. It also considers other inherent properties of the facility and processes. It is designed to provide meaningful vulnerability information so that additional protection measures, if appropriate, may be taken. The VAM-CFTM is recognized within the chemical industry as one of the primary security VA tools available to evaluate chemical facilities. This paper will briefly describe the VAM-CFTM and then focus on how it could be applied to other high-consequence facilities, such as nuclear facilities.