Wide Open: Insecurity at the Refinery

The Moderate Separatist ^ | March 23, 2009 | Leigh Patrick Sullivan

[Leigh Patrick Sullivan]

“If people had any clue how lax the security here was”, he chuckled, “they’d lose it.”

At the time, the words carried very little weight. Still a novice in my job as a security officer at the Refinery, my partner’s comment sparked some curiosity but seemed at the time a harmless quip.

Over the next few years those words would echo repeatedly in my mind.

[marron]

Good piece.

[grey_whiskers]

“CATASTROPHISM” waiting to happen...

[CedarDave]

Was waiting to get a vehicle permit the other day. The refinery security gate guard apparently had to visit the restroom, but he didn’t have a relief. And the trucks coming in and out had to sit and wait. This went on for about ten minutes and a visitor who had an electronic pass drove his P/U to the front and got the gate to open. One truck leaving got a chance to get by before the gate closed again. I waited for about 15 minutes and then called the main office to tell them the guard shack was unattended. A few minutes later the security guard drove up and traffic started moving.

[CedarDave]

In my years doing consulting for the industry, I could tell tales about security lapses that would make your hair stand on end! I’m still surprised that since 9/11 terrorists haven’t targeted gas and oil pumping stations and refineries, especially out here in the very rural southwest. Security is definitely improving, but it takes a company committed to make it happen.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks grey_whiskers. Luckily the terrorists don’t read FR, eh? ;’)

[grey_whiskers]

They only last a couple of posts before being zotted.

Now the astroturfers might read it and pass on a link or two...

Cheers!