EMI PSA flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Residual risk

The level of risk that remains after all planned controls are applied. It must be evaluated, documented, and formally accepted by an authorized person before work proceeds.

Hierarchy of controls

Ranking of risk controls from most to least effective: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment. Lower tiers depend on human behavior and are less reliable.

Near miss

An unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or damage but had the potential to do so. Reporting near misses exposes failed barriers before a serious incident occurs.

Dynamic risk assessment

Continuous, in-the-moment evaluation of hazards, exposure, and escape options as conditions change. It supplements formal assessments, which may be outdated by the time work begins.

Baseline plus anomaly

A situational awareness method in which the normal pattern of a location is established first, so that deviations such as unusual loitering or misplaced objects stand out for scrutiny.

Cover versus concealment

Cover is material that stops projectiles, such as masonry or engine blocks. Concealment only blocks observation, such as curtains or thin partitions, and offers no ballistic protection.

Attack indicators

Observable behaviors suggesting pre-attack planning, including repeated reconnaissance, unusual interest in security equipment, attempts to bypass screening, and probing of response times.

Reaction gap

The time between recognizing a threat and acting. It grows with distance and warning; a person walking normally closes about 1.4 meters per second.

Tailgating

Unauthorized entry by following an authenticated person through a controlled door. Interlocking vestibules, turnstiles, and one-person-per-swipe rules mitigate it.

Anti-passback

An access control rule that requires a recorded exit before the same credential can re-enter a zone. It prevents credential sharing and repeated use without an exit event.

Least privilege

Granting each person only the minimum access needed for their current role. Entitlements are reviewed on a scheduled cycle and revoked promptly when roles change.

Multifactor authentication

Verification using two or more distinct factor types: something you know, something you have, or something you are. Two items from the same category do not qualify.

Chain of custody

A documented record of who collected evidence, when, where it was stored, and every subsequent transfer. Unbroken records support authenticity and admissibility in proceedings.

Objective reporting

Recording observable facts, times, and direct quotations rather than opinions or labels. Describing an action precisely is defensible; characterizing a person is not.

Addendum entry

A dated, initialed correction added to a report without altering the original text. Overwriting or deleting prior entries destroys credibility and may breach records rules.

Reportable incident

An event meeting defined thresholds such as serious injury, weapon involvement, regulatory breach, or significant loss. Thresholds trigger immediate notification to named authorities.

RACE sequence

The emergency action order: Remove people in danger, Alarm, Contain the hazard, then Evacuate or shelter. It prioritizes life safety before property protection.

PASS technique

The extinguisher procedure: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side. It applies to small fires only on the way out.

Shelter-in-place

Remaining inside a secure area rather than evacuating, chosen when outdoor hazards such as airborne contamination or an active threat make movement more dangerous.

Assembly point headcount

Reconciling the number of evacuees at the designated gathering area against a roster or visitor log to identify missing persons for responders.

De-escalation sequence

A structured approach: secure distance and exit, calm tone, active listening, then offering limited choices. It reduces arousal before any physical intervention is considered.

Active listening

Paraphrasing, reflecting feelings, asking open questions, and summarizing to confirm understanding. It lowers emotional intensity and gathers accurate information during a confrontation.

Limit setting

A single calm statement naming the behavior, its impact, and the consequence if it continues. Repeating it consistently is more effective than escalating warnings.

Proportional response

Using only the minimum force reasonably necessary to stop an immediate threat, and stopping once the threat ends. Excess force creates legal and ethical exposure.

Detection, delay, response

The three functions of a physical protection system. Response must arrive before an adversary completes the task, so delay time must exceed detection plus response time.

Dual-technology sensor

An intrusion detector that alarms only when both passive infrared and microwave sensing trip. Requiring two conditions sharply reduces nuisance alarms from heat or motion.

Pixel density

The number of pixels covering a target, which determines whether video supports detection, recognition, or identification. Higher density is needed to identify a face.

Fail safe versus fail secure

Fail safe unlocks on power loss and is required for life safety egress. Fail secure stays locked and is used for asset protection where egress is unaffected.

Lockout tagout

Isolating energy sources, applying a personal lock and tag, and verifying zero energy before maintenance. It prevents unexpected startup or release of stored energy.

Safety data sheet

A standardized document listing a chemical's hazards, handling, protective measures, and emergency first aid. It must be accessible to workers who use the substance.

Cumulative trauma

Musculoskeletal injury arising from repeated strain, vibration, or awkward posture over time rather than a single event. Ergonomics and micro-breaks reduce exposure.

Duty of care

A legal obligation to take reasonable steps to protect people from foreseeable harm. For occupiers it covers lawful visitors and known hazards on the premises.