A
major project anywhere in the world is a source of temporary
disruption for the people who live near it. It requires
security, particularly in troubled
regions. Oil companies, like Total, who operate large-scale projects
in challenging areas, are particularly concerned by security
problems.
They have to reconcile two
imperatives: protecting their personnel and facilities and ensuring that
the security measures implemented do not negatively impact
the local population.
Like any company operating a major industrial facility, oil companies have to
define and ensure compliance with security regulations applicable inside their
perimeter of operation. These regulations are tailored in accordance with the
facility's sensitivity and the types of risk to which it is exposed. Typical
surveillance and monitoring precautions include physical protection such as
fences and guards at entry points, security teams, movement and access
(identification system/badges) regulations, and dedicated security communication
and alert resources. People and property can be protected against malicious acts
and sabotage by a combination of these resources.
But oil companies, like Total, are also fairly often exposed
to disturbances of the peace in the regions where they operate.
If incidents
occur
that make continuing operations hazardous, the companies
can invoke contractual hardship clauses to suspend operations.
Maintaining
law and order is the responsibility of the host country alone,
and it is responsible for deciding what measures it will
take.
Total netherless takes great care. The Group applies the
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, published
in December
2000 under the aegis of the United States Department of State
and the United Kingdom Foreign Office with the support of
major groups involved in extraction industries.
