The Canadian Standards Association, a leading developer of standards and codes in Toronto, has developed a new emergency management and business continuity programs standard, CSA Z1600, based on the National Fire Protection Association 1600 Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs standard. CSA Z1600 outlines the requirements for a comprehensive emergency management program that incorporates a risk-based, all hazards methodology, integrating emergency management and business continuity programs for a total program approach. CSA Z1600 is the first Canadian standard that includes both emergency and business continuity planning, rather than just the traditional focus of preparedness and response. CSA created this new standard in response to a survey in which 40% of Canadians said their company did not have an emergency plan in place.

“A company without an emergency management and business continuity program is like a homeowner without insurance,” says Suzanne Kiraly, president, standards, Canadian Standards Association. "A natural or human-induced disaster can happen anywhere at anytime, and CSA Z1600 can improve the likelihood of organizations keeping their employees safe and their business running if disaster strikes."

CSA’s Learning Centre has seminars covering the elements required for a comprehensive program as outlined in the new Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs standard. Also included are case studies and exercises to understand and facilitate the standard. Sessions will be held in a variety of locations through the year. To learn more, or obtain a copy of the standard, visit www.csa.ca.