Introduction to Security Directive for Industrial Facilities in Saudi Arabia

This short introduction aims to outline the approval process and scope covered by the HCIS authority.

The High Commission for Industrial Security (HCIS) is the body responsible for developing and implementing the security, safety, and fire protection strategies across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the Ministry of Interior (MOI). The HCIS Directives 2017 apply to the construction and expansion of facilities that are required to comply. Include but are not limited to

· Petroleum, Electric Power & Distribution,

· Petrochemical, Water,

· Industrial Services Communications,

· Mining, Gas,

· Civil Explosives, Chemical Manufacturing,

· Metal Manufacturing Ports,

· Railroads

The country national security is directly intertwined with the implementation of this statutory legislation. Facility Operators responsibility is to apply the directive throughout the lifecycle of the project. Including but not limited to planning, design, construction, and commissioning.

The directive is divided into four stages.

Stage 1: Security Risk Assessment and Concept Design

The prerequisite will be a detailed facility survey during which a qualified Security Consultant identifies all critical assets, risks, vulnerability, and outlines facility classification.

PART 1. Security Risk Assessment will be developed based on best practice methodologies, such as ANSI/API Standard 780, CCPS, ASIS International Risks Assessment Standard.

PART 2. The conceptual design will be developed based on approved countermeasure mitigations measures as defined in SRA.

PART 3. A draft organizational, procedural & training documents. The final submission will be during stage 4.

Stage 2: Preliminary Design

The Preliminary Design will consist of a sufficient level of detail to enable the bidding process.

Stage 3: Detail Design

Complete Design Package ready for construction. The consultant will be responsible for overseeing this process on behalf of the facility operator. The security consultant will approve the HCIS submission DD package and be accountable for the compliance.

Stage 4: Operational Readiness

The final project stage consists of testing, inspection, and handover, signed off, see bellow image for complete detail design process.