The unspeakable has been spoken, and the unthinkable has not only been thought but also carried out through unconscionable acts of barbarism. And now it appears that the hazardous materials community may have become an unknowing pawn in international terrorists' abominable schemes.

The hazardous materials industry has developed regulatory controls to ensure the safe transportation of materials that are vital to the world economy and to our way of life. In the hands of a subversive, however, not only exotic chemicals but even common flammable liquids and gases—the substances that fuel our transportation systems and heat our homes—could become weapons. That is why we now must find new ways to deter those who would use those inherent hazards as tools of terror.

Since Sept. 11, many hazmat shippers and carriers have requested assistance in implementing countermeasures to potential threats without interrupting the efficient distribution of these important materials. In that same vein, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued an alert that urges hazmat shippers and carriers to review and strengthen their existing security systems. Agents have begun visiting carriers' facilities to analyze security levels and recommend improvements as well.

The FMCSA also issued new security guidelines. These included recommendations regarding security planning, personnel security and hiring practices, facility controls, routing, technology and equipment, communication systems, and shipment monitoring. For many companies, these recommendations will reinforce existing systems that already have achieved sufficient levels of security. The new guidelines may jolt others into a heightened level of awareness and help them implement new controls.

Companies that ship commodities that lend themselves to chemical warfare may wish to consider implementing the following measures, which I've recommended to some of my clients:

• Review personnel files, keeping in mind that subversive organizations may already have infiltrated your employee roster;
• Review files and request current Immigration and Naturalization Service papers from employees who are not U.S. citizens; immediately report any deviations;
• Issue photo I.D. cards with unique confidential identifiers to all employees and restrict access to vulnerable areas;
• Set up secure perimeters with manned controls at entrances and exits;
• Monitor vehicle movement within those perimeters, including special surveillance in sensitive areas;
• Obtain photocopies or scanned images of drivers licenses, shipping documents, vehicle identification numbers, etc., for all shipments entering or leaving a facility;
• Inspect both the cabs and trailers of all vehicles to ensure that no extraneous materials are present and that cargoes match documentation;
• Use high-security seals on transport units;
• Carefully screen orders from customers that have no prior history with your company;
• Alert law enforcement agencies to shipments that may be vulnerable due to their contents or routing;
• Consider equipping vehicles with hidden electronic disabling devices, satellite tracking devices, and cellular phones; and
• Heighten drivers' awareness to ensure compliance with all attendance and routing requirements and establish procedures for reporting any suspicious activity.

These difficult times have created new challenges that will require all of us to think creatively to find solutions. Every idea is important.