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1.1 This guide describes general principles related to the resilience of systems, including natural and anthropological systems.

1.2 Resilience is defined by four general principles: planning and preparation, adaptation, withstanding and limiting impacts, and recovery of operations and function. This guide covers the fundamentals for each of the general principles.

1.3 This guide recognizes that, in applying principles of resilience, decision makers often balance opportunities and challenges, as well as the safety and risk associated with each of the general principles and their interdependence.

1.4 This guide recognizes that improved resilience may result from a variety of sources and potential solutions. Solutions and their associated impacts can span economic, physical, environmental, health and wellness, ecological, and other human aspects related to individuals, organizations, social systems, physical systems, and natural systems.

1.5 The general principles identified in this guide are applicable to all types of systems, the boundaries of which are defined by the user based upon the system functions, uses, and impacts, as well as other natural, social, economic, or physical constraints for the specific situation.

1.6 Applying the principles in this guide will require informed assessment and practical experience to determine if system resilience goals are advanced or achieved through application of the four principles and meeting project requirements.

1.7 This guide acknowledges that the various contexts in which a system is used or operates directly affects its resilience.

1.8 This guide recognizes that one or more components make up systems, requiring evaluation of each component individually, as well as being part of the relevant system, and in relationship to relevant externalities.

1.9 This guide recommends four general principles to inform planning and design processes; it does not recommend a specific course of action. This guide cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with informed judgment.

1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.11 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

4.1 Every system is subject to disruptive events and stressors. Events and stressors can occur at all life-cycle stages and affect systems in multiple ways and on a range of scales. It is imperative to define and understand the nature of the events and stressors that may affect a system in order to address the opportunities and challenges presented.

4.2 A resilient system is better able to withstand an anticipated disruptive event or stressor.

4.3 Knowledge from historic disruptive events can aid in the design of system resilience. However, assumptions based on historical events may not be indicative of future conditions or future system operations, or they may not be consistent with design criteria in codes and standards. Systems can be designed to withstand and limit damage and support health and safety; stressors and recovery of function can often be more robustly addressed in initial system design practice. Advancing resilience requires addressing all principles of resilience for applicable events and stressors during the design process and life of the system.

4.4 This guide provides general guidance but does not prescribe a specific course of action.

4.5 This guide is intended to inform those associated with creating or managing a system when considering its resilience. This could be product development teams, designers, or assessment teams.

4.6 The general principles of resilience are interrelated. However, to facilitate clarity, they are discussed individually as much as possible.

4.7 The general principles in this guide are intended to identify the required performance of more resilient systems and to assist users in making decisions that advance resilience.

4.8 The general principles identified in this guide are intended to inform the development and refinement of tools and standards that qualify and quantify resilience.

4.9 This guide, in covering general principles, is intended to be a basis for the creation of more specific documents on more specific topics.