Guide to Tamper Evident Security Seals

Guide to Tamper Evident Security Seals

Tamper-evident security seals are critical for identifying unauthorized access to protected items, providing a way to detect breaches quickly. They serve as a deterrent against theft and tampering, especially in situations where security is paramount.

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About Seals, Seal Selection, and Use

Selecting the Right Seal

Six Key Decisions

• Choose a seal type that fits the device or fixture to be sealed. Consider the lengths, diameters, and the environment and duration of use.
• Use seals with an appropriate level of strength. Determine the strength that won't break accidentally but is strong enough to deter unauthorized access. Cost vs. risk of loss should be balanced.
• Implement a manageable closing system. Ensure that the closure method matches the facility's capabilities and requires minimal specialized tools.
• Materials should be suitable for the conditions. Consider climate, corrosion, physical stress, and storage conditions.
• Make sure the seal can contain all the necessary information. This can include serial numbers, logotypes, product codes, bar codes, and more.

Partner with American Casting & Mfg.

AC&M offers over a century of expertise, ensuring dependable, high-quality sealing solutions. From raw material control to production, warehousing, and delivery, everything is handled from our US headquarters for rapid and efficient service.

• Over a century of reliable service and industry credentials.
• Customized markings, colors, packaging, delivery schedules, and a fast ship program for stock seals.

Know the Purpose

Security seals are a one-time use tool to detect unauthorized access. They provide tampering indicators that trigger an investigation when tampered or violated. While they can't prevent entry entirely, they can deter and delay thieves, providing useful information for investigations.

Seals vs Locks

Since the 1980s, stronger disposable seals such as bolt and cable seals were introduced for uses like rail cars and trucks, offering an efficient alternative to traditional locks. While locks still have their place, seals offer a more straightforward, cost-effective solution for many applications.

Seal Classifications Under ISO-17712:2013

The three seal categories are:

1. Indicative Seals
2. Security Seals
3. High Security Seals

Indicative (I) Seals

These seals provide tamper evidence and are easily broken or cut open. They are used in a variety of applications such as totes, drums, ballot boxes, control levers, and more. Adhesive tamper-evident labels and tapes also fall into this category.

Security (S) Seals

These seals require stronger tools to open and are commonly used in higher value or higher risk situations, such as fuel tankers and sensitive entry points. They offer more strength than indicative seals but do not meet the highest strength standards of High Security seals.

High Security (H) Seals

Tested and certified to meet ISO-17712:2013 standards, these seals act as one-time locks, providing tamper-evidence and requiring large tools to cut open. They are primarily used for international shipments via ocean containers and other high-risk transport methods.

Understand the Terms:

Indicative & Barrier Seals

While the ISO classifications focus on strength, real-world application and inspection are crucial for a seal’s effectiveness. Stronger seals that do not necessarily meet ISO High Security standards can still be very effective, depending on their use and control.

Terrorism

In the context of terrorism, seals serve as tools to monitor goods in transit and storage, especially international shipments. The challenge is to ensure a high level of control and attention throughout a seal’s use.

Do Seals Really Help?

Security seals can't entirely protect against determined thieves but act as part of a broader security strategy to detect and prevent loss. Effective use includes a reliable control and inspection program.

Making Your Seals Work Effectively

The key to effectiveness lies in who handles and inspects the seals. Consistency and diligence in applying, monitoring, and inspecting seals are crucial.

Tips, Countermeasures, and Strategies

Here are some techniques to enhance seal effectiveness:

• Layered Technology: Use multiple devices and unique identifiers.
• Variations Within Standard Seals: Regularly alter colors and combinations.
• Visible and Psychological Deterrents: Employ warning labels and custom markings.
• Vendor-Assisted Programs: Implement inventory control, staff training, and post-use inspections.

Various Security Groups and Standards

Understanding and complying with security standards like C-TPAT, BASC, and ISO can improve the effectiveness of your security seal program. Choose seals based on practical, real-world factors, and consider the impact of human behavior on security.

Technical Assistance, Training, Consulting

If a specific standard is required in your industry, use it. Otherwise, choose seals that best fit your needs. Hands-on trials and staff knowledge are invaluable. American Casting offers free consulting on seal application, tracking procedures, and staff training.

This document and the accompanying outline of best practices are intended as an introduction to the security seal. It is not a comprehensive or functional protocol and these measures should not be regarded as the sole criteria for establishing a seal use program. We invite those with interest to contact us for more specific and detailed advice on seal requirements, and the use of our seals.

Manufacturer of Tamper Evident Security Seals Since 1910

Headquarters and Factory
51 Commercial Street
Plainview, New York 11803
Tel: 516-349-7010
US Toll Free: 800-342-0333
Fax: (516) 349-8389
Email: info@seals.com

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