Security Seal Guidelines – Ensuring the Proper Usage and Accountability of Security Seals

Security seals are an essential part of maintaining security and integrity in various industries, including logistics, transportation, and manufacturing. They are used to protect goods, equipment, and other valuable assets from tampering, theft, and unauthorised access. However, security seals can only provide their intended function if they are used correctly and with proper accountability. To ensure the proper usage and accountability, SealsOnline suggests the following security seal guidelines should be observed.

Procurement

Approved security seals should only be ordered through the approved and appointed supplier. This ensures that the security seals are of high quality and that the supplier has been vetted and authorised to provide them.

Storage

Security seals should be stored in a safe and secure area with access only to authorised security officers and staff trained to use security seals correctly. The storage area should be locked and monitored to prevent unauthorised access and theft.

Accountability

Correct usage and recording into the security seal control system must be adhered to at all times by authorised security officers and staff trained to do so. This means that every security seal applied should be recorded in the system, along with details such as the serial number, date of application, and person who applied it. This provides accountability and traceability in case of any incidents or issues with the security seals.

Authorisation

Only security officers and staff approved to apply and remove security seals should be trained and made aware of a known good seal sample to be able to correctly identify evidence of tampering. This ensures that any evidence of tampering is identified and reported promptly.

Application

All security seals must be applied correctly, and all pull-tight type security seals, cable or plastic must be pulled up as tight as possible on application. This ensures that the security seal cannot be easily removed or tampered with.

Verification

Verify the seal details and record correctly into the security seal control system. This step ensures that the correct seal is applied to the correct item and that the information is accurately recorded in the system.

Check, Inspect, and Record Before Removal

Before removing any security seal, the paperwork should be checked to make sure the serial number and security seal details match. Careful inspection of the seal and serial number should be done for signs of tampering, such as cut, file, scratch, and grip marks, colour changes, or any irregularities compared to a sample of a known good seal. Any evidence of tampering must be recorded, reported, and investigated before removal.

Use in Conjunction

These security seal guidelines are to be used in conjunction with existing site-specific security programs and procedures approved and used by each organisation. This ensures that the guidelines are tailored to the specific needs of each organisation and are in line with industry standards and best practices.

In conclusion, the proper usage and accountability of security seals are essential for maintaining the security and integrity of goods, equipment, and other valuable assets. These guidelines provide a framework for ensuring that security seals are used correctly and with accountability. By following these guidelines, organisations can enhance their security measures and mitigate the risk of tampering, theft, and unauthorised access.