ASTM F1158 & ASTM F1157 Mechanical Security Seal Inspection Services

A security seal is a manufactured product that is used to indicate tampering or unauthorized opening of a container, door, or item. Mechanical security seals and label  seals are usually designed for one-time use. All one-time use seals, some reusable and  non-reusable barrier seals, and label seals are used for commercial applications. For the  purposes of this guide, the term seal will be synonymous with the terms security seal, anti-tamper device, and tamper indicating device.

ROLE OF SEALS

• A seal is a closure device that serves as a check against tampering or unauthorized opening. If designed and attached properly, a seal should be severed or mutilated before entry is possible.

• Seals designed to delay intrusion are commonly constructed of solid steel or cable.

• Seals can provide a psychological deterrent by ensuring that evidence of forced entry or tampering is clearly visible and that the crime can not be subsequently hidden or covered up.

• Seals can be used for material control, accountability, and inventory by associating the seal identification number with the contents.

• An intact seal applied within the context of a strong seal control program provides for an increased level of fidelity of cargo security. This reduces the number of personnel needed to control secured items and minimizes the potential of exposure to possible hazardous contents.

• Seals are intended to be part of an integrated security program. Seals should not be used as stand-alone protection. 

WHEN SEALS SHOULD BE USED

• When there is a written requirement (see Section 5).

• When there is concern about pilferage by in-house personnel or crime by outsiders. If the threat is from outsiders, seals with some level of forced entry protection should be selected.

• If a damaged or broken seal can be discovered in a timely manner and appropriate countermeasures can be implemented to prevent further criminal activity.

• As part of a comprehensive security program. 

Seals should be used in conjunction with a seal control program that is part of an integrated security system. Security systems can consist of multiple components (intrusion detection, closed circuit television, access control, security personnel, lighting, barriers, etc.). Integration produces a system that will provide a high level of confidence and protection in depth (multiple layers of protection). If a security system component fails to function in an integrated system, the other components and layers will continue to provide some level of protection until the failed component is repaired or replaced. Seals and a seal control program are examples of components that can be important to an integrated security system by providing additional layers of protection. 

WIRE STYLE SEALS

Sealing wires 1 through 5 are described below:

Wire 1 - Used for light sealing requirements. Available in 1/2-pound and 2-1/2-pound spools of 0.034 mm diameter galvanized, stainless, or copper spiral wound steel wire, with approximate break strength of 7 pounds.

Wire 2 - Most popular for general sealing purposes. Available in 1/2-pound and 2-1/2-pound spools of 0.044 mm diameter galvanized or stainless spiral wound steel wire, with approximate break strength of 17 pounds.

Wire 3 - Heavy-duty wire for applications where seals and wire are exposed to rough handling. Available in 1/2-pound and 2-1/2-pound spools of 0.034 mm diameter galvanized or stainless spiral wound steel wire, with approximate break strength of 34 pounds.

Wire 4 - Galvanized steel for heavy duty sealing where greatest tensile strength is needed. Available in 1/2-pound and 2-1/2-pound spools of 0.038 mm spiral wound galvanized or stainless steel wire, with approximate break strength of 40 pounds.

Wire 5 - Single strand wire is used where small diameter and strength are important. Diameter Galvanized steel wire is 0.035 mm diameter and has an approximate break strength is 45 pounds.