ISO/PAS 17712 establishes uniform procedures for the classification, acceptance, and withdrawal of acceptance of mechanical freight container seals. It provides a single source of information on mechanical seals which are acceptable for securing freight containers in international commerce.  It addresses all types of security seals usable on maritime containers. Since many other industries use the same seals, members of those industries also may choose to adopt ISO 17712. ISO/PAS 17712 is not applicable to special-purpose seals, such as fibre-optic or sophisticated electronic seals.

ISO Compliant seals give peace of mind when using these certified security seals.

In September 2010, International Standard 17712, Mechanical seals (ISO 17712) replaced the Publicly Available Specification 17712 (ISO/PAS 17712).  17712 is now a fully-fledged ISO International Standard.

Compliance with ISO 17712 requires independent confirmation in three areas:

1. Physical testing to determine a seal’s classification for physical strength.
2. Process auditing of supplier security-related business processes.
3. Physical testing that earns a “Pass” grade for evidence of tampering.  Please note that the tamper test grade is not required until 1st March 2012.

The new changes published in ISO 17712: 2010 have addressed technical issues, added testing for tamper evidence and established an 18 month transition buffer after publication for critical issues.

Most of the technical changes that affect accredited testing labs, which must have ISO 17712 included in their scope of competence, have clarified test fixture designs and added specificity to the test procedures.  Also, it was established that an 18mm minimum be the widest diameter for bolt seals.  With an 18 month transition buffer, this would accommodate manufacturer’s tooling requirements and particularly to allow seal inventory adjustment throughout bolt seal supply chains. Additionally,  seals will also be required to have markings of high security (“H”), security (“S”) and indicative (“I”) on each seal.

• High Security – The strongest type of seal. Provides the most protection for shipments and serves the purpose of delaying or discouraging intruders. It is designed to keep people out or make it extremely difficult for them to gain access to your high-risk and high-value shipments. Requires heavy-duty bolt or cable cutters for removal.

• Security – The middle ground. Shows whether your application has been tampered with, but is stronger and provides limited resistance. Commonly used when indicative seals can’t stand up to an application or are damaged unintentionally. Cable cutters or other lightweight tools are used for removal.

• Indicative – The simplest type of seal. Shows whether your application has been tampered with, but doesn’t prevent someone from accessing it. Used for low-risk applications and can be pulled apart by hand or cut with a simple shear or snipping tool.

Testing for tamper evidence is the most important change. Customs regulators in the European Commission approached ISO and expressed strong interest in tamper testing and vetting of security seals. There is one main goal: to facilitate maintenance of a common global regime for security seals.

ISO 17712 gives testing labs unusual flexibility in finalizing their test procedures for evidence of tampering.  Tamper attempts must leave detectable evidence of tampering in each of three tests; three successes earn a “Pass” grade but an “undetectable” result on any test generates a “Fail” grade for the seal.  All classes of seals must earn “Pass” grades to qualify as 17712 compliant.

Beginning 1 March 2012, all ISO 17712 compliant seals must be certified as tamper evident, giving companies peace of mind when using these certified security seals.

For more information on how this affects you, visit the International Seals Manufacturers Association

For all your seal needs, including ISO 17712 Compliant seals, visit Seton.

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Another state has adopted the no texting while driving rule. On July 1, 2010 the Georgia State Patrol began ticketing people caught texting while driving; even people stopped at a light or waiting in a turn lane. The average fine in Georgia will run you $150, but many states are getting stricter.

Several states who have already had a no texting law in place for some time are now stepping up the fines. For example Connecticut’s governor Jodi Rell recently signed into law a plan to toughen existing distracted driving laws. The new law now increases fines for each offense from $100 to $150 to $200 instead of the current $100 (with possible forgiveness for first-time offenders).

With stricter laws being enforce around the country it is important to remind your drivers of the dangers. Seton recently added a new line of No Talking, No Texting signs and labels that will serve as a constant reminder and help to encourage your employees to be safe. Signs can be posted at loading docks, while labels can be used in company vehicles. Visit the Seton.com for more information.

To view a listing of the cell phone laws and legislation by state click here.

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A slogan once used to promote Virginia Slim cigarettes; it can also be used to describe the history of the modern day bar code. This coming Saturday, June 26, marks the anniversary of the first bar code used in a checkout line in 1974. A pack of Wrigley’s gum was swiped across the first checkout scanner at a supermarket in Troy, OH.

What started as a mere idea in 1938 has now developed into a convenient way to track your assets. As we approach this day I’d like remind you that Seton offers many bar code labels such as DuraGuard, SetonGuard and QuickGuard to help you keep track your facility’s assets. They are ideal for equipment tracking, inventory control and help to deter theft of company items.

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Be sure to badge and identify visitors — from the time they pull in the lot to the time they walk out the door. Here are a few simple steps to make sure your visitors and your facility remain secure.

• Visitor-themed identification allows everyone in your facility to quickly and easily identify visitors at a glance

• High-quality products make a professional, lasting impression on your visitors

• Use reusable lanyards, reels and plastic badges to ensure visitors check out when leaving to return badges; also ideal for long-term visitors

• Have adhesive paper badges on hand for quick visits or for providing badges that don’t need to be returned

• Have a visitor log book to track important visitor information and to easily account for visitors in an emergency

Remember keeping track of visitors will keep them and your employees safe

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Writer Michael Fitsgerald from CSO Security which “provides news, analysis and research on a broad range of security and risk management topics.” Wrote an article about the importance of security and safety in a parking lot design.

Often many businesses may not consider what a danger the parking lot can be for it’s employees. Bruce Ramm of Security Design Concepts provides a look at good and bad design elements for your parking lot.

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Before mailing something that is valuable or sensitive be sure to secure the package prior to sending it. Often businesses forget how many hands a package may go through before reaching its final destination. Ensure the security of these important items by taking the proper measures to protect them.

Simple and economical steps can be taken that will help against outside intruders trying to view or steal the contents in the package. Use Tamper Evident Tape’s to clearly show if a package has been tampered with. The message on the tape will let intruders know that it will be evident if the package has been opened or tampered with in any way.

You can get a  Tamper Evident Tape that has a hidden message that says “OPENED” if the tape has been removed. The message will appear on both the package and the tape. It is very difficult to remove and a special coating prevents re-taping. Or there are other tapes that are Tamper Evident strips that cannot be realigned once broken and are clearly marked with wording that says “Security Tape”.

Choose the right option for you to make sure your businesses confidential information stays confidential and does not fall into the wrong hands. Are you using tamper evident tape to protect your property? Are you using other methods to protect your packages? We want to hear from you, leave us a comment and let us know what you think.

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Warmer weather tends to bring more people out and the potential for hazards and vandalism is higher than in the colder months. It is a good time to assess your facility’s entrances and make sure your property is well protected.

Ward off intruders by clearly marking important messages letting outsiders know this property is under surveillance. Let them know that violators will be prosecuted. Employees will also have a greater sense of safety by seeing clearly marked security signs at the entrance everyday.

Security signs provides a visual deterrent and makes vandals and criminals think twice! These surveillance security signs provide a highly visible warning and should be placed in all areas of your business. Use especially in areas where cameras are not easily visible.

Stay committed to your security program by continuing to warn unauthorized persons against entering private property or areas of your business that are strictly restricted. Security signs form an integral part of your security system reassuring customers, visitors and employees. Let the Seton security experts help keep your facility protected.

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Spring time is approaching and as the winter leaves it is time to reevaluate the condition of security parking signs. Whether it’s from fading in the sunlight, snow, or damage caused in a parking lot traffic accident it’s important to make sure security signs are clearly visible and legible. This year especially high winds, large amounts of snow, salt spray and harsh conditions have led to rust or other damages to your businesses security signs.

As the grass gets greener and the days are longer you will notice that parking lots in any facility have a way of becoming more active and congested than in colder months. Keep your parking lot organized with clearly displayed security signs to keep your facility and employees safe.  It is especially important to check your front parking lot signs to make sure visitors are directed to the correct location and know your facility is well protected.

Don’t forget to also check your sign posts. They also suffer a lot of damage during the winter and will prevent your security signs from being clearly displayed. Security signs in good condition will keep your workplace safe.

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