Security Seals

Security Seals — operational selector & procedures

Security seals are single-use devices that prevent unauthorised openings and make any tampering immediately visible. Below is a practical framework to choose the right model and standardise application, traceability and inspections.

Quick selector (decide in 30 seconds)

• Bags, crates, fire extinguishers: pull-tight plastic seals (adjustable, numbered). Benefit: instant tension and visual check.
• Zippers, zip-pouches, documents: padlock seals, fast to apply and inspect.
• Warehouse doors, light trucks: metal strip seals (robust indicative, clear numbering).
• Containers, critical gates: cable seals (higher security; removal with bolt cutters; choose cable diameter for the hole).
• Export / ocean containers: bolt seals (barrier class) for high-resistance closures.
• Water/gas/electricity meters: dedicated meter seals or lead seals + wire with sealing pliers.

Sizing & compatibility

• Pass-through point: measure hole/eyelet and choose compatible strap width or cable Ø (no slack, no leverage).
• Usable length: circumference of the area + allowance to pull/lock without excess.
• Required strength: check the declared tensile strength (N/kN) vs risk and route.

Audit-proof traceability

• Sequential serials recorded on delivery note/register or system: start–end per lot/route.
• Pro options: barcode/QR, logo, colour coding by department or destination.
• Chain of custody: seal–parcel–operator–timestamp mapping (optional photo of applied seal).

Standard application (SOP)

1. Prepare area: clean, dry, no sharp edges that could weaken the seal.
2. Insert & lock: pass strap/cable, lock into the head and tension until no play remains.
3. Verify & record: match serial with documents, take photo if required by SOP.
4. Controlled removal: only with proper tools (bolt cutters for cable/bolt); dispose of remnants.

Inbound checks (anti-tamper)

• Physical integrity: no cuts, deep scratches, deformed head.
• Correct tension: no slack; no micro-openings.
• Serial matches: expected number = present number; on mismatch, hold and escalate.
• Alignment: lock fully seated, no side forcing.

Environment & materials

• Outdoor/UV/humidity: prefer corrosion-resistant materials and UV-stable finishes.
• Cold/reefer: use formulations that do not embrittle and keep hold.
• Chemicals/dust: keep the locking area clean; avoid deposits.

Expensive mistakes (avoid them)

• Light seal for high risk: for containers/critical points use cable/bolt, not indicative plastic.
• Wrong diameter: too thick won’t pass, too thin is easily forced.
• No serial logging: weakens traceability.
• Loose seal: creates leverage and micro-openings; always tension to lock.

Operational FAQ

• Reusable? No, single-use: any reopening must be evident.
• Plastic vs metal strip vs cable vs bolt? Choose by risk, pass-through and required strength. Higher exposure ⇒ move to cable/bolt.
• No hole available? Use alternative closures or adhesive tamper-evident systems (managed in another category) to make opening visible.

Golden rule: select the seal by risk level, not by unit price. The wrong seal costs more than the loss it pretends to avoid.