Seals Series, Volume 1 —

If you’re in the Dangerous Goods business, you probably use security seals somewhere. Maybe lots of somewheres. But you might not realize how many ways and places DG professionals put seals to work.

A closure device that can be opened only once can protect more than you might think. Locks can be re-locked, but a broken seal tells you with certainty that a container or vessel has been opened.

Are you missing a key security measure?
Here are 11 places seals aren’t just useful, but essential.

1. Cargo containers. Okay, this one’s pretty obvious. For national security purposes—not to mention general safety and anti-theft—you need a high-security C-TPAT compliant seal on most intermodal containers and truck trailers transporting Dangerous Goods.
2. Cargo doors and gates. You keep them locked, of course—but locks have keys. For full protection against theft and tampering, consider heavy-duty steel cable seals when you’re storing valuable materials.
3. Security isn’t “tight as a drum” unless you know the drum hasn’t been opened. Try numbered or barcoded wire seals to make sure your drums’ contents are intact.
4. Fire extinguishers. A depleted fire extinguisher won’t keep anyone safe. Apply convenient cable ties to make sure every unit stays fully charged.
5. For light-duty security—postal services or airline cargo, for instance—prevent tampering with plain or personalized pull-tight plastic seals.
6. Pallets and crates. Labelmaster’s self-locking, tool-free pallet and crate seals are the final step in secure construction—the bands can’t be broken, altered or replaced without your knowledge.
7. Rail cars. Another place where seals are virtually mandatory. But which ones? We’d recommend C-TPAT compliant steel bolt seals, which can be opened only with bolt cutters.
8. Semi-trailers. Did you know 90% of cargo theft occurs during truck transit? Secure your trailers and their cargo with steel bolt seals or consecutively numbered truck seals.
9. Storage rooms and cages. For convenient, short-term security, try color-coded plastic strap seals. Personalize them with your company name for additional tamper resistance.
10. Tanker cars. Tank cars can be opened only with specialized tools, so a lighter-weight seal might be all the security you need. We recommend the C-TPAT compliant steel cable lock.
11. Valves, meters and switches. Can a few pennies save thousands of dollars? Yes—because a simple plastic seal can stop someone from accidentally opening, closing or altering the setting on a crucial valve, meter or switch.

Fact is, there’s almost nowhere in today’s DG business where seals can’t enhance security. Want to learn more? Call 800.621.5808 to speak with one of Labelmaster’s security seal experts.

Next post:

Seals Series, Vol. 2: Dangerous Goods security: 5 reasons to choose a seal over a lock