ISO 17712 is an international standard that sets forth the requirements for mechanical seals used on containers and conveyances in order to prevent tampering, theft, and unauthorized access. The standard is intended to provide a common framework for manufacturers, shippers, and regulatory bodies to ensure the security of goods in transit. Within ISO 17712, there are specific requirements outlined for different types of seals, including bolt seals and cable seals. Let’s delve into the notable differences between the requirements for these two types of seals.
1. Design and Construction:
- Bolt Seals: Bolt seals consist of a metal bolt and a locking mechanism, typically made of metal or high-strength plastic. The bolt is secured through a hasp or other closure mechanism. The design and construction of bolt seals must ensure that they cannot be tampered with without visible evidence.
- Cable Seals: Cable seals, on the other hand, consist of a metal cable attached to a locking mechanism. The cable is threaded through the items being secured and then locked in place. Cable seals are designed to prevent tampering and unauthorized access in a different way than bolt seals.
2. Strength and Durability:
- Bolt Seals: Bolt seals are known for their robust construction and high tensile strength. They are designed to withstand significant force without breaking or being easily tampered with.
- Cable Seals: Cable seals may have varying levels of tensile strength depending on the cable material and thickness. While they are generally strong, they may not always match the sheer strength of certain bolt seals.
3. Application and Use:
- Bolt Seals: Bolt seals are often used on containers or trailer doors, where they are applied by threading the bolt through the locking mechanism and securing it. They are particularly suitable for applications where a more rigid, one-time-use seal is needed.
- Cable Seals: Cable seals are more versatile in terms of application. They can be threaded through small openings, making them suitable for securing items with limited access points. Cable seals are often used for sealing drums, meters, valves, and other irregularly shaped items.
4. Flexibility:
- Bolt Seals: Due to their rigid design, bolt seals might not be as flexible in terms of adapting to different sealing scenarios that involve curved or irregular surfaces.
- Cable Seals: Cable seals offer greater flexibility due to the nature of the cable. They can be looped around objects of various shapes and sizes, providing a secure seal in situations where bolt seals might not be practical.
5. Visual Inspection:
- Bolt Seals: Tampering with bolt seals usually leaves visible signs of damage or manipulation. This is an important feature for security personnel to quickly identify potential breaches.
- Cable Seals: Tampering with cable seals might not be as visually apparent, especially if the cable is cut and spliced back together. Therefore, additional measures might be needed to ensure the integrity of the seal.
Conclusion:
while both bolt seals and cable seals are designed to meet the ISO 17712 security requirements, they have distinct differences in terms of design, strength, application, flexibility, and visual inspection. The choice between these two types of seals depends on the specific needs of the application and the level of security required. It’s important for manufacturers, shippers, and security personnel to understand these differences and select the appropriate seal type based on the unique characteristics of each situation.
