There are approximately 13,500 chemical manufacturing facilities in the United States, owned by more than 9,000 companies. Facilities are located all over the country, with most companies in Texas, Ohio, New Jersey, Illinois, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and the Carolinas. The chemical industry is an essential contributor to the US economy, with shipments valued at about USD 555 billion per year.
For companies that manufacture or ship Petrochemicals, this is a dynamic time. As production grows, so does logistics activities. With cross-border trucking and rail shipments in the North American region on the rise, TydenBrooks works closely with its Petrochemical customers to ensure their shipments adhere to the ISO 17712:2013 standard, which is segmented into three security categories: Indicative (I), Security (S), and High Security (H).
We recommend clients to implement a strategic multi-layered security program to reduce the risk of incidents, contamination, and to protect our customers brand integrity. Yet, we regularly educate our customers about how to select the correct security seals, and where their current seal program may be falling short.
So, today, we will look at five common selection shortcomings and provide insights on how best to avoid them.
1. Not selecting the cable security seal by its locking mechanism
Deciding on the best security seal, particularly with cable seals, requires an understanding of the internal locking mechanism. Many, if not most, cable seals from abroad are made with a “disk” and spring design that can easily be captured with a pair of pliers allowing an attacker to slide out the cable and reclose the seal without visual tamper-evidence.
This “compression attack” is a common miss that we encounter when a client looks to make a cable seal purchase. Not understanding this vulnerability could be a costly mistake if a load is rejected or it comes to light you have been using this type of design. If you are not using a ball and spring locking mechanism, which was patented by TydenBrooks, you are at considerable risk for tampering. For additional information, please contact your regional sales manager to review our Cable Seal Locking Mechanism video.
2. Not authenticating the ISO 17712:2013 (Clause 6) test results
This seemingly should be a simple task. However, it’s not unusual for our managers to review a company’s test results and point out that there are some red flags. In many instances, companies have accepted a photocopied version from an unverifiable test laboratory. The testing laboratory shall be accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025. The report will be signed by an authorized authority and inspector from the test laboratory. A new test certificate of compliance must be provided every 24 months.
To comply with this International Standard, seals shall pass the tests for evidence of tampering in Clause 6. Clause 6 applies to all classifications of seals, and effective May 15, 2014, this standard is now mandatory for all U.S. Customs C-TPAT Program members. Its therefore, vital to have the proper documentation should your company be a member or ship for a company that is a member, and you are responsible for procuring the security seals.
Additionally, we suggest requesting an ISO 9001 quality management certificate. This ISO standard is used by professional organizations to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements and to demonstrate continuous improvement.
3. Not utilizing bar coding for unique identification number tracking
At TydenBrooks there is no upcharge for laser bar coding. It’s, therefore, surprising how many companies overlook it. Bar coding, whether its 1D, 2D, or a QR code offers many advantages. With most Petrochemical shipments requiring 8+ security seals per tanker truck or railcar, to simply scan the security seals bar code before applying on the latches, ensures employee safety, speeds the process, and confirms the accuracy of the numbering which is tracked for every shipment.
Understandably, human errors are a fact of life, but in the shipping business, mistakes can be very costly. By reducing human error from handwritten numbers on a bill of lading you reduce the risk of a rejected load. Should your company not be set up to scan bar codes we also offer a laser tag option. Our laser tag technology burns a unique identification number into the cable seal’s lock body and the removable label simultaneously. The label is removed and placed on shipping documents, ensuring accuracy and security, and vastly reducing administrative errors.
4. Not having proper employee security seal training
To maintain control over your security sealing program, all seals must be properly applied and checked by a security or loss prevention representative. In order to prevent a pattern from developing, assorted low value shipments should also be ISO 17712 high security sealed.
The following procedures for application should be used, but we also suggest speaking with your TydenBrooks manager to schedule an on-site training session for your teams.
1. Seal all apertures, hatches, and valves.
2. Run the security seal cable or strap through the hasp, cinch tight to finger loop diameter for cable seals and indicative adjustable plastic seals.
3. For fixed length security seals, loop, lock and listen for the “click” when inserting the locking point of the security seal into the locking sheath.
4. To ensure a positive security seal pull the seal strap and twist the section of the seal that was inserted into the locking mechanism.
Select your security seal based on point of destination, value, susceptibility to theft, pilferage, and contamination. A high security ISO 17712 compliant barrier security seal should be used to ensure maximize security and tamper evidence, but also used in conjunction with indicative plastic security seals, and VOID message security tapes and labels for drums.
5. Neglecting to secure empty tanker truck and railcars
After a Petrochemical tanker truck or railcar is emptied it goes to a wash bay for cleaning and disinfection. The empty should always be re-sealed with a plastic indicative adjustable security seal after cleaning. It’s surprising that this process is overlooked considering the risks. Many Petrochemicals are used for food processing so any contaminants, objects, or residue that enters the tanker truck or railcar before its refilled can be detrimental and a public health risk.
As trusted experts of all thing’s cargo security related since 1873, TydenBrooks will ensure our customers meet the demands of today’s transportation security requirements. Whether you require advanced real-time tracking and monitoring solutions, high security seals, plastic indicative seals or void security tapes and labels, we supply proven multi-layered security solutions tailored to all industries.
If you are interested in learning more about our latest innovations and a free no-obligation Petrochemical shipment consultation, get in touch with us today at [email protected] or contact us at 1-800-458-SEAL.
