ASTM F1158-94(2023)

Standard Guide for Inspection and Evaluation of Tampering of Security Seals

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 If a seal can be opened by any means and successfully reapplied without exhibiting signs indicative of prior attack, the integral quality of the seal is in serious question. This guide allows that any particular method of attempted defeat can be employed to defeat a seal, and concentrates not on the effectiveness of the seal to resist that attack, but rather on the nature of the individual seal to inhibit reapplication.  
4.2 This standard presents guidelines for inspection to assist in determining whether an attempt to defeat a security seal, and to possibly reapply the seal, has been made. In all cases, the guidelines are meant to focus attention on signs of attack and reapplication.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers procedures for the inspection and evaluation of tampering of security seals.  
1.2 A security seal is a device intended to detect tampering or entry. Evaluate only single use locking devices under this guide. The following procedures shall serve as guidelines for detecting attempts at defeat and reapplication of a security seal.  
1.3 This guide is not intended to be fully comprehensive; certain types of security seals, such as labels, have not been addressed to date. Further, it is the responsibility of users of this guide to interpret their specific security needs concerning the use of seals, and to determine the grade of seal appropriate for their particular application. ASTM assumes no responsibility for losses occurring as a result of a defeated seal.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2023
• ICS: 97.020 - Home economics in general
• Technical Committee: F12 - Security Systems and Equipment
• Drafting Committee: F12.50 - Locking Devices

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1158-94(2015) - Standard Guide for Inspection and Evaluation of Tampering of Security Seals
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM F1157-04(2023) - Standard Practice for Classifying the Relative Performance of the Physical Properties of Security Seals
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

ASTM F1158-94(2023), titled "Standard Guide for Inspection and Evaluation of Tampering of Security Seals," is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This guide establishes practical procedures for the inspection and evaluation of tampering on security seals, focusing on single-use locking devices. Security seals are frequently deployed to detect unauthorized access or tampering in a wide range of applications, such as cargo shipments, utility meters, and secure storage solutions.

The primary objective of this guide is to provide organizations and inspectors with a comprehensive framework for identifying signs of tampering and to assist in determining if a security seal has been defeated and possibly reapplied. This enhances the integrity of security procedures and supports compliance with global supply chain standards.

Key Topics

• Inspection Procedures: Clear guidelines for visually and physically inspecting security seals for evidence of tampering or attempted defeat, including signs such as scratches, deformations, frayed cables, or discoloration.
• Seal Classification: Defines and categorizes single-use locking devices into six groups, including cable and wire seals, strap seals, rigid bolt seals, twisted wire seals, padlock-type seals, and fiber optic seals.
• Detection of Reapplication: Methods to determine whether a seal has been opened and reapplied, focusing on the identification of compromised locking mechanisms or altered seal integrity.
• User Responsibility: Highlights the importance of users utilizing the guide to address specific security needs and selecting the appropriate grade of seal for their application.
• Limitations: Notes that the guide does not fully address some seal types, such as tamper-evident labels, and stresses that organizations are responsible for comprehensive risk assessment and loss prevention.

Applications

The implementation of ASTM F1158-94(2023) is essential for organizations seeking to bolster tamper evidence and anti-tampering efforts across diverse industries. Typical applications include:

• Transportation and Logistics: Used for inspecting container seals and truck trailer locks to safeguard goods against unauthorized access during transit.
• Utilities and Infrastructure: Applied in the monitoring and verification of seals on gasoline pumps, water, and electricity meters to prevent fraud or theft.
• Customs and Border Control: Employed to ensure the integrity of seals on goods crossing international borders, aligning with customs security requirements.
• Warehouse and Storage Security: Aids in the regular inspection of storage units, evidence lockers, and critical stockrooms.
• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: Used for securing and tracking medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, supporting regulatory compliance and reducing risk of tampering.

Related Standards

Organizations and inspectors utilizing ASTM F1158-94(2023) may also reference the following ASTM standards for a comprehensive security seals program:

• ASTM F832 - Classification for Security Seals
  Provides detailed classification criteria for security seals based on function and design.
• ASTM F883 - Performance Specification for Padlocks
  Specifies performance criteria and testing requirements for padlocks, supporting robust locking mechanisms.
• ASTM F946 - Guide for Establishing Security Seal Control and Accountability Procedures
  Outlines best practices for managing, tracking, and controlling the use of security seals within an organization.

By implementing this standard, businesses can enhance their security protocols, reduce vulnerability to tampering, and demonstrate compliance with international trade and regulatory expectations.

Keywords: security seal inspection, tampering evaluation, single-use locking devices, ASTM F1158, anti-tampering, security standards, safety seal compliance, tamper evidence, cargo security, international standards for seals

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1158 − 94 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Guide for
Inspection and Evaluation of Tampering of Security Seals
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1158; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Significance and Use
1.1 This guide covers procedures for the inspection and 4.1 If a seal can be opened by any means and successfully
evaluation of tampering of security seals. reapplied without exhibiting signs indicative of prior attack,
the integral quality of the seal is in serious question. This guide
1.2 A security seal is a device intended to detect tampering
allows that any particular method of attempted defeat can be
or entry. Evaluate only single use locking devices under this
employed to defeat a seal, and concentrates not on the
guide. The following procedures shall serve as guidelines for
effectiveness of the seal to resist that attack, but rather on the
detecting attempts at defeat and reapplication of a security seal.
nature of the individual seal to inhibit reapplication.
1.3 This guide is not intended to be fully comprehensive;
4.2 This standard presents guidelines for inspection to assist
certain types of security seals, such as labels, have not been
in determining whether an attempt to defeat a security seal, and
addressed to date. Further, it is the responsibility of users of
to possibly reapply the seal, has been made. In all cases, the
this guide to interpret their specific security needs concerning
guidelines are meant to focus attention on signs of attack and
the use of seals, and to determine the grade of seal appropriate
reapplication.
for their particular application. ASTM assumes no responsibil-
ity for losses occurring as a result of a defeated seal.
5. Seal Classification
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.1 General—For the purpose of comparing seal physical
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
properties, seal classes are grouped according to the following
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
description of applicable seals:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.2 Groups:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.2.1 Group 1—Flexible cable and wire seals.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.2.2 Group 2—Strap, cinch seals.
5.2.3 Group 3—Rigid bolt and rod seals, including heavy
2. Referenced Documents
duty metal padlock type.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.2.4 Group 4—Twisted rod or wire seals (pigtail).
F832 Classification for Security Seals
5.2.5 Group 5—Padlock type seals, scored seals, metal, or
F883 Performance Specification for Padlocks
plastic base.
F946 Guide for Establishing Security Seal Control and
5.2.6 Group 6—Fiber optic seals.
Accountability Procedures
6. Guidelines for Inspection and Evaluation of
3. Teminology
Tampering
3.1 Definition:
6.1 Group 1 Seals (Cable and Wire Seals)—Inspect for a
3.1.1 seal—a passive, one-time locking device used to
frayed appearance at the point where the main length of cable
detect tampering or entry, afford limited resistance (to entry) or
or wire meets the locking portion of the seal. Usually under
provide a combination of both functional aspects.
compression, if this region of the seal has been twisted free of
its retaining junction at the locking point, it may provide visual
indication that the uniform pattern of material has been
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F12 on Security
disturbed. The attempt at reinsertion of the cable into the
Systems and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F12.50 on
Locking Devices.
locking mechanism, if successful, may also be detected by easy
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published December 2023. Originally
withdrawal of the cable
...