ASTM F1699-96(2016)

Standard Classification for Passive Fiber Optic Seals

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This classification is intended to provide information on currently available commercial seals as a guide in their selection for specific applications. This classification is not intended to inhibit the innovation or development of new types of seals.
SCOPE
1.1 This classification covers a specific category of commercially available passive seals.  
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2016
• ICS: 33.180.01 - Fibre optic systems in general
• Technical Committee: F12 - Security Systems and Equipment
• Drafting Committee: F12.50 - Locking Devices

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1699-96(2008) - Standard Classification for Passive Fiber Optic Seals
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2016
• Refers: ASTM F946-85(2018) - Standard Guide for Establishing Security Seal Control and Accountability Procedures
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM F832-90(2016) - Standard Classification for Security Seals
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2016
• Refers: ASTM F946-85(2010) - Standard Guide for Establishing Security Seal Control and Accountability Procedures
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM F832-90(2008) - Standard Classification for Security Seals
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM F946-85(2004) - Standard Guide for Establishing Security Seal Control and Accountability Procedures
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM F832-90(1994)e1 - Standard Classification for Security Seals
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2001
• Refers: ASTM F832-90(2001) - Standard Classification for Security Seals
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2001
• Refers: ASTM F946-85(1996) - Standard Guide for Establishing Security Seal Control and Accountability Procedures
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1996

Overview

ASTM F1699-96(2016): Standard Classification for Passive Fiber Optic Seals provides a structured classification and terminology for commercially available passive fiber optic seals. These seals are essential security devices used across various industries to detect tampering or provide restricted entry to secured assets. This ASTM standard is managed by Committee F12 on Security Systems and Equipment, with direct responsibility under Subcommittee F12.50 on Locking Devices. Developed in line with international standardization principles, the document assists users in the selection of appropriate passive fiber optic seals for specific applications without restricting the development or innovation of new seal types.

Key Topics

• Passive Fiber Optic Seals: Defined as non-active, one-time locking devices, these seals detect tampering or attempted entry, providing either visual evidence of interference or resistance to unauthorized access.
• Classification Criteria: Seals are classified based on configuration, passive operation, and the materials used in their construction, such as glass or plastic fiber optic cores with protective coatings.
• Tamper-Indicating Devices (TID): Devices that provide a clear physical indication if tampering occurs, ensuring quick visual inspection for security assurance.
• Types of Fiber Optic Seals:
  • Single-strand glass fiber optic core
  • Single-strand plastic fiber optic core
  • Multi-stranded glass fiber optic core
  • Multi-stranded plastic fiber optic core
• Terminology:
  • Body: The mechanism securing the fiber optic loop and enabling inspection
  • Fiber Optic: The cable, either plastic or glass-cored and coated, that acts as a key component of the seal
  • Seal: The device itself, serving as a security barrier and tamper indicator

Applications

The ASTM F1699 standard is widely referenced for selecting and specifying passive fiber optic seals in environments where security and tamper detection are critical. Key application areas include:

• Logistics and Supply Chain Security: To secure containers, evidence bags, and shipments from tampering or unauthorized access during transportation or storage.
• Utility and Infrastructure Protection: Used for securing meters, substations, and critical infrastructure components, helping to prevent unauthorized intervention.
• Banking and Cash Handling: Provides a secure, tamper-evident solution for ATM enclosures, cash transit, and deposit bags.
• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: Ensures integrity of medical samples, records, and high-value or sensitive medications.
• Customs and Border Control: Used for physical security and customs compliance, ensuring the integrity of sealed goods and documentation.

Implementing ASTM F1699-classified passive fiber optic seals ensures that physical security measures are robust, readily inspectable, and compliant with internationally recognized best practices.

Related Standards

The standard references several other important ASTM documents and guides to ensure complete coverage of security seal requirements:

• ASTM F832: Standard Classification for Security Seals - covers a broader classification of security seals beyond fiber optic types.
• ASTM F946: Guide for Establishing Security Seal Control and Accountability Procedures - offers procedures for effective management and control of security seals.

For further details and updates on these standards, refer to the ASTM website. Adhering to ASTM F1699, along with related standards, helps organizations maintain high security, meet regulatory requirements, and support supply chain integrity.

Keywords: passive fiber optic seal, ASTM F1699, tamper-evident, security seal, tamper-indicating device, fiber optic security, supply chain security

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: F1699 −96 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Classification for
Passive Fiber Optic Seals
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1699; 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 3.1.3 passive, adj—receiving or being subjected to an action
without responding or initiating an action in return.
1.1 This classification covers a specific category of com-
3.1.4 seal, n—a passive, one-time locking device used to
mercially available passive seals.
detect tampering or entry, afford limited resistance to entry, or
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
provide a combination of both functional aspects.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.4.1 Discussion—Seals require inspection to indicate
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
whether tampering has occurred or entry has been attempted.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.1.5 tamper-indicating device (TID), n—a mechanical de-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
vice whose physical change in state is an obvious indication of
2. Referenced Documents
tamper.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Significance and Use
F832 Classification for Security Seals
4.1 This classification is intended to provide information on
F946 Guide for Establishing Security Seal Control and
currently available commercial seals as a guide in their
Accountability Procedures
selection for specific applications. This classification is not
3. Terminology
intended to inhibit the innovation or development of new types
of seals.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 body, n—the mechanical mechanism that secures the
5. Basis of Classification
fiber optic loop and facilitates inspection of the seal.
5.1 Passive fiber optic seals in this classification are classi-
3.1.2 fiber optic, n—a fiber optic cable that is threaded
fied by their configuration, passive operation, and the materials
through mechanical fixtures on the item being sealed.
from which they are made.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—The fiber optics can be either a plastic
or glass inner core wit
...