This month Harcor have published recommendations on how to seal and inspect reusable security bags.


On a regular basis Harcor are going to select popular security products and publish a sealing recommendations feature on them. This would detail advice on how to use the product and inspect it for evidence of tampering.

Security Bag Sealing

Security Bags have been selected as the initial category. Harcor’s most popular security bags include a combination Harclip seal and TEC style security chamber and so the answers are based on that product range. Contrary to the image above, there are easy methods to inspect security bags for tampering without the use of a magnifying glass!

Advice on how to correctly seal a security bag:

Step One: Pull the zipper closed using the chamber lid. Place the chamber lid in the chamber housing.

Step Two: Slide the Harclip security seal into the chamber as shown below and record the number.

 

Security Bag Example

Harclip security seals include a serial number. These serial numbers serve as a unique identifier. Harcor recommend having a procedure in place to record the numbers prior to use and removal. The Harclip seals should be stored in a safe location when unused. Harclip Seals should only be issued to authorised individuals and documented.

Advice on how to correctly remove a Harclip Security Seal from a Security Bag:

Step One: Check the seal number matches the recorded number. If the number does not match your records, please advise the appropriate authority.

Step Two: Lift the tab of the seal up, the seal will break and the chamber lid is then used to unzip the bag. Dispose of the broken seal removing the seal tab and legs.

Advice on tamper inspection of the TEC Chamber, Harclip Security Seal and Secutiy Bag:

TEC Chamber : Inspect the chamber for signs of tampering. The TEC Chamber has tamper indicator breakout points that are revealed if an attempt is made to remove the TEC Chamber. An appearance comparison should be made against authentic TEC Chambers.

Security Bag Chamber

Harclip Security Seal : Inspect the Harclip seal for signs of tampering. This involves checking that the seal’s material shows no visible stress whitening or weakening, and the print looks consistent with the standard seals. Where additional security is required, it would be suggested that seals are not consistently issued in sequential order. An appearance comparison should be made against authentic Harclip security seals. Prior to removing a Harclip Seal (by lifting the seals tab up resulting in the legs breaking) tug on the seal tab to ensure that it is securely sealed. Finally the seals serial number should be verified against the recorded data.

Security Bag : Inspect the Security Bag for signs of tampering. The TEC chamber is often secured to bags that have been internally stitched for added security. It is important to do a full inspection of the bag including all seams to detect defects. An appearance comparison should be made against an authentic security bag.

If you have any questions or would like to comment on the above article please contact Harcor. Harcor’s range of security bags can be found here.