Infrastructure Security – When Less is More

Replaceable security seals from Unisto have proved a useful adjunct to existing safety and security regimes for South West Water Ltd, offering a low cost deterrent to prevent tampering and a practical mechanism for access control.

South West Water Ltd uses Unisto’s pull-through seals to secure inspection and filling points at service reservoirs and on water bowsers deployed to provide an alternative supply in an emergency at the roadside. Explains John Welch, Health, Safety & Security Adviser for South West Water Ltd. “Although just one of many layers of defence we employ, the seals act as an immediate visual assurance that access points have not been interfered with and as a deterrent to vandals or would-be activists.  The seals are individually numbered so if upon a visit to site a broken seal is found, we can immediately respond and track incidents as they occur.”

The Water and Sewerage Services company also uses the disposable seals to monitor access to secure areas and sensitive access points at purification plants.  “Controlling chemical dosage for example is extremely important.  Using the numbered seals, which have to be replaced with each visit, we are able to build an audit trail with demonstrable accuracy for internal security and external compliance purposes.  The low breaking strength of Unisto’s fixed length Unilock seal also allows us to secure fire exits without compromising emergency access.”

Quality Assurance is equally important.  Concludes Welch  “At the end of the day, water is a product and we are responsible for guaranteeing its quality to consumers.  An intact seal is visible proof to our inspectors that the site security has not been breached.  If the integrity of the seal is in any way compromised, we can act quickly to address the issue - for example isolating the supply and temporarily provide drinking water in bowsers.”