What is SCEC?

The Security Construction and Equipment Committee (SCEC), (pronounced “Skeck”), is the government appointed committee that evaluates and defines the appropriate security requirements for government assets and resources. SCEC is chaired by the T4 Protective Security arm of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).

SEC Catalogue

The Security Construction and Equipment Committee (SCEC) publish a Security Equipment Catalogue (SEC) (more commonly known as the “SCEC Catalogue”) containing approved products and equipment that they have tested and subsequently endorse. The SEC catalogue defines the approved lock types, and the mandatory security requirements for given situations.

SCEC Ratings

The Security Equipment Catalogue (SEC) is divided into various graded security categories. From lowest to highest rating the physical security categories are as follows:

• Protection of Property
• Perimeter Protection
• Intruder Resistant Area
• Secure Area

The two most commonly required ratings are “Intruder Resistant Area” and “Secure Area”.  A government resource is graded and rated, and the appropriate security requirements must be met accordingly. The government Defence Security Authority (DSA) or Agency Security Advisor (ASA) will determine the appropriate classification, and the level of security deemed necessary.

SCEC Endorsed Locksmiths

All security works must be carried out by a licensed “SCEC Endorsed” Locksmith. SCEC Endorsed Locksmiths are highly specialised locksmiths that have been through an intensive ASIO/T4 training program. They are national security checked, and are licensed accordingly.

Duration of Coverage

SCEC Endorsed security hardware must be tested, maintained, and serviced, by SCEC Endorsed Locksmiths at intervals not exceeding 2 (two) years. Failing to do so will nullify any endorsement.

Specific Locking Requirements

There are numerous gradings and user specific requirements. It is not just about what lock is used, but how it is installed, and the infrastructure and supporting hardware used to support it. It is a shighly pecialised area, so please feel free to contact us for further details.

Basic Requirements

Some basic requirements are listed below for the two most common security categories. This list is only to be viewed as a basic guide, and is by no means absolute. A SCEC Endorsed Locksmith or Consultant should be engaged for clarification of specific SCEC requirements for each individual application.

Security Level: “Intruder Resistant Area”  

• Minimum 38mm thickness solid core door
• Minimum 1.6mm thickness steel door frame
• Outward opening doors must be fitted with blocker plates and hinge bolts
• Intruder Resistant Area rated SCEC Endorsed Locking
• A door closer must be fitted
• Where necessary, all hardware must meet BCA D2.21 fire/safety exit code regulations, and if fitted to a fire door, be rated to AS1905.1 

Security Level: “Secure Area”

• Minimum 45mm thickness solid core door
• Minimum 1.6mm thickness steel door frame
• Minimum of 3 x hinges per door
• Outward opening doors must be fitted with blocker plates and hinge bolts
• Secure Area rated SCEC Endorsed Locking
• A door closer must be fitted
• Where necessary, all hardware must meet BCA D2.21 fire/safety exit code regulations, and if fitted to a fire door, be rated to AS1905.1 
• Secure areas must have surrounding perimeter security upgraded to Intruder Resistant Area standards

Additional Requirements

• Where suspended ceilings are fitted, either mesh or a stud and Gyprock wall must be fitted between the top of the existing wall, and the bottom of the ceiling slab. Specific endorsed installation techniques must be adhered to.
• Vents, air conditioning ducts, or any opening penetrating the perimeter, must be no larger than 280mm for Intruder Resistant Areas, or 150mm for Secure Areas. If larger than these sizes exist, SCEC Endorsed grills must be fitted.

Additional Information

http://scec.gov.au/#

For further assistance, please don't hesitate to call ...

posted by David Birds

www.independentlocksmiths.com.au

1300 500 600