A and B Class Government Paper Shredders

The Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF)

High Security paper shredders used by the Australian federal government are often Class A and Class B paper shredders. These shredders can be identified as having passed testing against the SEG (Security Equipment Guide). Testing is performed against the ASIO T4 Protective Security, SECURITY EQUIPMENT GUIDE (SEG001.1), TEST PROCEDURES for Class A and B paper shredders (v1.0 06/09/2011).

Class A paper shredders, shred to P-6 or P 7 security levels while Class B paper shredders shred to P-5 security level. Don’t be confused, High Security paper shredders that shred to security levels P-5, P-6 or P-7 Are Not Class A or Class B paper shredders. It is only when a shredder has undergone testing and Passed the test regime against the SEG, SECURITY EQUIPMENT GUIDE (SEG001.1), that it can be referred to as a Class A or Class B paper shredder.

In order to guarantee accuracy of testing against the SEG, a substantial degree of analysis and technical competence is required. As such the chosen testing authority should be a NATA test house operating under the guidelines of ISO 9001 quality system. A NATA test house has systems in place to ensure reliable and consistent testing and inspection services to satisfy the requirements of the Australian government and industry sectors.

Upon completion of the testing process, the supplier of the shredder/s is supplied with a Test Report from the NATA testing company. The Test Report will show in the Summary section, the paper shredder tested has Passed or Failed the testing against ASIO T4 Protective Security, SECURITY EQUIPMENT GUIDE (SEG001.1), TEST PROCEDURES for Class A and B paper shredders (v1.0 06/09/2011).

Purchasers of Class A and Class B paper shredders, should ask for the Test Report/s for the relevant machine/s being assessed. This provides evidence of the testing against the SEG (Security Equipment Guide) on the machines/s being considered where Passed testing, meets the requirements of the ASIO T4 Protective Security, SECURITY EQUIPMENT GUIDE (SEG001.1). The Summary area of the test report provides evidence of the outcome of testing, FAIL or PASS.

In Australia, the ASIO T4 Protective Security, SECURITY EQUIPMENT GUIDE (SEG001.1), TEST PROCEDURES for Class A and B paper shredders (v1.0 06/09/2011) is used to determine if a paper shredder is suitable for the purpose of shredding security classified information to a Class A or Class B security levels.

For paper based documents, the security classification determines whether an A Class paper shredder is required for the destroying of information SECRET or above or if a B Class paper shredder is required for the destruction of information CONFIDENTIAL, PROTECTED.

Contractors to Australian Government Departments
Specialised contracts are regularly awarded by the Australia government, to private enterprises in their area of expertise. These “Contractors” are also required to shred security classified information using A or B Class paper shredders. If your business contracted to the Australian government, if purchasing Class A or Class B paper shredders, buyers should request the Test Report/s from sellers of the machine/s as evidence that testing has been conducted against the SEG on applicable models under consideration. This also guarantees that contractors to the Australian government are using security endorsed paper shredders are that meet the requirements. This method of acquisition and guarantees when security audits are performed, that suitable shredding machines are being used and are fit for the purpose.

For more information and guidance about Class A and Class B paper shredders, contact us on 1800 808 880 or info@shreddersales.com.au.