What You Need To Know About Purchasing Class A or Class B Paper Shredders
Class A and Class B paper shredders use many cross cut blades that achieve high levels of security for the purpose of shredding Security Classified Information.
Shredded particle size is the first logical step involved when sourcing an A or B Class paper shredder. A good starting point when researching shredders, should be bassed on the security level/shredded particle size.
Class A shredders produce the most secure shredded residue available within the range of P-6 or P-7 security levels while Class B high security paper shredders usually produce a shredded residue of P-5 security level.
It is important to know, not all P5, P6 or P7 paper shredders are approved as Class A and Class B certified shredders.
So How Do You Know With Certainty?
Ask the shredder supplier to provide the NATA Test Report, specifically the ASIO T4 Protective Security, SECURITY EQUIPMENT GUIDE (SEG001.1), TEST PROCEDURES for Class A and B paper shredders (v1.0 06/09/2011). Being specialised machines, professional suppliers of these high security shredders should know exactly the NATA test report and understand why you are asking for it to be provided. If you prefer, feel free to contact us directly on: 1800 874 733 and we will guide you through this process.
The test report assists with your duty of care when purchasing, providing the evidence the products under consideration, do meet the Class A or Class B requirements.
Professional NATA approved testing companies are properly resourced to test paper shredders for Class A and Class B. As long as the outcome of the testing on the test report is determined as a PASS, you as the purchaser can be confident the shredder meets the requirements and is suitable for shredding classified information.
How information contained on a document is classified, CONFIDENTIAL, PROTECTED or SECRET, will determine what shredder “Class A or Class B” it should be destroyed with.
“Class A”
A “Class A” cross cut shredder, must be used for the destruction of materiel classified at SECRET to TOP SECRET. Furthermore “Class A” shredders require a nominal cross cut particle size of 1mm x 20mm or less to meet one of several observations for “Class A” requirements of the SEG (security equipment guide).
“Class B”
For material classified at CONFIDENTIAL, PROTECTED, this is to be shredded using a “Class B” cross cut shredder. A nominal cross cut particle size of 2.3mm x 25mm or less is also necessary to meet one of several observations for “Class B” requirements of the SEG (security equipment guide).
In Summary
- Choose a reputable supplier.
- Determine the security level required (P-5, P-6, P-7)
- Due Diligence - Obtain the correct NATA test report for the brand / model/s under consideration.
- Carefully read the NATA test report supplied (SECURITY EQUIPMENT GUIDE (SEG001.1), TEST PROCEDURES) to understand the outcome of testing is actually a PASS. Why? Because test reports are also provided if the conclusion of the NATA testing has been determined as a FAIL.
Need any advice about A Class and B Class paper shredders? Contact Shredder Sales on 1800 808 880 or email info@shreddersales.com.au
