The Security Construction and Equipment Committee (SCEC) is a standing interdepartmental committee responsible for the evaluation of security equipment for use by Australian Government departments and agencies.

The SCEC Approved Locksmith maintains mechanical and digital combination locks fitted to SCEC Approved containers. SCEC also recommends approved Locksmiths are used to fit locks and associated hardware to doors and windows of certain Australian Government security zones. They must also have met high standards of integrity, honesty, and confidentiality required of personnel working for or on behalf of the Australian Government.

The Process

First, the site has a risk assessment carried out by a Department Security Advisor or a SCEC consultant. The Adviser or Consultant will rate the site and provide a scope of works to bring the site up to the appropriate security level. This scope is passed on to a SCEC Endorsed Locksmith for action.

Protective Security Advice

ASIO-T4 provides an ongoing specific advisory service for Government clients, on how best to protect their people, information, and physical assets. This advice is tailored to address individual and specific requirements.

SCEC Equipment Ratings

Security Level (SL) ratings apply a “Good, Better, Best” philosophy to security products, with SL4 being the most secure to SL1 the least secure. The following includes a brief description of the risk profile associated with each security level:

SL4 – High Risk – Attackers are expected to have a professional level of ability to resource and implement a physical/technical attack in detail. Attackers will have a high level of expertise and will be equipped with specialist tools and equipment. Products classified at this level will offer substantial resistance against a large range of specialist attack methods for extended periods.

SL3 – Medium Risk – Attackers are expected to be highly capable of using a comprehensive range of non-specialist tools and equipment at their disposal. Products classified at this level will offer moderate resistance to a range of specialist attack methods for reasonable periods.

SL2 – Low to Medium Risk – Attackers are expected to have limited knowledge, and will have a general range of non-specialist tools and equipment. Products classified at this level will offer moderate resistance against non-specialist attacks for limited periods.

SL1 – Low Risk – Attackers are expected to have little knowledge and only the most basic tools or equipment. Products classified at this level will offer minor resistance against any attacks for very short periods.

It should be noted that depending on the assigned security level, “Security” relates not to just the locks, but to the entire surrounding infrastructure. Items such as doors, door frames, hinges, walls, ceilings, air-conditioning ducting, alarms, and audited access control, are often included as part of the required upgrade works.

Once the scope of works has been established and provided, a specially licensed SCEC Locksmith can now provide and install the required door hardware for you.

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.

Independent’s SCEC Team

At Independent we have four SCEC Approved Locksmith Technicians as well as our GM of Locksmiths, Sean McGovern. This team gives professional advice on the installation of SCEC-endorsed security products and adheres to strict SCEC installation requirements.

Advice may include perimeter security, access control measures, CCTV, alarm systems, locks, and other door hardware, advice on the construction of new buildings, security zone construction, guarding arrangements, security audits, and administrative and personnel security.

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. As this is such a highly specialised area, we work with clients on a detailed scope of works to ensure all security requirements are met.