Spoornet adds armed escorts to in-transit risk control

New locking mechanisms on the planning boards SPOORNET HAS put in place a range of security initiatives designed to close all loopholes and protect its customersÕ goods. Valuable and sensitive commodities are now escorted by armed guards from point of departure to point of arrival, while a total yard container security initiative includes surveillance cameras, perimeter fencing and access control, says SpoornetÕs general manager, restructuring and joint venture, Harry Mashele. Next on the roster is surveillance cameras in Durban (Kings Rest and Bayhead) to be followed by Pretoria. The ÔBathtubÕ project, introduced last year, led the way, and 70% of containers on rail have now been converted, says Mashele. This involves fitting plates to the wagons that make it impossible to open the doors while the container is on the wagon. This does impact some operations, he says, as special forklifts are needed to lift the container. The door-to-door concept has also made inroads. Where there are insufficient bathtub wagons, 6m containers are placed with doors facing each other to prevent them from being opened en route. There is also physical monitoring of containers en route. Other less visible initiatives are also proving their worth, says Mashele. These include improved communication among Spoornet role players and deployment of personnel in Ôhot spotÕ areas. The police force is playing a valuable joint operational role, and investigation of suspicious claims is proving far more successful. New locking mechanisms are currently being devised for three metre containers, while serious attention is being focused on the monitoring of exposed containers en route. Asset Protection Unit personnel have been issued with unique seals for sealing en route. This will help to identify where containers have been opened, and so assist in the subsequent investigation.