SECURITY CONTAINERS "Security containers are primarily used to store classified documents, components, materials, and equipment. In many cases they are also used to secure funds, valuables, communications equipment, weapons,and controlled substances. Department of Defense (DoD) Regulation 5200.1R states that weapons or sensitive items such as funds, jewels, precious metals, or drugs must never be stored in the same container used to store classified information. Storage of such items with classified information greatly increases the risk of compromising the classified material. Security containers approved for classified material storage are tested and certified by the General Services Administration (GSA). This assures a specific minimum level of protection against specified methods of unauthorized entry." (DOD user's guide UG-2045-SHR) "GSA labels are affixed to the front exterior surface of the control drawer so that they will be clearly visible when the container is closed and locked." (DOD user's guide UG-2045-SHR)      If a GSA container is missing the GSA label on the exterior is it no longer GSA qualified and the container needs to be re-inspected. Other factors may warrant an inspection of a GSA container, such as a modification that needs to be addressed.   About 60% percent of work that David does, is inspecting, re-certification, opening, repairing, servicing, GSA containers and vaults throughout Southern California. As an inspector David can make the following repairs on a container: Replacing a failed part on a container with a surplus part. Welding per 809a  Servicing the suspension.  Re-certification of a container. Adjusting the drawers to close and latch properly. Repairing the bolt work.  Painting the container.   MODIFICATIONS In regards to modifying a GSA Container, a modification may be interpreted as: welding a hasp, drilling holes, welding flanges, repairing a container improperly, opening a container improperly, adding to the container or taking away from the container that was not on the original construction. A brass plate can be found on some older GSA containers, the plate has two rivets that are drilled into the container, the GSA container is now modified. From the DOD Lock Program: "AA-F-358H 4.5.5.1 Changes in construction or drawings. Once a product has been tested and approved for QPL (quality products list), no subsequent change of any kind shall be made in its construction or in the construction drawings unless prior written authorization to make a change is obtained by the manufacturer from the Federal Supply Service, General Services Administration. This container has the brass plate attached to the control drawer, if another control drawer cover is located the container could be restored, if no other problems are found. The exception to this rule is the opening procedure, for a GSA container that is covered under Federal Standard 809a 4.2.1.   This is a typical HHM contract label, from 1960, with a model number of SRF 60-5. The protection label with a Fed Spec AA-F-357b, for a class 2 cabinet and a patent label. All three are located inside of the container.