International Vault products are manufactured to the most stringent security standards, including Health Canada’s standards for securing controlled substances as detailed in the directive on this page.
To learn more, call us today at 833-311-3132, or visit our easy-to-use contact form to request more information.
Directive on Physical Security for Controlled Substances
1 Scope and Purpose
The following guidelines are intended to establish realistic minimum security standards, for the storage of controlled substances which are flexible enough to take into consideration advances in technology, changes in the drug scene, local problems, construction materials and construction expertise. They are also intended to assist licensed dealers in their own risk assessment when designing security which best meets their needs.
Security Level 4
4.2.1. Walls
1. Cement Block
High density concrete block 15 cm (6″) thick with cores filled with type “M” mortar and reinforced as required to meet structural codes, or
2. Poured Concrete
10 cm (4″) of poured concrete (20.7 MPa (3000 lb/in2) minimum). Reinforced as required to meet structural codes.
3. Ceiling/Floor
10 cm (4″) of poured concrete (20.7 MPa (3000 lb/in2) minimum).
Reinforced as required to meet structural codes.
4.2.2. Door
1. 1.2 mm (18 gauge) hollow metal door with a 1.5 mm (16 gauge) metal frame.
2. Grouted or blocked in the area of the strike plate.
3. Locking device must penetrate the door frame at least 1.25 cm or else be a vertical throw type.
4. Not to be on a master key system.
5. Records of the issuing of combinations and keys, under the authorization of an officer in the institution, shall be maintained and be available to TPP inspectors.
Security Level 5
5.2.1. Walls
1. Cement Block
20 cm (8″) high density concrete blocks with cores filled with type “M” mortar and reinforced as required to meet structural codes, or
2. Poured Concrete
15 cm (6″) thick poured concrete (20.7 MPa (3000 lbs/in2) minimum).
Reinforced as required to meet structural codes.
3. Ceiling/Floor
15 cm (6″) thick poured concrete (20.7 MPa (3000 lbs/in2) minimum).
Reinforced as required to meet structural codes.
5.2.2. Door
1. 1.5 mm (16 gauge) hollow metal door with a 1.9 mm (14 gauge) metal frame.
2. Grouted or blocked in the area of the strike plate.
3. Locking device must penetrate the door frame at least 1.25 cm or be a vertical throw locking device.
4. Not to be on a master key system.
5. Records of the issuing of combinations and keys, under the authorization of an officer in the institution, shall be maintained and be available to TPP inspectors.
Security Level 6
6.2.1. Walls
1. Cement Block
30 cm (12″) high density cement blocks with cores filled with type “M” mortar and reinforced to meet structural codes, or
2. Poured Concrete
20 cm (8″) thick poured concrete (20.7 MPa (3000 lbs/in2) minimum).
Reinforced to meet structural codes.
3. Ceiling/Floor
20 cm (8″) thick poured concrete (20.7 MPa (3000 lbs/in2) minimum).
Reinforced to meet structural codes.
6.2.2. Door
1. Solid wooden door wrapped with 1.5 mm (16 gauge) steel and a 1.9 mm (14 gauge) metal frame.
2. Secured with an approved padlock (See Appendix E) and hasp. A multi-bolt lock system may be considered equivalent by the Bureau.
Security Level 7
7.2.1. Walls
1. Cement Block
High density concrete block wall 15 cm (6″) thick reinforced every void with N 5 (15 mm (5/8″)) deformed steel reinforcing bars. Each void filled with type “M” mortar, or
2. Poured Concrete (20.7 MPa (3000 lb/in2) minimum).
10 cm (4″) poured concrete reinforced every 20 cm (8″) with deformed steel reinforcing bars N 5 (15 mm (5/8″)) thick in both directions or reinforced using 3.5 mm (10 gauge) expanded metal mesh which has opening 5 x 2.5 cm (2″ x 1″).
3. Ceiling/floor
10 cm (4″) poured concrete (20.7 MPa (3000 lb/in2) minimum) reinforced with N 5 (15 mm (5/8″)) deformed steel reinforcing bars every 20 cm (8″) in both directions or reinforced with 3.5 mm (10 gauge) expanded metal mesh which has opening 5 x 2.5 cm (2″ x 1″).
7.2.2. Door
1. Any fire resistant bank type vault door will be acceptable. (Insulated Record Storage Vault Door).
2. Any inside escape handle attached to the door must be removed or rendered inoperable. A telephone, intercom or other type of warning device may be installed, to replace the escape handle for those instances when someone is accidentally locked inside the vault. These warning devices are not a Bureau requirement.
3. Combination lock is to be changeable, manipulation proof, possessing at least 3 tumblers and have a spy proof dial.
4. The lock combination must be stored in a secure location and changed yearly, or whenever a person knowing the combination no longer requires it.
Security Level 8
8.2.1. Walls
1. Cement Block
High density concrete block 20 cm (8″) thick reinforced with N 5 (15 mm (5/8″)) deformed steel reinforcing bars in every void. Each void is also to be filled with type “M” concrete, or
Poured Concrete (20.7 MPa (3000 lb/in2) minimum).
Poured concrete 15 cm (6″) thick and reinforced using N 5 (15 mm (5/8″)) deformed steel reinforcing bars every 8″ vertically and every 60 cm (24″) horizontally or reinforced using 3.5 mm (10 gauge) expanded metal mesh which has opening 5 cm x 2.5 cm (2″ x 1″).
2. Ceiling/Floor
Poured concrete (20.7 MPa (3000 lb/in2) minimum) 15 cm (6″) thick reinforced using N 5 (15 mm (5/8″)) deformed steel reinforcing bars every 20 cm (8″) in one direction and every 60 cm (24″) in the opposite direction or reinforced by using 3.5 mm (10 gauge) expanded metal mesh which has an opening 5 cm x 2.5 cm (2″ x 1″).
3. Floor on grade
Poured concrete (20.7 MPa (3000 lb/in2) minimum) 10 cm (4″) thick (supporting foundation for vault walls may be required).
8.2.2. Door
1. A fire resistant bank type door is acceptable providing the face plate is a minimum of 0.62 cm (1/4″) steel and the door possesses a relocking device. (Insulated Record Storage vault door).
2. Any inside escape handle attached to the door must be removed or rendered inoperable. A telephone, intercom or other type of warning device may be installed, to replace the escape handle for those instances when someone is accidentally locked inside the vault. These warning devices are not a Bureau requirement.
3. Combination lock is to be changeable, manipulation proof possessing at least 3 tumblers and have a spy proof dial.
4. The lock combination must be stored in a secure location and changed yearly, or when a person knowing the combination no longer requires it.
Security Level 9
9.2.1. Walls
1. Cement Block
High density concrete block 30 cm (12″) thick reinforced each void with N 5 (15 mm (5/8″)) deformed steel bars vertically and horizontally on each layer of blocks with steel truss block reinforcing. Each void to be filled with type “M” mortar, or
Poured Concrete (20.7 MPa (3000 lb/in2) minimum)
Poured concrete 20 cm (8″) thick reinforced with N 5 (15 mm (5/8″)) deformed steel reinforcing bars placed every 15 cm (6″) in both directions.
2. Ceiling/Floor
Poured concrete (20.7 MPa (3000 lb/in2) minimum) 20 cm (8″) thick reinforced with N 5 (15 mm (5/8″)) deformed steel reinforcing bars placed every 15 cm (6″) in both directions.
3. Floor on grade
Poured concrete (20.7 MPa (3000 lb/in2) minimum) 10 cm (4″) thick (supporting foundation for vault walls may be required).
Note: If a cage is to be used in conjunction with the vault it is preferable if it extends completely around the vault with a 0.6 metre (2′) standoff. (See 9.1.7. above). This clear area is not to be used for the storage of controlled drug preparations or oral prescription narcotics as outlined in Appendix “D”.
9.2.2. Door
1. Bank type vault door which has a minimum steel face plate of 1.25 cm (1/2″).
2. Any inside escape handle attached to the door must be removed or rendered inoperable. A telephone, intercom or other type of warning device may be installed to replace the escape handle for those instances when someone is accidentally locked inside the vault. These warning devices are not a Bureau requirement.
3. Combination lock is to be changeable, manipulation proof possessing at least 3 tumblers and have a spy proof dial.
4. The lock combination must be stored in a secure location and changed yearly, or when a person knowing the combination no longer requires it.
5. Door to have relocking device.
Security Level 10
10.2.1. Walls/Ceiling/Floor (Floor on grade)
1. Poured concrete 45 cm (18″) in thickness which should develop an ultimate compression strength of at least 20.7 MPa (3000 lb/in2) minimum.
2. Wall reinforcement requires 4 grids of N 5 (15 mm (5/8″)) deformed steel. Reinforcing rods are located on 10 cm (4″) centres in horizontal and vertical rows to form one of the required grids. If expanded steel bank vault mesh is used, 3 grids of the mesh are required. This steel mesh is to weigh 29 kg/in2 (6 lb/ft2) per grid and to have a diamond pattern of 7.5 cm x 20 cm (3″ x 8″).
3. Grids are to be located not less than 10 cm (4″) apart and shall be staggered in each direction.
4. Due to the weight of the walls/ceiling a supporting foundation may be required.
Note: The above is an indication of the minimum security required for this level. A laminate type of vault using steel and poured concrete/cement blocks may be considered by the Bureau to be equivalent to the above vault.
Note: A cage is to be used in conjunction with this vault and will extend completely around the vault with a 0.6 mm (2′) standoff.(see 10.1.3. (i) and 10.1.7. above) . This clear area is not to be used for the storage of controlled drug preparations or oral prescription narcotics as outlined in Appendix D.
10.2.2. Door
1. Minimum of 2.5 cm (1″) steel on the face of this force resistant type door.
2. Any inside escape handle attached to the door must be removed or rendered inoperable. A telephone, intercom or other type of warning device may be installed, to replace the escape handle for those instances when someone is accidentally locked inside the vault. These warning devices are not a Bureau requirement.
3. Combination lock is to be changeable and manipulation proof with at least 3 tumblers and equipped with a spy proof dial.
4. The lock combination is to be stored in a secure location and changed yearly, or when a person knowing the combination no longer requires it.
5. Door to have relocking device.
Security Level 11
11.2.1 . Walls/Ceiling/Floor (Floor on Grade)
1. Indicate the location of the vault within the building.
2. Describe the material used in construction of the vault,
1. Type of vault – poured concrete or cement block or laminate construction.
2. Wall thickness.
3. Grade of cement used – 13.8 MPa (2000 p.s.i), 20.7 MPa (3000 p.s.i) etc.
4. Reinforcing material used in walls, floor and ceiling. Indicate the gauge of the reinforcing rods and at what intervals they are placed.
3. If a laminate type vault is to be used, describe the construction. A laminate type vault utilizes a variety of building materials sandwiched together (i.e. plywood, steel mesh, polycarbonate, etc.).
11.2.2. Door
1. Please describe the door to be used and also indicate the manufacturer and the model.
2. Indicate the thickness of the steel face plate of the door.
3. Describe the type of combination lock to be used on the vault door. See the full version of Health Canada Directive of Physical Security Requirements for Controlled Substances.