How does the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) relate to shredders and shredding?

GDPR requires organisations to apply sound security practices to all electronic and paper-based personal data with respect to its collection, storage, access and disposal. Part of the requirement is to put plans in place for what should happen in the event of a breach. Whilst electronic data security has been prioritised by many organisations for many years, the security of paper based personal data is often neglected or overlooked. Statistics indicate that around 40% of data breaches may be paper based. A clear and firm document shredding policy is required supported by robust GDPR compliance process.

All potentially sensitive information of both a personal and business nature should be disposed of securely to avoid the risk of corporate fraud, identity fraud, industrial espionage and even international espionage – for example, if you are a contractor or supplier to the government, MOD, NATO, etc. Despite a great deal of publicity and adverse headlines, even now, many organisations and individuals still throw out confidential documents without thinking of the potential consequences should the files end up in the wrong hands. Since the Data Protection Act was passed in 1998, companies are obliged to protect hard copies of information on individuals or organisations that could put that person or organisation at risk should the information become public knowledge. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of 2018 further increased the responsibility of businesses and organisations to protect the personal data of UK and EU citizens.

Why Oil Your Shredder?

All Paper Shredders need shredder oil to continue to function properly. It is very common for paper dust to build up inside of the cutting assembly. After time, this sediment can become packed together like cement. Oil serves to soften this packed dust, which allows the movement of the cutting head. The proper movement of this head will push the dust out of the paper shredder. The finer the cut the paper shredder makes, the more oil it will need. Small particle cut shredders and high security specification machines require a lot of oil. Paper shredders, as with all electromechanical equipment, will not operate efficiently unless they are properly maintained. Periodic oiling is necessary to allow the shredder to operate at maximum efficiency. Frequency of oiling will vary greatly with the volume of use and the shred size. A shredder with a 5.8mm shred width used only 1 to 2 hours per week will only require a weekly oiling. A crosscut shredder, however, should be oiled every 1/2 hour of shredding time. The procedure for oiling a shredding machine is very simple and can be done by any operator. The oil is either packaged in a squeeze bottle or in pre-impregnated sheets. Always switch the machine off at the mains point before applying liquid oil. Oil from a squeeze bottle can be applied directly onto the cutting head in a fine stream. This is done through the paper entry throat. Take 1-2 seconds to oil from one side of the opening to the other. Run the machine in reverse for about 10-15 seconds to allow the oil to transfer to all parts of the cutting head. The final step is to shred a few sheets of paper to remove any excess oil. Alternatively, impregnated shredder oil sheets can be shredded like an ordinary sheet of paper to apply the oil. Some shredders come equipped with an oil reservoir and apply the oil to the cutters automatically as it is needed. This reservoir should be topped up as and when necessary from a squeeze bottle. Shredder oil is the only lubricant which should be used on your shredder. Shredder oil is of special formulation which leaves no residue on the cutters. Other oils will attract paper dust and in turn clog the cutting head.

Huge Range of Shredders & Paper Shredders

Showing 25 - 28 of 28 products

QShred QShred Sentinel PRO3 High Performance P4 Cross Cut Shredder - 5 Year Warranty - 22 Sheet, 130 Litre Bin

Sheet Capacity - 22. Security Level - P-4. Bin size - 130L. Max. Run-time - Continuous duty. Excellent, German-made quality. State of the art technology. Ideal for high volume use in large departments, busy companies, educational environment, NHS trusts, etc. Class-leading 5-year warranty.

Price From £628.00 (Excl. Tax)

£753.60 Incl. Tax

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HSM Securio B34 P4 Cross Cut Heavy Duty Shredder - German Made - 3 Year Warranty.

HSM HSM Securio B34 P4 Cross Cut Heavy Duty Shredder - German Made - 5 Year Warranty, 1843811

Sheet Capacity - 21. Security Level - P-4. Bin size - 100L. Max. Run-time - Continuous duty. Excellent quality, very robust, German-made, heavy duty shredder. Ideal for up to 20 users. 5-year warranty.

Price From £682.00 (Excl. Tax)

£818.40 Incl. Tax

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Fellowes Fellowes Automax 550C 550 Sheet AUTO FEED Heavy Duty P4 Cross Cut Shredder - 83 Litre Bin

Sheet Capacity - 550. Security Level - P-4. Bin size - 83L. Max. Run-time - Continuous duty. Features AccuFeed Technology. Simply load it, push the button and walk away. SmartLock™ 4-digit PIN security. 3-year warranty.

Our Price £739.00 (Excl. Tax)

£886.80 Incl. Tax

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Fellowes Fellowes Automax 600M 600 Sheet AUTO FEED Heavy Duty P5 Micro Cut Shredder - 83 Litre Bin

Sheet Capacity - 600. Security Level - P-5. Bin size - 83L. Max. Run-time - Continuous duty. Features AccuFeed Technology. Simply load it, push the button and walk away. SmartLock™ 4-digit PIN security. 3-year warranty.

Our Price £786.00 (Excl. Tax)

£943.20 Incl. Tax

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