Sealing Material Options For Riggers
The Parachute Industry Association has released Technical Bulletin TB-266 that gives its interpretation of the FAA regulations for sealing a packed reserve container. This bulletin addressed the common use of lead seals, which are banned in some countries due to environmental and health issues.
The PIA Rigging Committee completed a review of other available materials being used outside the United States, and found these to work just as well as lead seals while satisfying 14 CFR 65.133.
14 CFR 65.133 Seal. Each certificated parachute rigger must have a seal with an identifying mark prescribed by the Administrator, and a seal press. After packing a parachute he shall seal the pack with his seal in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation for that type of parachute.
It was determined that Lead, Plastic and Paper seals will all satisfy these requirements as long as each container manufacturer approves. Read the full bulletin at this link.
Manufacturers such as UPT, SunPath and Paratec have already issued notices that these alternative sealing materials are approved.
ChutingStar has started carrying plastic seals in addition to the traditional lead seals. You can find those here: https://www.chutingstar.com/parachute-rigging-plastic-seals
The plastic seals work best with the L8 EZ Seal Press, because it takes a bit more leverage to compress the seal enough to show your seal symbol. That press is available here: https://www.chutingstar.com/l8-ez-parachute-rigger-seal-press-engraved-die
The other alternative method, which actually to me seems like the best, is with pre-printed paper/tyvek labels. These can be ordered direct with all of your info clearly printed on each label. See these two links below:
With all of these, you will continue to use the 4.75-lb red safety tie seal thread available here: https://www.chutingstar.com/parachute-rigger-red-safety-tie-seal-thread
To see all presses and available seals from ChutingStar see this link: https://www.chutingstar.com/skydive/parachute-rigging/rigger-seal-presses