Use Clear Plastic for Shared Facility Cabling Covers
In shared spaces, use clear plastic for cables on ceilings, floors, and walls to ensure visibility.
Plain language
In shared spaces like offices or schools, using clear plastic to cover the cables on walls, floors, and ceilings is important. This makes it easy to see if anything is wrong with the cables or if they've been tampered with. If you can't see these cables, it could lead to safety hazards or important data being at risk without you even knowing.
Framework
ASD Information Security Manual (ISM)
Control effect
Preventative
Classifications
NC, OS, P, S, TS
ISM last updated
Nov 2021
Control Stack last updated
19 Mar 2026
E8 maturity levels
N/A
Section
Cabling infrastructureOfficial control statement
In shared facilities, conduits or the front covers of ducts, cable trays in floors and ceilings, and associated fittings are clear plastic.
Why it matters
Using clear plastic covers for cabling in shared spaces deters tampering and quickly reveals damage, protecting data integrity and operational continuity.
Operational notes
Regularly inspect clear plastic duct/conduit covers and fittings in shared areas for cracks, looseness or tampering; replace opaque or damaged sections promptly.
Implementation tips
- The facility manager should coordinate the installation of clear plastic covers for all visible wiring in common areas. They can work with a cable management or facilities services company to ensure these covers are installed correctly and meet any safety standards.
- IT support staff should regularly inspect the covered cables to ensure they remain visible and intact. This can be done by walking through shared spaces weekly and checking that nothing is obstructing the clear covers.
- Procurement officers should source high-quality clear plastic covers that are durable and comply with safety regulations. They should contact reputable suppliers, request samples, and check that the covers are transparent and sturdy.
- Building maintenance should clean the clear covers periodically to ensure they remain transparent. This involves wiping them down using a non-abrasive cleaner, preventing dust or grime from making cables harder to see.
- School principals or office managers should train staff on why clear cable covers are used and how to report if they notice any tampering or damage. Regular meetings or briefings can help reinforce the importance of maintaining these covers.
Audit / evidence tips
- AskThe procurement records of the clear plastic covers used for cable management GoodIncludes documentation showing these meet safety standards and are truly clear plastic
- AskInspection logs kept by facility staff or IT personnel GoodIncludes frequent and consistent inspection records
- GoodIs a cleaning schedule that ensures covers remain transparent and effective
- GoodIncludes comprehensive material indicating staff are aware of their roles
- GoodShows all covers are transparent and well maintained
Cross-framework mappings
How ISM-1164 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.
ISO 27001
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
| layers Partially meets (3) expand_less | ||
| Annex A 7.3 | ISM-1164 mandates a specific physical design choice in shared facilities: using clear plastic covers/trays/fittings to ensure cable pathw... | |
| Annex A 7.5 | ISM-1164 requires clear plastic cable containment in shared facilities to improve visibility and make concealed physical interference wit... | |
| Annex A 7.12 | ISM-1164 requires that, in shared facilities, cable conduits/duct front covers, floor and ceiling cable trays, and associated fittings ar... | |
These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.