ASD ISM 1221Check Printers and MFDs for Trapped Pages
Official control statement
Printers and MFDs are checked to ensure no pages are trapped in the paper path due to a paper jam.
Quoted as published. Everything else on this page is written by Control Stack.
In plain English
Printers and multifunction devices are checked to confirm no printed pages remain trapped in the paper path following a paper jam.
What this means in practice
This control ensures that when a printer or multifunction device (MFD) jams, someone checks the paper path so no printed pages are left stuck inside. Jammed pages can hold sensitive information, and if they are forgotten they may later be found or removed by someone who should not see them. Checking for and clearing any trapped pages after a jam keeps that information from being exposed.
Framework
ASD Information Security Manual (ISM)
Control effect (Control Stack)
Preventative
Classifications
NC, OS, P, S, TS
ISM last updated
Sept 2018
Control Stack last updated
29 Sept 2026
E8 maturity levels
N/A
Topic
Sanitising printers and multifunction devices
Why it matters
If trapped pages are not removed after a jam, printed sensitive information can remain inside printers and MFDs and later be exposed to unauthorised people.
Operational notes
Make the trapped-page check a standard, repeated step every time a printer or MFD jam is cleared, not a one-off task.
Implementation tips
- When clearing a jam, have staff open all trays, covers and the duplex unit to inspect the full paper path and remove any pages caught inside.
- Add a 'check for and remove trapped pages' step to your printer and MFD jam-clearing procedure and post it near each device.
- Assign facilities or IT support staff to physically inspect the paper path of each printer and MFD after every reported jam before returning it to service.
- Train all users to check for and retrieve stuck pages whenever they clear a jam, and to pass any recovered sensitive pages to the document owner or secure disposal.
- Include trapped-page checks in routine printer and MFD servicing so pages left by unreported jams are found and removed.
Audit / evidence tips
- AskAsk to see the documented procedure for clearing paper jams in printers and MFDs.Look atThe jam-clearing work instruction or standard operating procedure for printers and MFDs.GoodA current procedure that explicitly requires the full paper path to be checked and any trapped pages removed after every jam.
- AskAsk how staff are made aware of the requirement to check for trapped pages after a jam.Look atTraining records, user guidance, and notices posted at or near the devices.GoodEvidence that users and support staff have been trained and that jam-check instructions are visible at each printer and MFD.
- AskAsk who is responsible for inspecting the paper path after a jam.Look atAssigned roles or responsibilities in the procedure and any support tickets recording jam clearances.GoodA named role or team accountable for the check, with records showing they perform it after reported jams.
- AskAsk for records of paper jams and the checks carried out afterwards.Look atService logs, help-desk tickets or maintenance records for printers and MFDs.GoodLogs showing jams were resolved and the paper path confirmed clear of trapped pages.
- AskAsk to observe or walk through a paper-path check on a printer or MFD.Look atA physical inspection of a device's trays, covers and duplex unit.GoodStaff demonstrate opening the full paper path and confirm that no pages remain trapped inside.
Cross-framework mappings
How ISM-1221 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.
ISO 27001
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
layersPartially meets(1)expand_less | ||
| Annex A 7.14 | Annex A 7.14 requires verification that sensitive data is removed prior to disposal or re-use of equipment containing storage media | |
These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.
Related ASD ISM controls in Information technology equipment
See all Guidelines for information technology equipment controls, or browse the full ASD ISM library.