JBF FLASH Media Shredders

Flash memory is an electronic (solid-state) non-volatile computer storage medium, using integrated circuit assemblies as memory that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. A solid-state drive (SSD) uses FLASH or DRAM (dynamic random access memory) memory and has no moving mechanical components. This distinguishes it from conventional electromechanical drives such as hard disk drives (HDDs) or floppy disks, which contain spinning disks and movable read/write heads. Compared with electromechanical drives, SSDs are typically much smaller, more resistant to physical shock, run silently, have quicker access time and lower latency. FLASH memory is used in thumb or pen drives, in SD or smart or SIM cards, smart phones, tablets, SSD-drives ...

In comparison with paper printouts, each SSD or FLASH memory – independent from its storage capacity – contains an enormous amount of information. This can be private, business or confidential information. When FLASH or SSD media are taken out of service, because storage demand exceeds its capacity, because the device it is sitting in is sold or returned to the lease company, or because it is not working any more, the contained data shall or have to be deleted properly to comply with applicable data security regulations. As long as the device is still working, this can be done with certified overwriting tools, which is, however, a long winded process and thus - for economic reasons or for maximum security - shredding is the preferred method anyway. For damaged or non-operating devices shredding is the only option for secure data deletion. Unlike magnetic media like HDD ́s and magnet tapes, FLASH media cannot be degaussed to erase data, so this technology can ́t be used.

Because of the small size of FLASH memory chips, shredding standards require shredding to very small particles. For private and commercial data DIN 66399 gives advice on required destruction levels, depending on the applicable security level. Governmental institutions, armed forces and central intelligence have specific standards (NATO-SDIP, CPNI, NSA,...). For lower and medium security levels single shredding of the media is sufficient, as found in JBF models 16/35 FLASH, HD 15/40 Office FLASH and HD 38/50 FLASH. Higher security levels require smaller particle sizes, which cannot be generated within a single shredding process. This can be achieved by combining the shredder with a sizing screen, like at JBF 16/35 FLASH and HD 38/50 FLASH. Here, a screen underneath the cutting unit lets small particles pass through its holes and keeps all larger particles within the cutting unit for further size reduction. The machines can be fitted with different screens and thus be adapted to various or changing security levels within short.

Health & Safety: 

Depending on the shredding material various substances may be set free during the shredding process. Following official guidelines of the German professional organisation for electronic scrap recycling, workers shall not eat, drink and smoke in the room, where the shredder is placed and also pregnant workers shall not operate it or work in the room where it is placed. Further provisions are not required in this guideline. JBF suggests to check if deviating local regulations apply.

Disposal & Recycling: 

JBF suggests to check if local regulations for treatment of electronic scrap and media apply.

Batteries: 

It is strongly recommended to remove any batteries from media or electronic devices before shredding. Do not damage or break the batteries and seal the contacts with adhesive tape to avoid a short circuit, all of this might – especially with the popular Lithium-Ion batteries – cause an explosion or combustion of the battery. When a removal is not possible, JBF strongly recommends to survey the collecting bin during shredding and store the shredded material outside of the building and out of harm ́s way of buildings. Based on experience shreds might start burning even hours or days after shredding.