Companies receive huge amounts of mail and the delivery of an explosive/ incendiary/chemical/biological is an attractive route for a terrorist or criminal. The aim is to kill or maim or disrupt, not to cause structural damage or mass casualties.  Incidents of this nature are extremely rare; however if there is concern that a suspected package has been received sensible steps can be taken to minimise the risk and danger.

General Mail Handling - What to look for

• Look out for suspicious envelopes or packages (see below for some things that should trigger suspicion)
• Open all mail with a letter opener or other method that is least likely to disturb contents.
• Open packages/envelopes with a minimum amount of movement.
• Do not blow into envelopes.
• Do not shake or pour out contents.
• Keep hands away from nose and mouth while opening mail.
• Wash hands after handling mail.

Some items that can trigger suspicion

• Discolouration, crystals or surface, strange odours or oily stains
• Envelope with powder or powder-like residue
• Excessive tape or string.
• Unusual size or weight for its size.
• Lopsided or oddly-shaped envelope.
• Postmark that does not match return address.
• Restrictive endorsements such as “Personal” or “Confidential”
• Excessive postage.
• Hand-written, block printed or poorly typed addresses.
• Incorrect titles.
• Title but no name.
• No return address.
• Misspelling of common words.
• No return address.
• Addressed to a person who has left the authority’s employment.

General Mail Handling - What to do

• If you believe you have received a contaminated package
• Do not touch the package further or move it to another location. Especially do not put it in a bucket of water.
• Shut windows and doors in the room and leave the room, but keep yourself separate from others and available for medical examination.
• Switch off any room air conditioning/ventilation system.
• Notify your Manager clearly stating why you think it is suspicious.

Your manager should make arrangements to

• Confirm as far as possible that the suspicious package is actually worth calling out the Police and invoking emergency plans.
• Notify the police using the 999 system.
• Activate the fire alarm to evacuate the building
• Switch off building air conditioning/ventilation systems.
• Close all fire doors
• Close all windows.
• If there has been a suspected biological contamination, ensure that staff in the contaminated room are evacuated to an adjacent unoccupied room away from the hazard.
• If there has been a suspected chemical incident, ensure staff leave the room as quickly as possible. Possible signs that people have been exposed will be streaming eyes, coughs and irritated skin. Seek immediate medical advice.

Suspicious Packages - What to do

If you find a suspicious package either inside or outside a building

• Do not touch it or move it.
• Inform your manager, clearly stating why you believe it to be a suspicious package.

You manager should make arrangements to

• Notify the police using the 999 system.
• Switch of building air conditioning/ventilation systems.
• Close all fire doors.
• Close all windows.
• Move staff away from the hazard and await instructions from the emergency services.

If you believe that you have been exposed to Biological/chemical material

• Remain calm.
• Do not touch eyes, nose or any other part of your body.
• Wash your hands and any other exposed parts of your body in ordinary soap where facilities are provided, but movement outside your room should be avoided as much as possible.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke
• Notify your manager who should call the ambulance service using the 999 system.