GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING MAIL

IF YOU RECEIVE A LETTER OR NOTE THREATENING BIOLOGICAL  the risk of contracting any disease from an envelope is extremely low; however, general awareness of suspicious mail is appropriate. The following has been provided by the United States Postal Service.

General Precautions:

• Wash your hands before and after you handle mail.
• Latex gloves may be appropriate, especially if you have cuts or skin lesions on your hands.
• Do not smoke, eat or drink around mail.

 Safety Guidelines:

If a letter is received that contains powder or a written threat:

• Do not panic

• Do not shake, empty, walk around, or discard the envelope.

• Do not touch, smell or taste the powdery contents.

• Isolate the specific area of the workplace where the envelope was opened and make sure no one disturbs the area.
• It is NOT necessary to evacuate the entire workplace at this point.
• Contact Security at extension 5000 immediately and provide information concerning the incident.
• Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least one minute.

• Do not allow anyone to leave the area who may have also touched the envelope and advise them to wash their hands as well.

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