Advice to Staff - Contaminated Mail

If you discover a suspect item inside a building and you are concerned that it may contain CBR (chemical biological or radiological) material :

• If the item is still intact, DO NOT shake it, squeeze, or open it. If it is an item of mail that you are already holding, place it in a transparent, sealable plastic bag or container. If you do not have a container then cover it with anything to hand (e.g clothing, paper, waste bin) and do not remove this cover.
• Do not touch, tamper or move any suspect item elsewhere.
• Turn off all air conditioners, fans, photocopiers, printers, computers and heaters.
• Remove as much outer clothing as possible, close all windows and evacuate room; lock all doors; leave the keys in the lock.
• Place, if practicable, a clearly visible warning on the door.
• Go to an isolated room and avoid other people if you can. It is vitally important that you segregate yourself and others who may have come into contact with the suspicious package. Reassure your staff it is unlikely that they are contaminated and they will get medical treatment if required.
• Do not rub your eyes; touch your face or other people. Thoroughly wash your hands in soap and water as soon as possible. Shower facilities are preferable with replacement clothing available.
• Inform security staff or the Police by dialling 999.

If you discover a suspect item outside a building :

• Move away as far as possible against the wind from the device and let Police confirm if device is suspect or not.
• Inform security staff or the Police by dialling 999.