Mail Handing Procedures

The reports regarding individuals exposed to the anthrax bacteria have raised our consciousness regarding the potential for contact with this disease or other contaminants. We have been advised that the chance of exposure to anthrax is remote; however, we are taking this matter very seriously and believe it important to afford you reasonable assurance of safety. With that in mind, we wish to provide you with information regarding actions which have been implemented to minimize the chance of exposure. We also wish to provide directions for how to respond in the unlikely instance of receiving a contaminated letter or package.

1) The United States Postal Service currently employs a screening process in its mail handling procedures. Suspicious letters and packages are screened and removed from circulation as part of normal business procedures. Additionally, the mail is screened for suspicious letters and packages, prior to campus distribution, by University Postal Services. For additional information regarding suspicious mail and anthrax risks, please refer to the following four web sites: from the United States Postal Service, the New Jersey Department of Health, the New York Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control:

2) Office supervisors are advised to review these guidelines and exercise common sense, good judgement and care in assessing office operation procedures and initiating training. Additional information regarding training can be obtained from the Office of Human Resources.

3) As a result of the increased efforts to scrutinize mail, we expect that processing of deliveries will be impacted. We suggest supervisory personnel carefully review the potential for utilizing electronic information and transaction systems and where applicable and appropriate utilize that medium in lieu of transmitting paper documents.

Please be guided by the following protocols in dealing with suspicious mail. If you encounter an envelope or package that is suspected of contamination, do not open it. Do not show it to others. Immediately contact Public Safety at 2301. Isolate the general area and move away from the material. If you open an envelope or package that appears to contain a suspicious material, do not panic. Contact Public Safety at 2301 immediately. Move away from the material and do not permit anyone else to approach it. Limit what items you touch. Please familiarize yourself with these procedures and assess situations before acting. Demonstrate control, exercise efforts to maintain order, calm and composure. If you have questions about any aspect of this information, please call Raj Vohra at 2144. Thank you. Your cooperation and assistance are appreciated.