Safety - Security - CBR Mail Checklist

CBRN safety card checklist and mail handling advice

Since the 7 July attacks in London, the Security Service and Metropolitan Police assume that any future attack will have a CBRN element until proven other wise. CBRN issues can also arise from industrial accidents, fires or spillages.

If you see an explosion or unusual smoke, mist, droplets or splashes.

Or if you see any of the following symptoms in yourself or others - leave the immediate area at once, stay upwind of any contamination source, wash face & hands and change all clothing.

 Pain, numbness or tingling of the mouth, nose and throat  Stinging, watering eyes  Difficulty breathing or swallowing  Nausea, vomiting or headache  Altered mental state, confusion etc  Rash or reddening/blistering/burning of skin  Biological exposure may take days before symptoms show, and Radiological exposure may not indicate for some years.

Seek immediate medical advice

 Follow instructions from the emergency services. Be prepared to stay in the general area to avoid spreading contamination  If indoors and safe from immediate danger follow government advise ‘Go in, stay in and tune in’. Close windows and doors. Block the bottom of doors and turn off air conditioning.  Monitor the media for information and instructions, including: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Dealingwithemergencies/Preparingforemerg encies/DG_175910  Use cold water to stop the pours in the skin opening and absorbing any contaminants. When removing clothing try not to touch the outside of them. If possible put them in a plastic bag and tie a knot to seal it.  Stay upwind of any hazard  Try to avoid breathing in any smoke or fumes  Don’t eat, drink or smoke at a CBRN incident

CBRN Mail checklist

General Mail Handling Advice

The envelope or package will have already undergone rough handling in transit, and will have been designed to reach its target intact.

 Look out for suspicious envelopes or packages  Always remain alert to the possibility of hazardous content  Explosive, incendiary and noxious substances have been more common risks in broadcasting – see CoP14 – do not open if suspected  Chemical/biological threats – see what to look for below  Always use letter opener or method least likely to disturb contents  Open envelopes/packages with minimum amount of movement  Do not blow into envelopes  Do not shake out contents  Keep hands away from nose and mouth when opening mail  Wash hands after handling mail

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 Discolouration, crystals or surface residue, strange odour or oily stains  Envelope with powder or powder like residue  Excessive tape or string  Unusual size or weight given size  Lopsided or oddly-shaped envelope  Postmark that does not match return address  Markings such as “Personal” or “Confidential”  Excessive postage  Handwritten, block-printed or poorly typed addresses  Incorrect titles  Title, but no name  Misspellings of common words  No return address  Addressed to individual no longer with organisation

What to Do – Chemical/Biological Threats

 Do not touch package further or move it to another location  Carefully replace it on the desk without disturbing contents further  Shut windows and doors and leave the room, but keep yourself separate from others and available for medical attention  Obey security staff, who may instruct you to stay within a confined area whilst awaiting medical attention, to prevent cross contamination of other people  Switch off any local air conditioning/ventilation system  Notify security or facilities management

Security/Facilities Management Actions

 Inform police via 999 reporting suspected chemical/biological incident  Shutdown air conditioning system  Close all fire doors  Close all windows in the rest of the building  Move unaffected people away from the contaminated area  Do not use Internal Shelter Areas in CBR incidents when there is no risk of explosion or when sited in Basements  Quickly move people from contaminated room to adjacent unoccupied area away from hazard to await medical attention  Keep yourself and others clear of contaminated room and people to prevent further infection

Action Upon Finding Suspect Package Outside a Building – Chemical/Biological Threats

 Do not touch or move it  Instruct others to stay clear and up wind  Inform security/facilities management stating why chemical/biological material suspected  Switch off air conditioning for nearby buildings  Windows and doors to nearby buildings must be shut  If working alone, call police via 999 reporting suspected chemical/biological hazard

Actions in Case of Contamination

 Remain calm and do not touch eyes, nose or any other parts of the body, or other people.  Wash hands in soapy water if possible, but avoid moving into uncontaminated areas  If working alone, call police via 999 stating chemical/biological hazard  Keep everyone exposed to hazard separate from others to avoid further infection and available for medical attention  Other people should assemble away from the incident and be guided by police and other emergency services

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