Safety guidelines for those receiving or handling mail at the University
In the past, questions and concerns have been raised about how mailrooms and offices should handle mail that may contain a written threat of chemical or biological material or mail that may contain some form of powder. Here are some common sense steps to take in the workplace:
First of all, be aware that the risk of contracting any disease from an envelope or package is extremely low.
In general, you may wish to do the following:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling mail.
- Do not eat around mail.
- If you have open cuts on your hands, wearing disposable gloves may be
appropriate. - Surgical masks and/or eye protection are not necessary or recommended.
If mail is received that does contain powder:
- Do not shake or empty the envelope.
- Isolate the specific area of the workplace (where the mail was received)
so that no one risks coming into contact with the envelope or disturbs the
item. - Call University Safety at ext. 4444 or the Ottawa Police at 9-911, tell
them what you have received and what you have done with it; indicate
whether the envelope contains any visible powder or if the powder was
released. - Wash your hands with warm water and soap for one minute.
- Do not allow anyone who may have touched the envelope to leave the office.
- When emergency workers arrive, they will provide instructions on what to
do next.
Characteristics of suspicious mail:
- no return address
- handwritten or poorly typed address
- incorrect titles or a title but no name
- excessive postage
- misspelled words
- postmark shows a city or province/state that does not match the return
address - strange odour
- oily stains, discoloration on wrapper
- excessive tape, string or excessive wrapping
It’s important to remember:
- Do not walk around with the letter and shake it.
- Do not open the envelope.
- Do not discard the letter.
- Do not smell or taste the powder.
- Do not panic.
For more detailed information, you can check out these websites:
City of Ottawa: ottawapublichealth.ca
Health Canada: canada.ca/en/health-canada
Department of University Safety