Suspicious Packages – A Reminder

We’ve previously covered the topic of suspicious packages in our blog, but a recent enquiry from a customer highlighted that this is an issue many overlook in the workplace.

While it may seem like a rare occurrence, being aware of and knowing how to handle a suspicious package delivered to your business is crucial. It’s essential that both you and your staff can recognise a potentially hazardous package and understand the steps to take if a risk is identified.

How do I know if a letter or package is suspicious?

In essence, you are looking for letters or packages that are not quite normal for your workplace or have been unconventionally delivered to you.

If your initial thoughts about the package are that it just doesn’t seem right, you need to ask yourself some questions about the package and make some specific observations.

• Does the letter or package have excessive postage on it?
• Are the address details hand-written and perhaps contain poorly spelt words?
• Is there no addressee for the letter or package?
• Are there specific instructions, such as “Private Mail”, “Confidential”, “Do Not X-ray” or similar written on it?
• Is the package overly secured with tape?
• Are there wires protruding from the package?
• Are there visible oily marks, or a powdery substance on the package?
• Was it delivered by a random courier or left at the front door?
• Can you smell something coming from the package or letter?

If you can answer yes to any of these questions, the package should be treated as suspicious.

What should I do with the suspicious letter or package?

If you decide that the letter or package is suspicious you should leave it where it is, tell anyone in the immediate area that you believe it to be suspicious, move them away from the area and inform your supervisor and/or the Chief Warden. Inform them of your suspicions about the package and where you have left it.

The package should be isolated and everyone else moved to a safe location. The Supervisor and/or Chief Warden will determine if the Emergency Services need to be called to investigate further.

If the letter or package is suspected to contain a powder or other similar substance you should place a waste paper bin or similar object over the letter/package to further isolate it.
Nobody should touch, move or tamper with the package pending the arrival of Emergency Services.

Contamination?

If you suspect a package contains a contaminant, isolate the handler and anyone nearby from the rest of the employees in a location by themselves, including those they’ve contacted. They should wash their hands and remain separated until emergency services arrive. Emergency services will manage their welfare when they arrive.

Inform emergency personnel immediately if anyone shows signs of distress or health issues.

Your workplace should have a response procedure for suspicious packages, if it has been assessed that this is a risk to your workplace, as part of the Workplace Emergency Plan for that facility. All employees who are front-line managing the receipt of mail and packages should be made aware of the procedures to follow in assessing any packages arriving at the workplace.

If you would like more information or information about training for managing suspicious packages please contact our friendly staff on 1300 831 694 or at [email protected]