Most Americans will never come into contact with anthrax. Although numerous cases of exposure to anthrax through handling mail have been reported around the country, it's important to recognize that the chances for contamination are extremely low.

Still, it's helpful to know ways to further reduce the possibility of exposure. Understanding how to spot a suspicious piece of mail and what to do if one arrives makes good sense.

To this end, Westaff's Risk Management and Safety experts have put together a helpful checklist about handling mail in the workplace, particularly in a company mailroom, that includes information about what to look for and what to do if you suspect a letter or package may contain a harmful biological agent. It also includes tips about protective equipment in the mailroom and mailroom procedures.

This is not a comprehensive list. It is important to keep abreast of new information about handling mail safely. Next week, for example, the United States Postal Service will be sending out a post card to every household, post office box, and military address with more information. By using common sense and keeping informed and aware, we can help keep ourselves and our country safe.

Here are some procedures that can help avoid exposures to anthrax or other dangerous bio-chemicals:

IDENTIFYING SUSPICIOUS LETTERS OR PACKAGES

• PACKAGE or ENVELOPE - Is it expected mail? Does this item resemble "normal" correspondence?
• APPEARANCE - Is the item lopsided, extra heavy, or unusually thick? Taped? Stains? Odors? Wires?
• ORIGIN - Do you know the sender? Does the postmark match the return address? Is either missing?
• POSTAGE - Excessive or inadequate postage - especially if postage stamps are applied.
• WRITING - Is the handwriting unusual? Are any of the words or names misspelled?
• RECIPIENT - Is the article addressed to a current employee and with a correct title and department name?
• "P & C" - Call recipient to see if he/she is expecting a Personal & Confidential item from sender.

WHAT TO DO IF A SUSPICIOUS SUBSTANCE IS ENCOUNTERED

• Call your supervisor, then call local law enforcement authorities if you encounter any suspicious powder, aerosol, object or substance.
• Don't try to clean up a spill of a mysterious substance or powder. Cover it with a sheet of plastic
• The room or area's ventilation system should be turned off immediately. Close any access doors that are open.
• Don't panic in the event a suspicious item is encountered. Await directions from your supervisor or authorities.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT & SAFETY-RELATED SUGGESTIONS IN THE MAILROOM

• Employees should wear protective "surgical," latex-type gloves and long sleeves.
• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly (lather at least 30 seconds) with soap and water.
• Shower at home as soon as practical after completing assignment.
• Where possible, access doors to mailrooms should remain closed at all times to prevent others from entering.

SUGGESTED MAILROOM PROCEDURES

• Keep a log of the date and times of each person working in the mailroom.
• Set up suspended, large "quarantined items" plastic bag or seal-able container to use for any suspicious mail.
• Do not shake or empty the unknown contents of any suspicious envelopes or packages.

If you have any additional thoughts, tips or best practices for handling mail that you would like to share, please click here.