Anthrax Suspect Mail

Anthrax Suspect Packages
Previous procedures for the handling of suspect mail as established by the FBI on their web site have been distributed throughout the University. More recently, the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have provided additional, interim recommendations, based on updated information, for work areas handling or processing mail. This information is available on their web site at: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/DocumentsApp/Anthrax/10312001/han51.asp

At this time, given the low incidence of anthrax detection outside of the New York/New Jersey and Washington, DC areas, the use of personal protective equipment is not required or recommended for Penn State employees. However, given national concerns, individuals may choose to wear this equipment. The following additional good practices are provided for these individuals.

We are asking Human Resource Representatives and University Safety Council representatives to work together to ensure distribution of this information throughout areas of your jurisdiction.

Contact Environmental Health and Safety with additional questions at 814-865-6391.

Thomas R. Harmon
Director, University Police
Chair
University Task Force on Terrorism

Revised Mail Handling Procedures

1. Non-latex gloves* should be worn to avoid potential reactions to the latex content. Nitrile gloves (powder-free) are an acceptable alternative and provide good dexterity. These gloves are designed for single-use. Vinyl gloves are also acceptable, but may not provide the same level of dexterity.
2. Wearing cotton gloves as liners may help alleviate irritation from moisture.
3. Employees should wash their hands periodically and reduce direct contact with their hands to mouth.
4. Continue to follow guidelines for handling suspicious mail and packages:
• U. S. Post Office
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (October 12, 2001)
5. If respiratory protection is desired, it should be equivalent to Model N95*
6. Respirators should be individually-assigned, stored in plastic bags or other clean containers and not shared among users.

*Gloves and respirators are available through General Stores and scientific supply catalogues such as: VWR (http://www.vwrsp.com) and Fisher (http://www.fishersafety.com).

General stores order numbers:

• Nitrile, powder-free (small) # 606450
• Nitrile, powder-free (medium) # 606452
• Nitrile, powder-free (large) # 606454
• Nitrile, powder-free (x-large) # 606456
• Vinyl, powder-free (small) # 606470
• Vinyl, powder-free (medium) # 606472
• Vinyl, powder-free (large) # 606474
• Vinyl, powder-free (x-large) # 606476
• Cotton gloves (women's) # 606460
• Cotton gloves (men's) # 606458
• N95 particle mask # 608280

11/14/01