International Mail

IMM REVISION

International Mail - Labeling of International Priority Airmail (IPA)

Effective March 1, 2001, Exhibits 292.462 and 292.465 in the International Mail Manual (IMM) are being revised to reflect a change in the labeling instructions for International Priority Airmail (IPA) items that originate at certain three- digit ZIP Code locations. These revisions will be incorporated into both the printed version of IMM Issue 25 and the online IMM, which can be accessed via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

International Mail Manual (IMM)

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2 Conditions for Mailing

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290 Commercial Services

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292 International Priority Airmail Service

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292.4 Preparation Requirements for Individual Items

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292.46 Sacking Requirements

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292.462 Mixed Direct Country Package Sacks

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Exhibit 292.462 Labeling of IPA Mail to USPS
Exchange Offices

[Incorporate the revised routing instruction that is cited below. All other line entries in Exhibit 292.462 are unchanged.]

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292.465 Preparation Requirements for Canada

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Exhibit 292.465 Canadian Labeling Information

[Incorporate the revised routing instruction that is citedbelow. All other line entries in Exhibit 292.465 areunchanged.]

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- International Marketing, International Business, 2-8-01

CLARIFICATION

International Mail Rates

The published rates in International Mail Manual Issue 24 (January 2001) include rate charts for books and sheet music, as well as rates for publishers' periodicals. These rates are not to be used for single-piece mailings at retail counters. Customers who wish to mail books, sheet music, or publishers' periodicals at retail counters can use Letter- Post, Parcel Post, M-Bag, or expedited mail services where available.

See IMM 294 for the conditions of mailing for publishers' periodicals, and see IMM 295 for the conditions of mailing for books and sheet music

- International Marketing,International Business, 2-8-01

IMM REVISION

International Mail - Global Package Link

Effective April 1, 2001, Global Package Link service is eliminated. As a consequence, PS Form 3654, Postage Statement - Global Package Link - Permit Imprint, is obsolete.

These revisions will be incorporated into both the printed version of IMM Issue 25 and the online IMM, which can be accessed via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

International Mail Manual (IMM)

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6 Special Programs

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[Delete 620. Renumber 630 as 620. Revise heading of new 620 as follows:]

620 Prequalified Wholesaler Program

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Individual Country Listings

[Delete the heading "Global Package Link (620)" and all relevant information in the Individual Country Listings for Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.]

- International Marketing,International Business, 2-8-01

ICM UPDATE

International Customized Mail

On December 19, 2000, the United States Postal Service (USPS) amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated May 19, 2000. The Agreement was published in Postal Bulletin 22006 (6-15-00). The Amendment modifies the Agreement to clarify the language allowing a renegotiation of rates upon an increase in costs of providing the service, and to provide an extension to the existing Agreement. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service previously announced entering into an International Customized Mail Service Agreement with this qualifying mailer and hereby makes public the following information regarding this Amendment:

a. Term: May 12, 2000, through December 31, 2003.

b. Type of mail: Other terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

c. Destination countries: Other terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: Other terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

e. Minimum volume commitment: Other terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

f. Worksharing: Other terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

g. Rates: The USPS reserves the right to renegotiate these ICM rates in the event that USPS costs for Qualifying Mail increase in excess of five (5) percent including a change of postal rates in the destination country.

- International Business, 2-8-01

ICM UPDATE

International Customized Mail

On December 19, 2000, the United States Postal Service (USPS) amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated May 31, 2000. The Agreement was published in Postal Bulletin 22027 (6-29-00). The Amendment modifies the Agreement to clarify the language allowing a renegotiation of rates upon an increase in cost of providing the ICM service, to modify the postage rates for International Priority Airmail Service, and to provide an extension to the existing Agreement. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service previously announced entering into an International Customized Mail Service Agreement with this qualifying mailer and hereby makes public the following information regarding this Amendment:

a. Term: May 12, 2000, through December 31, 2003.

b. Type of mail: Other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

c. Destination country: Other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: Other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

e. Minimum volume commitments: Other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

f. Worksharing: Other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

g. Rates: The USPS reserves the right to renegotiate these ICM rates in the event that the volume distribution among the destination countries varies by more than ten (10) percent or USPS costs for providing the service for Qualifying Mail increase in excess of five (5) percent, including a change in postal rates in the destination country.

Mailer will receive a five (5) percent discount off of nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing for IPA Qualifying Mail.

- International Business, 2-8-01

ICM UPDATE

International Customized Mail

On December 19, 2000, the Postal Service (USPS) entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a qualifying mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the USPS hereby makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2004.

b. Type of mail: International Surface Air Lift Service (ISAL), and International Priority Airmail Service (IPA). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for Qualifying Mail.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to:

1. Furnish Mailer, or Mailing Agent, with the equipment and supplies necessary for the use of Qualifying Mail.

2. Provide Mailer, or Mailing Agent, with the preparation requirements for Qualifying Mail and any training necessary to prepare Qualifying Mail in conformity with Postal Service requirements.

3. Transport Qualifying Mail to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authority.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to tender a minimum of $10 million in annual postage in each calendar year beginning on the effective date of this Agreement and ending on the first anniversary of that date.

1. At least ninety-nine (99) percent of IPA Qualify- ing Mail in drop shipments to the appropriate locations.

2. At least ninety-nine (99) percent of ISAL Qualifying Mail in drop shipments to the appropriate locations.

3. No more than one (1) percent of IPA and ISAL Qualifying Mail to other postal facilities at the national rate or full service rate as appropriate.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Provide the USPS with notification of intent to drop ship mail at a specific International Service Center (ISC) two weeks before the initial shipment to that ISC.

2. Provide the USPS with notification of new dedicated permit numbers two weeks in advance of using the new dedicated permit numbers.

3. Provide the appropriate USPS acceptance sites with projections of mailing to include the intended date of mailing, weight, and volume of the mailings.

g. Rates: To pay postage:

1. For IPA and ISAL Qualifying Mail at a rate discounted at fifteen (15) percent off of nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing.

2. If Mailer does not tender at least $10 million in actual postage on an annualized basis, the Mailer must reimburse the USPS the amount of the additional discount it received above the discount earned subject to this Agreement in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

- International Business, 2-8-01

ICM UPDATE

International Customized Mail

On December 20, 2000, the United States Postal Service (USPS) amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated July 7, 1999. The Agreement was published in Postal Bulletin 22021 (4-6-00). The Amendment provides an extension to the existing Agreement. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service previously announced entering into an International Customized Mail Service Agreement with this qualifying mailer and hereby makes public the following information regarding this Amendment:

a. Term: July 7, 2000, through January 31, 2003.

b. Type of mail: Other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

c. Destination country: Other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: Other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

e. Minimum revenue commitment: Other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

f. Worksharing: Other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

g. Rates: In the event USPS costs to provide these services increase in excess of five (5) percent, the USPS reserves the right to notify the Mailer and re- negotiate rates.

- International Business, 2-8-01

Philately

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-15

Official Mail Stamp and Stamped Envelope

The Postal Service will issue a 34-cent Official Mail stamp in a coil of 100 (Item Number 778800) and a#10 stamped envelope (Item Number 218200) in Washington, DC 20066, on February 27, 2001. The stamp and stamped envelope, designed by Bradbury Thompson, go on sale nationwide February 28, 2001.

How to Purchase the Stamps and Stamped Envelope

Official Mail stamps and stationery items are authorized for use only by official branches of the U.S. government. They may be purchased for stamp collecting purposes only, by telephone at 1 800 STAMP-24 or by mail from:

DEPT 7231
STAMP FULFILLMENT SERVICES
PO BOX 7247
PHILADELPHIA PA 19101-9014

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamps and/or stamped envelopes by mail from the above address, affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them, along with a larger self-addressed stamped envelope, in a still larger envelope addressed to:

OFFICIAL MAIL STAMP
POSTMASTER
900 BRENTWOOD RD NE
WASHINGTON DC 20066-9991

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by March 29, 2001.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and postal stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Distribution: 34-Cent Official Mail Stamp, Water-Activated Gum (WAG) Coil of 100,
Item 778800

Only Stamp Distribution Offices (SDOs) designated to accept penalty mail requisitions from authorized government agencies will receive an automatic distribution of Item 778800. Only those designated SDOs may distribute the new official mail stamp to authorized government agencies that submit PS Form 17-G, Penalty Mail Stamp Requisition.

Additional Supply

Only designated SDOs may order Item 778800 from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) using PS Form 3356, Stamp Requisitioning-Bulk Quantities.

Philatelic Requirement

This Official Mail coil of 100 will not be made available to Philatelic Centers for customer sale. Only the SFS will offer this stamp for sale to collectors via mail order from USA Philatelic catalog.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products associated with these items.

Distribution: Item 218200, Official Mail Envelope

SDOs will not receive an automatic distribution for the Official Mail envelope. This envelope will be distributed to the First Day City and SFS only.

Additional Supply

SDOs requiring bulk quantities of envelopes should submit PS Form 3205, Requisition for Plain Envelopes, to:

STAMP FULFILLMENT SERVICES
PO BOX 219178
KANSAS CITY MO 64179-0988

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 2-8-01

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-16

Nine-Mile Prairie Stamp

The Postal Service will issue a 70-cent Nine-Mile Prairie international postcard rate stamp (Item Number 561400) in Lincoln, NE 68501, on March 6, 2001. The stamp, designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, MD, and based on a photograph by Michael Forsberg of Lincoln, NE, goes on sale nationwide March 7, 2001. There is no ceremony.

Nine-Mile Prairie is located five miles west and four miles north of Lincoln, Nebraska. These 230 acres of tallgrass prairie, 210 of which have never been plowed, are preserved for teaching, research, and nature study. The stamp art is a color photo described by the photographer, Michael Forsberg, as "six-foot-high big bluestem...laid out over the rolling countryside" of Nine-Mile Prairie. Forsberg took the photograph in October 1996. Text along the bottom of the stamp reads "Nine-Mile Prairie, Nebraska."

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamps at their local post office, affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

NINE-MILE PRAIRIE STAMP
POSTMASTER
700 R ST
LINCOLN NE 68501-9991

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by April 5, 2001.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and postal stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered

in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products associated with this stamp.

Distribution

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive three- quarters of their standard automatic distribution quantities for the 20 stamps-per-pane issue. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (40,000 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will not make an automatic distribution to post offices. To obtain an initial supply, post offices must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices before February 28, 2001.

Additional Supply

Post offices requiring additional stamps must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers will receive an automatic distribution of these stamps in nine positions for subsequent distribution to each philatelic window.

Sales Policy

All post offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new commemorative stamp as long as customer demand exists, until inventory is depleted, or until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, post offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 2-8-01

CORRECTION

Stamp Announcement 01-09 - Community Colleges Stamped Card (Items 217800, 217900, 268300, and 268500)

The following is a correction to the technical details for the image size on the Community Colleges stamped card in Postal Bulletin 22042 (1-25-01, pages 57-60).

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 2-8-01

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-17

Apple and Orange Definitive Stamps

The Postal Service will issue 34-cent Apple and Orange definitive stamps in a convertible booklet (Item Number 669600) in Lincoln, NE 68501, on March 6, 2001. The stamps, designed and illustrated by Ned Seidler of Hampton Bays, NY, go on sale nationwide March 7, 2001. There is no ceremony.

The Postal Service selects familiar fruits - an apple and an orange - for these first-class stamps, which will be issued for general mail use. The stamp art by Ned Seidler continues the theme of his earlier illustrations for the Peaches and Pears (1995) and the Fruit Berries (1999) stamps.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamps at their local post office, affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

APPLE AND ORANGE DEFINITIVE STAMPS
POSTMASTER
700 R ST
LINCOLN NE 68501-9998

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by April 5, 2001.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and postal stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or

writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products associated with these stamps.

Distribution: Item 669600

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive three distributions of the $6.80 Apple and Orange booklet of 20 for their automatic distribution quantities. The first distribution will end February 21, 2001; the second will end March 31, 2001; and the third will end June 5, 2001. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (4,000 booklets).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to post offices for one-quarter of their standard automatic distribution quantities using PS Form 3309, Advice of Shipment/Stamp Invoice, and PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices before February 28, 2001.

Additional Supply

Post offices requiring additional stamps must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamps must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17.

Sales Policy

All post offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new booklet as long as customer demand exists, until inventory is depleted, or until the booklet is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, post offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 2-8-01

CORRECTION

Pictorial Cancellation in Postal Bulletin 22038

The December 9, 2000, pictorial cancellation for the Springfield Armory Station in Springfield, MA 01101-9998 (Postal Bulletin 22038, 11-30-00), is not available due to cancellation of the event by the Armory and the National Park Service. The Postal Service is sorry for the inconvenience to our customers.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 2-8-01

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-18

Diabetes Awareness Stamp

The Postal Service will issue a 34-cent Diabetes Awareness commemorative stamp (Item Number 450500) in Boston, MA 02205, on March 16, 2001. The stamp, designed by Richard Sheaff of Scottsdale, AZ, and illustrated by James Steinberg of Amherst, MA, goes on sale nationwide March 16, 2001.

The Postal Service is continuing a tradition of raising public awareness of health and social issues with this stamp. About 16 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, and about one-third of them are unaware that they have this chronic disease.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamps at their local post office, affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

DIABETES AWARENESS COMMEMORATIVE STAMP
POSTMASTER
PO BOX 9696
BOSTON MA 02205-9991

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by April 16, 2001.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and postal stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or

writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products associated with this stamp.

Distribution

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) and stamp distribution networks (SDNs) will receive one-half of their standard automatic distribution quantities for this 20 stamps-per-pane issue. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (40,000 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to post offices for one-half of their standard automatic distribution quantities using PS Form 3309, Advice of Shipment/Stamp Invoice, and PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices before March 8, 2001.

Additional Supply

Post offices requiring additional stamps must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamps must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17.

For filling supplemental orders, the San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington APDs will each receive an additional 1,400,000 stamps; the Denver APD will receive 600,000; the Memphis APD will receive 760,000; and the New York APD will receive 1,800,000.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers will receive an automatic distribution of these stamps in nine positions for subsequent distribution to each philatelic window.

Sales Policy

All post offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new commemorative stamp as long as customer demand exists, until inventory is depleted, or until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, post offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 2-8-01

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-19

Farm Flag Definitive Stamp

The Postal Service will issue a 34-cent Farm Flag definitive stamp in a self-adhesive pane of 20 (Item Number 561000) in Lincoln, NE 68501, on March 6, 2001. The stamp, designed by Richard Sheaff of Scottsdale, AZ, and illustrated by Hiro Kimura of Brooklyn, NY, goes on sale nationwide March 7, 2001. There is no ceremony.

The stamp art - a painting by Hiro Kimura - depicts his vision of the classic American farm. Barns, silos, and other outbuildings are clustered on the horizon behind a neatly furrowed field. The stars and stripes of the U.S. flag appear in the foreground.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamps at their local post office, affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FARM FLAG DEFINITIVE STAMP
POSTMASTER
700 R ST
LINCOLN NE 68501-9991

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is

no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by April 5, 2001.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and postal stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products for this stamp.

Distribution: Item 561000, PSA Pane of 20

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive three distributions of the denominated pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) Farm Flag. The first distribution will end February 22, 2001; the second will end April 19, 2001; and the third will end May 10, 2001. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (70,000 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will not make a subsequent automatic distribution to post offices. To obtain an initial supply of Item 561000, post offices must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices before February 26, 2000.

Additional Supply

Post offices requiring additional supplies of Item 561000 must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs requiring additional supplies of Item 561000 must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17.

For filling supplemental orders, San Francisco, CA, Chicago, IL, Memphis, TN, Washington, DC, and New York, NY, will receive 700,000 stamps, and Denver, CO, will receive 140,000 stamps.

Philatelic Requirement

Post offices with authorized philatelic centers must order them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 2-8-01

Distribution Information for Stamp Announcement 01-02 - Statue of Liberty

The following distribution information is for Postal Bulletin 22041 (1-11-01).

Distribution: Item 773700, 34-Cent Statue of Liberty Definitive Stamp, Water-Activated Gum (WAG) Coil of 3,000

Item 773700 will be automatically distributed to Stamp Distribution Offices (SDOs). Distributions are rounded to the nearest master carton size (64 coils).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

Item 773700 will not be automatically distributed to post offices. Authorized CAG A-G post offices must order this item from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) using PS Form 3356, Stamp Requisitioning-Bulk Quantities. All other post offices requiring quantities of this item must order them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices before February 1, 2001.

Additional Supply

SDOs, and authorized CAG A-G post offices requiring additional coils must requisition Item 773700 from the BEP using PS Form 3356. All other post offices requiring additional quantities must order them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17.

Philatelic Requirement

Philatelic Centers requiring these 3,000 stamp coils must order them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17.

Distribution: Item 773800, 34-Cent Statue of Liberty Definitive Stamp, Water-Activated Gum (WAG) Coil of 10,000

Item 773800 will not be automatically distributed to SDOs. Accountable Paper Depositories (APDs) and Stamp Service Centers (SSCs) will receive a small quantity of this item to be used as a source for emergency requisitioning. SDOs may order Item 773800 from the BEP using PS Form 3356. Distributions are rounded to the nearest master carton size (20 coils).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

Item 773800 will not be automatically distributed to post offices. Authorized CAG A-G post offices must order this item from the BEP using PS Form 3356. All other post offices requiring quantities of this item must order them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices before February 1, 2001.

Additional Supply

SDOs, and authorized CAG A-G post offices requiring additional coils must requisition Item 773800 from the BEP using PS Form 3356. All other post offices requiring additional quantities must order them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 2-8-01

Distribution Information for Stamp Announcement 01-10 - Badlands

The following distribution information is for Postal Bulletin 22042 (1-25-01).

Distribution: Item 220800, Badlands Stamped Card

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive an initial supply of this international stamped card, with back-up quantities supplied to the Accountable Paper Depositories (APDs). Distributions are in master carton size (5,000 postal cards).

Initial Supply

To obtain initial quantities of this stamped card, post offices must immediately submit PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition, to their designated SDO. SDOs must not distribute these stamped cards to post offices before February 15, 2001.

Additional Supply

Post offices requiring additional quantities must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional cards must order them from the appropriate APD, using PS Form 17.

For filling supplemental orders, Sioux Falls, SD, will receive an additional supply of 100,000 cards; San Francisco, CA, will receive 150,000; Chicago, IL, will receive 45,000; Denver, CO, will receive 45,000; Memphis, TN, will receive 25,000; Washington, DC, will receive 75,000; New York, NY, will receive 75,000; and Kansas City, MO, will receive 70,000.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 2-8-01

Distribution Information for Stamp Announcement 01-12 - George Washington

The following distribution information is for Postal Bulletin 22042 (1-25-01).

Distribution: Item 666700, 20-Cent George Washington Definitive Stamp, Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA), Convertible Booklet of 10

Stamp Distribution Offices (SDOs) will receive four distributions of the George Washington booklet. The first distribution will be completed February 6, 2001; the second will be completed April 15, 2001; the third will be completed June 7, 2001; and the fourth will be completed August 7, 2001. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (4,000).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will not make an automatic distribution to post offices. To obtain an initial supply, post offices must requisition Item 666700 from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices before February 15, 2001.

Additional Supply

Post offices requiring additional stamps must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. Additional quantities will not be available at accountable paper depositories (APDs) for supplemental ordering.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 2-8-01

Bulk Rate Coils Removed From General Sale

The following stamp coils endorsed "Bulk Rate" were withdrawn from sale effective January 10, 2001. All post offices, stations, branches, and postal stores must withdraw the coils listed below from sale and prepare them for destruction. The coils should be submitted to destruction sites according to local established procedures, under the guidelines in Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, Part 45, Destroying Stamp Stock.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 2-8-01

04/07/00

Pictorial Cancellations Announcement

As a community service, the Postal Service offers pictorial cancellations to commemorate local events celebrated in communities throughout the nation. A list of events for which pictorial cancellations are authorized appears below. If available, the sponsor of the pictorial cancellation appears in italics under the date. Also provided, as space permits, are illustrations of those cancellations that were reproducible and available at press time.

People attending these local events may obtain the cancellation in person at the temporary post office station established there. Those who cannot attend the event, but who wish to obtain the cancellation, may submit a mail order request. Pictorial cancellations are available only for the dates indicated, and requests must be postmarked no later than 30 days following the requested pictorial cancellation date.

All requests must include a stamped envelope or postcard bearing at least the minimum First-Class Mail postage (33 cents per envelope or 20 cents per postcard).

Items submitted for cancellation may not include postage issued after the date of the requested cancellation. Such items will be returned unserviced.

Customers wishing to obtain a cancellation should affix stamps to any envelope or postcard of their choice, address the envelope or postcard to themselves or others,insert a card of postcard thickness in envelopes for sturdiness, and tuck in the flap. Place the envelope or postcard in a larger envelope and address it to: PICTORIAL CANCELLATIONS, followed by the NAME OF THE STATION,ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP + 4 CODE, exactly as listed below (using all capitals and no punctuation, except thehyphen in the ZIP + 4 code).

Customers can also send stamped envelopes and postcards without addresses for cancellation, as long as they supply a larger envelope with adequate postage and their return address. After applying the pictorial cancellation, the Postal Service returns the items (with or without addresses) under addressed protective cover.

The following pictorial cancellations have been extended for 30 days.

January 5, 2001
Municipality of Ceiba
INAUGURATION DAY STATION (CEIBA)
POSTMASTER
585 AVE FD ROOSEVELT
SAN JUAN PR 00901-9998

January 8, 2001
City of San Juan
INAUGURATION DAY STATION (SAN JUAN)
POSTMASTER
585 AVE FD ROOSEVELT
SAN JUAN PR 00901-9998

January 8, 2001
Municipality of Vieques
INAUGURATION DAY STATION (VIEQUES)
POSTMASTER
585 AVE FD ROOSEVELT
SAN JUAN PR 00901-9998

January 11, 2001
Municipality of Carolina
INAUGURATION DAY STATION (CAROLINA)
POSTMASTER
585 AVE FD ROOSEVELT
SAN JUAN PR 00901-9998

The following pictorial cancellations have been extended for 60 days.

December 9, 2000
Keystone Heights Stamp Club
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS STAMP CLUB STATION
POSTMASTER
110 NE COMMERCIAL CIRCLE
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS FL 32656-9998

January 1, 2001
FIRST DAY OF A NEW MILLENNIUM STATION
POSTMASTER
59 LOCKES VILLAGE RD
WENDELL MA 01379-9998

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 2-8-01

- Mail Preparation and Standards, Pricing and Product Design, 2-8-01

Post Offices

NOTICE

Retrieval of Plastic Label Holders

Mail Transport Equipment has been notified that postal facility opening units (LDC 010) are not saving the plastic label holders used to close and address plastic sacks destinating at their locations. It has also been noted that the national inventory of plastic label holders has fallen far below the inventory levels of sacks on which they are used.

Plastic label holders are reusable - do not throw them away. They should also never be intentionally removed from the draw tapes of the sacks on which they are attached. After each plastic sack is emptied, the label must

be removed from the label holder, and the sack/label holder combination must be prepared for return to the serving mail transport equipment service center.

Consolidate label holders found to be separated from their sacks for return to the mail transport equipment service center, along with the sacks. Contact your serving area mail transport equipment specialist for site-specific shipping information.

- Mail Transport Equipment,Network Operations Management, 2-8-01

NOTICE

Use of No. 2 Domestic Canvas Pouches

Mail processing offices are notified that until further notice, No. 2 domestic canvas pouches are to be used only to transport registered mail. This restriction means that you may not issue empty No. 2 domestic pouches to commercial mailers for any reason.

Your assistance in conserving our inventory No. 2 domestic pouches is appreciated.

- Mail Transport Equipment,Network Operations Management, 2-8-01

Postal Employees

ELM REVISION

Chapter 8, Safety and Health

The revisions codified below for Chapter 8, Safety and Health, of the Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM), become effective January 25, 2001. These changes cover 810, Occupational Safety and Health; 820, Reports and Investigations, Program Evaluations, and Inspections; 830, Motor Vehicle and Industrial Safety; 840, Safety Awareness Programs; and 850, Emergency Action Plans and Fire Prevention and Control. These revisions are being incorporated into the next incremental update of ELM 16 (ELM 16.2) located on the Postal Service Web site at http:www.usps.gov/cpim/manuals/elm.htm (text changes are indicated with change bars). The revisions also will appear in the printed version of ELM 17.

Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM)

8 Safety and Health

810 Occupational Safety and Health Program

811 General

* * * * *

811.24 Safety Philosophy

* * * * *

a. Any injury can be prevented. This goal is realistic, not just theoretical. Supervisors or managers have primary responsibility for the well-being of employees and must fully accept this principle.

* * * * *

812 Management Responsibilities

* * * * *

812.3 Installation Heads

Installation heads are responsible for employee safety and health and for compliance with OSHA standards and regulations, including maintenance of the OSHA Log and Summary of Injuries and Illnesses. Their responsibility includes the development and implementation of an effective safety and health program. They must formulate and post a local safety and health policy statement consistent with national policy. Installation heads in facilities without full-time safety personnel also act as or designate the collateral duty facility safety coordinator (FSC) (see 813.32 and Handbook EL-802, Executive's and Manager's Safety Compliance Guide).

* * * * *

813 Safety and Health Staff Responsibilities

813.1 Headquarters

Safety Performance Management (SPM), Employee Resource Management, assists the vice president of Employee Resource Management in the administration and evaluation of the safety and health program by monitoring and improving the program and related safety and health policies, procedures, and standards. Safety Performance Management, in conjunction with the General Counsel and other functional organizations, establishes policy and procedures to manage OSHA compliance activity, including citations, penalties, abatement, negotiated settlements, and OSHA-related judicial procedures. To ensure that safety is integrated into all postal operations to provide a safe work environment, Safety Performance Management provides safety and health expertise and staff support to other Headquarters functional areas and area offices, as necessary. Safety Performance Management provides comment on proposed OSHA regulations to Government Relations and coordinates and works with other federal agencies, private sector employers, and professional groups on matters of safety and health.

813.2 Area Offices

The area Human Resources manager assists the area vice president in the implementation of national safety and health policies, programs, and directives. This responsibility includes long-term planning and monitoring activities. Area Human Resources managers, in conjunction with field legal counsels, provide oversight and advice on OSHA compliance activities.

The area Human Resources manager supports the performance clusters in the administration of their safety and health programs and monitors status of the OSHA Log and Summary of Injuries and Illnesses. Responsibilities include budgeting for and scheduling safety and health resources, including professional development of the safety and health staff. Additionally, the area Human Resource function provides technical support for performance cluster (PC) safety personnel and collateral duty facility safety coordinators (FSC).

813.3 Performance Clusters

813.31 Safety Personnel

* * * * *

Additionally, full-time district safety personnel assist collateral duty facility safety coordinators with technical advice and support, OSHA reporting, and related issues.

813.32 Collateral Duty Facility Safety Coordinator

The installation head or designee is the collateral duty facility safety coordinator (FSC) in facilities in which there are no full-time safety positions and performs safety-related duties appropriate to the size and function of the facility. The FSC also conducts the annual safety and health inspection in his or her facility if there are less than 100 work-years of employment (see 824.33). He or she performs the inspection under the guidance of the servicing safety office. The FSC also maintains an Accident Log if required (see 821.34). FSCs must be trained commensurate with their duties, using postal approved courses.

814 Employee Rights and Responsibilities

* * * * *

814.2 Responsibilities

* * * * *

b. Keep the work area in a safe and healthful condition through good housekeeping and proper maintenance of property and equipment.

c. Immediately report safety hazards and unsafe working conditions.

d. Perform all duties in a safe manner.

* * * * *

815 Executive and Management Safety and Health Committees

* * * * *

815.14 Plant* Executive Safety and Health Committee

The committee, chaired by the plant manager, is composed of plant safety, maintenance, and other enablers as appropriate. The committee meets as often as needed, but at least once every quarter. Primary responsibilities are to implement objectives established at a higher level and to develop additional objectives to improve the local safety and health program. To achieve these objectives, the committee must review and discuss safety and health program evaluations of the facility, accident injury trends, accident reports, OSHA compliance activity, and local safety inspection reports to identify the major safety and health problems. Based on these identified problems, the committee develops and implements action plans - with assigned responsibilities for improvement - and measures their effectiveness (using process management or other means). When objectives are not being met, action plans must be altered accordingly.

* Plants by definition include BMCs.

* * * * *

817 Training and Education

* * * * *

817.2 Safety and Health Staff Training and Education

Safety and health personnel must be provided, at least annually, professional training and education to enable them to carry out their basic duties and to fulfill their roles as advisors and consultants to management. Collateral duty FSCs must also be trained commensurate with their safety-related duties. Safety Performance Management mandates postal and/or external training or curriculums, as necessary, to ensure an effective safety staff and OSHA compliance. To maintain their technical proficiency, safety and health personnel are encouraged to pursue professional credentials and advanced education and to participate in professional safety and health-related organizations. Management must give a high priority to supporting these efforts to realize a professional safety staff. Specialized training not available within the Postal Service may be authorized in accordance with 740.

* * * * *

817.5 OSHA Required Training

Reference Note:

For additional material concerning the subject matter found in 817.5, refer to:

· Management Instruction EL-810-2000-2, Bloodborne Disease Exposure Control Plans.

· Management Instruction EL-810-96-1, Response to Hazardous Materials Releases.

· Management Instruction EL-810-96-2, Hazard Communication Programs.

· Management Instruction EL-810-98-1, Asbestos Containing Materials Control Program.

· Management Instruction EL-810-99-1, Lead Hazard Management.

· Management Instruction EL-810-2000-1, Hearing Conservation Programs.

· Handbook AS-556, Asbestos Management Guide.

· Management Instruction EL-810-93-1, Confined Space Safety.

· Current safety-related MMOs (e.g., Lockout/Tagout, Hazard Communication, Personal Protective Equipment), and memorandums of policy on the Safety and Health homepage.

* * * * *

817.7 New or Additional Equipment and Techniques Training

Training must be provided when new or additional equipment or techniques are deployed that may, if not properly used, adversely affect safe and healthful working conditions and/or OSHA compliance.

* * * * *

817.9 Training Records

Records of safety and health training must be maintained for each employee. These records must be retained to demonstrate compliance with Postal Service policies and OSHA requirements. The records must be available to allow inspection in a timely manner by Postal Service and/or OSHA officials. All safety training must be recorded on Form 2548, Individual Training Record (or equivalent), and/or recorded into the National Training Database.

Note: Documentation of safety talks and safety related on- the-job training must be maintained at the facility level. These records must be available to allow inspection in a timely manner.

* * * * *

820 Reports and Investigations, Program Evaluations, and Inspections

821 Actions in the Event of Accident, Injury, or Illness

821.1 Injury, Illness, and Accident Reporting

* * * * *

821.141 Postal Accident Log

Each facility, i.e., plant, associate office, station, branch, etc., must maintain an accident log, by fiscal year, of all accidents recorded in the Safety and Health Subsystem, using Form 1772, Accident Log, or electronic equivalent (see 821.34). Enter accident information within 5 working days after receiving Forms 1769. Make entries in sequential order and number as necessary.

* * * * *

821.142 OSHA Annual Summary of Injuries and Illnesses

Each facility must maintain a log and summary, by calendar year, of OSHA recordable occupational injuries and illnesses from Forms 1769. All such injuries and illnesses must be recorded on the log within 6 days of receipt of the information. A copy of the log, updated within 45 calendar days, must be present at all times in the facility. Post copies of the summary for a minimum of 30 consecutive days (NLT February 1 to March 1) in a conspicuous place(s) at every facility. Maintain and retain the OSHA log and summary for 5 years following the end of the calendar year.

821.2 Accident Investigation

* * * * *

821.22 Method

* * * * *

d. Examine the most recent Form 1783, On-the-Job Safety Review/Analysis, for the task involved to determine if changes are required, update as needed, and review with all affected employees. If no PS Form 1783 is on file, determine if one is necessary and if so prepare it.

* * * * *

822 Supplementary Actions in the Event of Serious Accidents, Including Fatalities

822.1 Reporting Serious Accidents

822.11 Installation Head Preliminary Serious Accident Report

The installation head must report serious accidents as follows:

a. To the performance cluster manager, any serious accident. The term serious accident includes:

* * * * *

(2) Any occupational accident that results in the in- patient* hospitalization of one or more employees.

* * * * *

(4) Any postal-related accident involving nonpostal persons that results in a fatality or the in-patient* hospitalization of one or more persons.

* * * * *

(8) Any occupational accident that results in in-patient* hospitalization due to chemical exposure.

* Inpatient hospitalization does not include observation, emergency room, and all other forms of out-patient care.

* * * * *

822.12 Performance Cluster Manager Report to Area and Headquarters

In the event of a fatality, amputation, mutiliation, or OSHA reportable accident (see 822.11 b) performance cluster manager must, within 8 hours, report the accident by telecommunications (FAX/email) to the area Human Resources manager and Headquarters Safety Performance Management. The report must use the following format:

* * * * *

822.2 Investigating Serious Accidents

822.21 OSHA Investigations

OSHA may elect to investigate occupational fatalities or serious accidents. If notified by OSHA that they intend to investigate such an accident, management must contact the Headquarters General Counsel and Safety Performance Management regarding proceeding with the internal investigation and cooperating with OSHA.

822.22 Postal Serious Accident Investigation Board

822.221 Mandatory Composition

A management board appointed by the performance cluster manager must investigate job-related fatalities and other serious accidents. (Exception: Some serious accidents involving customers or postal employees may not warrant a full investigation by a board. The vice president of Area Operations may waive a serious accident investigation if he/she determines that the purpose of such an investigation (see 822.223) is unlikely to be realized because of the circumstances of the accident. If the PC Manager believes a waiver is justified, he/she should request a waiver from the vice president of Area Operations. If a waiver is granted, it should be documented and the file treated in accordance with appropriate requirements of 822.225.) The board must be appointed within 24 hours of the accident and must include:

* * * * *

822.225 Investigation Reporting and Response Requirements

* * * * *

c. District. The original copy of the investigation board report is retained at district Safety.

For fatal and catastrophic (e.g., OSHA reportable) incidents only, an executive summary must be forwarded to the area Human Resources manager. The summary should include at a minimum, the date and time of the incident, the name and location of the installation, personnel information, a brief description of the incident, causal factors, recommendations, and proposed corrective actions.

When the investigation board report of findings and recommendations indicates national impact items, a complete copy of the board report must be forwarded to the area Human Resources manager for review and consultation with any affected Headquarters departments.

* * * * *

823 Program Evaluations

823.1 Purpose

The purpose of routine safety and health program evaluations is to measure the effectiveness of the Postal Service Safety and Health Program at each organizational level, ensure OSHA compliance, and promote an overall model for an effective safety and health program. A program evaluation must include compliance with and implementation of program elements included in this chapter, and other postal policy and procedural documents, including handbooks, manuals, and management instructions.

823.2 Responsibilities

* * * * *

823.23 Performance Clusters

Performance clusters must conduct annual safety and health program evaluations in each plant. This evaluation may be in conjunction with the inspection conducted by the district or plant safety and health staff. They must use the most recent Program Evaluation Guide contained in the Safety Toolkit. If a Headquarters- or area-sponsored program evaluation is conducted during the funding year, it fulfills the annual requirement. In addition, a performance cluster level program evaluation is to be conducted annually to review cluster commitment to effective program management as follows:

a. In all installations with 100 or more workyears of employment in the regular workforce, safety and health program evaluations must be conducted by district and plant safety and health staff.

b. In all installations with more than 50 and less than 100 workyears of employment in the regular workforce, safety and health program evaluations appropriate to size and complexity of the office will be conducted by collateral duty FSCs, with assistance as necessary from the servicing safety office.

823.3 Program Evaluation Report

823.31 Installations Greater Than 100 Workyears of Employment

A safety and health program evaluation report must be sent within 15 working days of the evaluation's completion to the installation head of the organization being evaluated. Within 30 days after receipt of the evaluation report, the installation head must address serious deficiencies in a response to the evaluators. Area vice presidents and PC managers will review these program evaluations, as appropriate, to ensure management commitment, involvement, and accountability in accordance with applicable ELM requirements.

823.32 Installations Greater Than 50 and Less Than 100 Workyears of Employment

The servicing safety office will review program evaluation reports, as appropriate, and help management implement an effective safety and health program.

824 Safety and Health Inspections

* * * * *

824.2 Methods

Safety personnel conducting inspections must be technically competent to recognize and evaluate hazards of the work environment and to suggest specific abatement procedures. They must use inspection checklists contained in the most current Safety Toolkit that reference current OSHA and other applicable regulations and standards and postal policies.

824.3 Types of Inspections

* * * * *

824.33 PC Installations With Less Than One Hundred Workyears

824.331 Requirement

Collateral duty facility safety coordinators (FSC) must conduct an annual inspection of each installation with less than 100 workyears of employment in the regular workforce. The FSC will conduct the inspection using instructions and an approved inspection checklist. District safety personnel provide technical assistance and support as necessary. In addition, district safety personnel must visit facilities as necessary to verify results of inspections by the FSC and provide assistance.

824.332 Teams

Inspection teams consist of the collateral duty FSC and supervisors if available.

One union representative from the local safety and health committee, selected on a rotational basis by the unions, may participate in the annual inspection of each installation with less than 100 workyears of employment in the regular workforce where the committee exists in the installation being inspected. In those installations that do not have a safety and health committee, the inspectors afford the opportunity for a bargaining unit employee (from each union that represents employees in that installation) to accompany them during these inspections. If requested, these bargaining unit employees should be selected on a rotational basis by the various exclusive bargaining representatives in that installation. The number of union representatives is determined by appropriate collective bargaining agreements.

* * * * *

824.422 Inspection Rules

Safety inspections must be conducted according to the following rules:

a. The responsible manager must ensure that the team, led by the senior safety professional or collateral duty FSC assigned, has adequate participation and resources to accomplish a meaningful inspection.

* * * * *

824.5 Deficiency and Hazard Abatement

* * * * *

824.52 Hazard Abatement Committee

Within 5 working days after receipt of the inspection report, a hazard abatement committee must be established and meet to assign priorities and specific abatement dates within the limits set by the inspection team. The installation head must chair this committee. (Note: Postmasters or others who serve as installation head for detached units may designate a chair for those detached unit abatement committees only.) Committee members must include:

a. Installation head (or designee as noted above).

b. Safety representative (collateral duty FSC if appropriate).

c. Maintenance representative.

Additionally, Mail Processing, Customer Services, Industrial Engineering, Purchasing, and other personnel must attend when their functional areas are involved.

* * * * *

824.54 Reinspection and Followup

The procedures for correcting a deficiency must include a process to check (through spot checks and reinspections as appropriate) whether the corrective action taken has proven to be effective.

Spotchecks and reinspections should be conducted by the same personnel (i.e., full-time or collateral duty facility FSC) who performed the original inspection. Posting of the follow-up inspection results is not required.

* * * * *

824.6 Investigating Employee Reports of Hazard, Unsafe Condition or Practice

* * * * *

824.63 Procedures and Responsibilities

824.633 Approving Official

The approving official (determined locally) must initiate action to eliminate or minimize the hazard. If this results in the submission of a work order, attach the original 1767 and forward, through channels, to the manager of Maintenance. If the approving official determines that there are no reasonable grounds to believe such a hazard exists, the employee must be so notified in writing within 15 calendar days. (Safety personnel must assist in this determination when requested.) If the hazard was abated through actions of the approving official, the employee must be so notified in writing, and the original 1767, with a statement of actions taken, must be forwarded to the safety office.

824.634 Safety Personnel and Collateral Duty FSCs

Safety personnel and FSCs must log and sequentially number all hazard reports received on Form 1773, Report of Hazard Log. Safety personnel and FSCs must also review all Forms 1767 for accuracy, completeness, and follow-up, as necessary. They must routinely provide status reports of 1773 logs at Executive and Joint Labor-Management Safety and Health Committee meetings.

* * * * *

824.637 [deleted]

825 OSHA Inspections

* * * * *

825.4 Procedures

* * * * *

825.45 Participation

825.451 Management Participation During Inspections

The safety professional, or designee, must accompany the CSHO during the walk-around portion of the inspection. Collateral duty FSC should also participate in the inspection. Representatives of Operations, In-Plant Support, and Maintenance are to be with the CSHO, whenever possible.

Management representatives, including managers and supervisors, must not sign any statements, affidavits, or notes.

* * * * *

825.48 Closing Conference

After completing the review of records, employee interviews (if necessary), and the walk-around inspection, the CSHO ordinarily will conduct an exit conference with the senior postal official and other team members. If the CSHO does not offer to conduct the conference, one should be requested. If the postal installation has a full-time safety professional, that person must also attend this closing conference. If any safety professionals have been called in from a plant or district, they must also attend the closing conference along with the collateral duty FSC. Employee representatives from the walk-around inspection must also attend.

During this conference, all conditions or practices that the CSHO believes may constitute a safety or health violation(s) should be reviewed. Efforts should be made to have the CSHO explain in as much detail as possible what violations he or she believes have been observed, and what citations, if any, he or she intends to recommend for issuance to the area director.

* * * * *

825.5 Citations

* * * * *

825.54 Citation Management

Citations must be managed in accordance with instructions from the Headquarters General Counsel and Safety Performance Management. (See Handbook EL-802 and OSHA publications therein concerning citations and required actions.)

* * * * *

830 Motor Vehicle and Industrial Safety

* * * * *

833 Safety and Health in Design, Procurement, and Construction

833.1 Standards, Ergonomics, and Engineering

OSHA and applicable consensus safety and health standards, ergonomic considerations, and sound safety and fire protection engineering techniques must be used to plan, build, design, construct, modify, repair, and procure new equipment, vehicles, and facilities. Consideration must be given to employee work environment, equipment, tools, supplies used, and the material on which work is performed.

Purchasing, delivery, and engineering personnel must consult safety personnel to ensure that safety engineering, health protection, and ergonomic considerations are integrated into all activities of the Postal Service.

Managers responsible for purchasing, design, and construction are accountable for compliance with OSHA standards and applicable fire protection and building codes.

* * * * *

833.3 Supplier (Contractor) Safety

Installation heads, purchasing, contracting officers, and other managers are responsible and accountable for ensuring that all suppliers (contractors) working on postal property follow OSHA regulations and postal safety and health policies. All suppliers must conform to OSHA regulations, and a postal representative is to be assigned to monitor supplier activities as appropriate, including coordinating with supplier safety "competent persons" and/or safety representatives. Supplier evaluation and selection must include a supplier's safety and health record, written programs, training, and OSHA compliance activity as appropriate to the scope of the contracted work, in accordance with existing purchasing policy.

840 Safety Awareness Program

* * * * *

844 Seatbelt Use Incentive

844.1 Policy

$10,000 will be paid to the estate of any postal employee who, while in a pay-duty status, sustains fatal injuries as the result of a job-related motor vehicle accident, provided he or she is wearing the lap belt and shoulder belt when required and is not in violation of the traffic laws and postal policy at the time of the accident.

* * * * *

850 Emergency Action Plans and Fire Prevention and Control

* * * * *

852 Emergency Action Plan

852.1 Responsibility

Each postal facility having more than 10 employees on the rolls must maintain an emergency action plan in writing. If there are 10 or fewer employees, the plan may be communicated verbally. Safety personnel/collateral duty FSC may provide advice and technical assistance, where needed, in the development of such plans. The plan must include designated actions that management and employees are to take to ensure the safety of employees and the protection of property from fire and other emergencies, e.g., tornadoes, earthquakes, hazardous materials (hazmat) spills. (See Management Instruction EL-810-96-1, Hazardous Materials and Emergency Response, for establishment of standard operating procedures for spills and leaks and the relationship to Emergency Action Plans.)

852.2 Content

Include the following elements, as a minimum, in the emergency action plan:

a. Emergency escape procedures, graphic illustrations of emergency escape route assignments, shelters, and location of fire alarms and extinguishers.

* * * * *

853 Emergency Evacuation Teams and Drills

853.1 Emergency Evacuation Teams

* * * * *

853.13 Duties of EETs

* * * * *

h. Maintaining perimeter security to prevent reentry until officially instructed to permit it.

i. Procedures to account for all employees after emergency evacuation has been completed.

j. Assisting the fire department in maintaining crowd control.

* * * * *

853.15 Training

Members are required to complete an initial basic level of training and annual refresher training. Such training and education must be provided to members and alternates before they are expected to perform any EET emergency evacuation team activity. To the extent feasible, Safety and fire department personnel should assist in the establishment and training of the EET. EET leaders and training instructors must be provided training and education that is more comprehensive than that provided to the general membership of the EET. Such training may be available from state fire-fighting academies and local fire departments. Training for all members must be on the clock and must cover:

* * * * *

j. Special situations, e.g., tornado sheltering, earthquakes, where applicable.

853.18 Installations Without EETs (Less Than 10,000 Square Feet)

In installations that do not have EETs, the installation head is responsible for ensuring that supervisors or employees are assigned the following functions in case of fire or other emergency:

a. Notification of fire department, police, ambulance, or other emergency services.

b. Prompt evacuation of personnel including injured or handicapped employees.

c. Procedures to account for all employees after emergency evacuation has been completed.

d. Security of mail, monies, receipts, and accountable and valuable papers.

e. Use of fire extinguishers.

853.2 Drills

At least one emergency evacuation must be conducted annually on each work tour. Sheltering drills are appropriate in locations prone to tornadoes or earthquakes. The importance of fire drill training must be impressed upon all postal employees. In conducting fire drills, the following objectives must be met:

* * * * *

854 Fire Prevention Plan

854.1 Responsibility

Each installation head managing a postal facility with more than 10,000 square feet must maintain a written fire prevention plan. Installation heads managing smaller facilities may maintain written fire prevention plans when warranted by the type of operations conducted. Safety personnel/collateral duty FSC may provide advice and technical assistance, where needed, in the development of such plans.

* * * * *

855 Fire Inspections

855.1 Responsibility

Managers and supervisors that have been trained by safety and/or fire protection personnel must conduct fire inspections. Training must include the conduct of inspections, identification of unsafe practices causing fires, and the methods of eliminating or correcting hazards. The installation head is encouraged to seek assistance from local fire officials and permit them to conduct fire inspections and prefire planning programs.

855.2 Frequency

Fire inspections must be conducted in all postal-owned and postal-leased installations. Semi-annual inspections are required in all installations with less than 100 workyears of employment in the regular workforce. Quarterly fire inspections are required in all installations with more than 100 workyears of employment in the regular workforce and VMFs.

855.3 Procedures

Fire inspections may be scheduled to coincide with semiannual or annual safety inspections. They must be documented using fire inspection checklists available in the Safety Toolkit and published periodically.

855.4 Corrective Action [formerly 855.3, moved to 855.4]

* * * * *

- Safety Performance Management,Employee Resource Management, 2-8-01

Retail

Items Authorized for Sale in Self Service Vending Machines

Listed below are items authorized for the Self Service Stamp Vending Program for calendar year 2001. First day of issue for items marked with an asterisk (*) will be announced in future issues of the Postal Bulletin. Products not on this list (except FIRSTCLASS PHONECARDS and coils of 500 and 3,000) must not be placed in vending machines. Also, products ending in "11" are to be placed only in booklet machines and the booklet/stamp combination machines (PBSM-624). No "11" products may be placed in commodity machines. All stamp item numbers will now have six digits, and all products previously ending in "X" will now end in "11."

Quarter II: Products Used in Multi-Commodity Vending Machines

Products Used Only in Multi-Commodity Vending Machines - Not For Sale Over the Counter

Criss-Cross Products Used in Booklet Vending Machines

Self Service will not repackage the products listed in the table below after SDO inventories are exhausted. Vending personnel should check with their SDO for availability of the following products:

Products That Self Service Will not Repackage

The "National Stamp Vending Inventory" and "Vending Products Information" are both posted on our Intranet Web site at http://retail.usps.gov.

- Self Service,Retail, Consumers and Small Business, 2-8-01

REMINDER

Conditioning the PBM-2A and PBM-6 Vending Machines

The PBM-2A and PBM-6 allow customers to insert $5.00 and $1.00 bills in any desirable order, provided the equipment has been serviced properly. Responsible vending personnel must be trained in the importance of proper servicing. Improper servicing can result in customers' orders being rejected or customers' inserted money being retained. The outcome will be that customers will file vending complaints and even discontinue using vending equipment.

Following are highlights for properly servicing the PBM-2A and the PBM-6. These instructions can also be found in Handbook MS-111, Postal Booklet Machine PBM-2A and PBM-6, Table 2-9 and Section 2.3.2.4. If you do not have a copy of the handbook, you can order one from the Maintenance Technical Support Center, 1-800-451-4196 or 1-785-861-3311. The order number for Handbook MS-111 is 7610-01-000-9286.

1. Maximum service capability for the PBM-2A and the PBM-6 occurs when the "Coins Full" condition is established. When this condition is established the PBMs will, in their first vending operation, accept $1.00 and $5.00 bills inserted in any order until the vend price is met or exceeded. For example, when two $5.00 bills are inserted, they will be accepted and the correct change will be returned.

2. This "Coins Full" conditioning of the machines' program board must take place after every interruption of AC (alternate current) power to the internal workings of the machine. This happens:

· After every rear door opening of the machines.

· After there is a power-off condition to an individual machine.

3. A mix of coins and bills is required to perform the conditioning process. The mix of coins and bills must be equal to or greater than the price of the item. These are initially inserted into the vending machine using the following sequence.

Preparation:

· Complete a normal product servicing of the machines, including any necessary cleaning.

· Fill the nickel, dime, and quarter coin tubes to the top with the correct denomination of coinage.

· Close and lock the rear door to the machine.

· Power the machine by inserting the plug at the end of the power cord that is attached to the PBM-6 or PBM-2A into the appropriate wall outlet.

Coinage Conditioning:

· Insert one nickel at a time until one of them falls into the cash box inside the machine.

· Insert one dime at a time until one of them falls into the cash box inside the machine.

· Insert one quarter at a time until one of them falls into the cash box inside the machine.

· Add more coinage of any denomination plus $1.00 bills or a $5.00 bill until the stamp booklet price is met or exceeded.

· Purchase the booklet, retain the vended booklet and the correct change from this purchase, and enter the transaction into the sub account for the machine.

4. If in Step 3 either the coinage insertion is not successful or the purchase of the booklet results in the incorrect change, repeat one or both of these actions until you get the desired result.

5. If after repeating the actions (Step 4) you continue to have unsuccessful results, contact maintenance personnel to resolve any problem(s).

- Self Service,Retail, Consumers and Small Business, 2-8-01

REMINDER

Retail Sales and Services Associates Must Wear Complete Uniform

A review of Quarter 2 Mystery Shopper scores to date reveals a severe drop in the scores for the question, "Was the employee wearing the complete uniform?" This is one area in which scores have been consistently high previously. Reports indicate that not wearing neckwear and name badges are the major reasons for the lower scores.

Remember that name badges are now a required part of the retail uniform. As always, neckwear is also a required part of the retail uniform. Supervisors and postmasters, it is your responsibility to ensure that employees are properly attired when working at the retail counter. Let's get back on track!

- Retail, Consumers and Small Business, 2-8-01

What's In Store

Are you ready?

ReadyPostTM is spreading. This month, the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast areas begin receiving their share of the national Postal Service brand of shipping supplies. Next month, they'll be going out to the Great Lakes, Capital Metro, Southwest, and Allegheny areas.

Tax Drive promotion

The Postal Service and MasterCard® will be conducting a promotion in all A and B kit offices during the Tax Drive period - February 26 through April 22. The purpose of this promotion is to make our customers aware that we accept credit cards and to promote this cost-effective means of payment.

Customers who pay for their purchases with their MasterCard card and spend a minimum of $25 will receive a Postal Explorer CD.

The Postal Explorer CD contains domestic and international mailing standards, rate information, domestic and international mail manuals, quick service guides, postal zone charts, and much more. The information is designed for the small business customer. The CD will be enclosed in a booklet that also has a wealth of information concerning the applications available on www.usps.com to a small business as well as to a residential customer.

This item is limited to one per customer while supplies last.

The Postal Explorer CD booklets will be a separate distribution from your Tax Drive period Point of Purchase (POP) kit. They cannot be reordered once an office is out of stock. The list of offices receiving the Postal Explorer CD booklet and the quantity they will receive can be found on the Retail Web site. All offices should have received their allocation by February 23, the week before the promotion starts.

A counter mat and counter card will be used to promote this offer. Please refer to your drive period POP planogram to place these elements in the correct locations in your office.

Tax Drive POP

Look for the arrival of Tax Drive period POP, including new continuity elements that reflect rate changes.

FYI

Some revenue-generating tips will be included in the Spring Drive period's Manager's Guide. Be sure to check them out.

Enter and sign in! -- Proof of Delivery

Now you can offer your customers all the benefits of Delivery Confirmation and much more! Our new proof-of-delivery service is here!

Signature Confirmation service allows package customers to request delivery and signature information via the Internet at www.usps.com, or through our toll-free number, 1-800-222-1811.

Make sure PS Form 153, the "hot pink" Signature Confirmation retail label, is stocked in your lobby. Suggest Signature Confirmation service to all your Priority Mail and Package Services customers for extra peace of mind.

Thank you for making Delivery Confirmation such a revenue success. Your support will make Signature Confirmation service a winner too!

GXG reminder -- No Cash Please

When accepting Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) mailpieces, be certain cash is not among the contents. Under the terms of the Postal Service's business alliance with DHL Worldwide Express - and as reinforced on GXG shipping labels - cash cannot be mailed via this guaranteed international service. Expedited/Package Services and International Business launched GXG in April 1999 with DHL.

Priority Mail envelopes -- Remind Customers

Priority Mail is available at a one-pound shipping rate. Expedited/ Package Services introduced a specially designed Priority Mail documailer for those customers whose mailpieces weigh one pound or less and who wish to take advantage of the new rate of $3.50. Let customers know the envelopes are available in limited quantity at retail offices or through www.usps.com (keyword: Supplies).

Feedback

Send comments and questions to:

WHAT'S IN STORE
US POSTAL SERVICE
1735 N LYNN STREET RM 6042
ARLINGTON VA 22209-6057

Retail Coaches'
Corner

Welcome to the February Corner!

This Month's Questions:

1. Signature Confirmation will be available for what class(es) of mail?

2. Does nonstandard surcharge apply for international Letter-Post mail?

Last Month's Questions:

Let's review the questions and answers from January's article (Postal Bulletin 22041, 1-11-01).

1. Can currently inventoried stamped paper stationery be sold after the rate increase? Yes, they must be revalued and proper postage affixed.

2. Did any Express Mail rates decrease? Half-pound PO to PO.

3. Will there be different nonmachinable surcharges for Parcel Post depending on the rate? Intra is now included.

4. Is it true that if a customer's package weighs less than a pound, Parcel Post rates can be offered? Yes.

5. What is Media Mail? The new name for Special Standard Mail.

6. Did the fees for Delivery Confirmation service change? Priority Mail fee is $.40. Package Services fee is $.50.

Valentine's Day Suggestions for Retail Associates:

Remember, cards sent to that special person are sent in many colors and in different sizes. Suggest Delivery Confirmation as an added value. Verify that the size meets requirements; if not, a surcharge is applied.

Retail Calendar:

Post your new Retail Calendar by February 6^th. Review the information with retail associates.

Retail Coaches Web Site:

Our goal is to achieve 100% listing of all certifiedretail coaches by Accounting Period 11. The site can be found at http://rpsweb.usps.gov/coaches/home.asp.

Answers to questions:

1. Signature Confirmation is available for Priority Mail and Package Services.

2. The rules for nonstandard surcharge also apply to international mail.

Submit questions or comments via cc:Mail to Retail Coaches Corner.

Postal Bulletin Distribution

The GPO distributes the Postal Bulletin for the Postal Service to all postal facilities except classified stations and branches, contract postal units, and detached mail units, which receive copies from their administrative post office. The Postal Bulletin is also available online at http://www.usps.com (click on Info, then Postal Periodicals and Publications).

If your postal facility has access to cc:Mail, you may send a request for a new subscription order, an address and/or quantity change, or a subscription query to the cc:Mail address POSTAL BULLETIN. If you are using another email product, you can use the Internet email address pbulleti@email.usps.gov.

If you do not have access to email, you may complete the order form and mail it to:

ATTN POSTAL BULLETIN
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLZ SW RM 2800
WASHINGTON DC 20260-1540

Either way you send it, please include the "PO0"subscription number from your address label.

vice Orders for Postal Bulletin