Domestic Mail

PUBLICATION 109 REVISION

Online Version of Publication 109 Updated With Revised Forms

Effective December 23, 2004, Publication 109, Special Services Technical Guide: Postal Forms and Labels (Domestic Service Only), is revised to include the current editions of several Postal Service^TM forms used for special services.

Publication 109 helps Postal Service customers comply with requirements for privately printed special services forms and labels. This publication provides detailed information on designing forms and labels and provides technical information about barcode specifications.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next update of the online version of Publication 109 accessible on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site:

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click on References.

• Under "References" in the right-hand column, under "Policies," click on PolicyNet.

• Click on PUBs.

(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)

Publication 109 is also available on the Postal Service Internet:

• Go to www.usps.com.

• Click on About USPS & News, then Forms & Publications, then Postal Periodicals and Publications, and then Publications.

Publication 109, Special Services Technical Guide: Postal Forms and Labels (Domestic Service Only)

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2 Certified Mail - PS Form 3800

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2-2 Barcoded Form

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Exhibit 2-2 PS Form 3800, Certified Mail Receipt

[Replace the graphic of the February 2000 edition of PS Form 3800 with a graphic of the June 2002 edition.]

2-3 Private Printing Instructions

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2-3.4 Required Taggant

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2-3.4.1 Taggant Area

[Revise this section to indicate that the taggant area on PS Form 3800 is now located to the left of the barcode (rather than to the right, as on the previous edition). The entire section reads as follows (the boldface type indicates the revised text):]

The taggant area must consist of a single area (minimum dimension 0.5 inch × 0.5 inch; maximum dimension 0.7 inch × 0.7 inch) located to the left of the barcode on the label section of the form, approximately 11/16 inch from the bottom of the label. Printers must not alter the fluorescing spectral response when applying the taggant by allowing the fluorescing material to be mixed with the colored ink used on part of the label. The taggant material must be Angstrom #6 Sub-micron Scanning Compound 17 percent concentration at a coat weight of 2 mils (0.002 inch). Alternative compounds and concentrations must be approved by the Postal Service. Angstrom Technologies can be reached at the following address:

ANGSTROM TECHNOLOGIES
1895 AIRPORT EXCHANGE BLVD STE 110
ERLANGER KY 41018-3174

Samples must be sent for testing and approval to the following address:

MANAGER TEST AND EVALUATION
US POSTAL SERVICE
8403 LEE HWY 2ND FL
MERRIFIELD VA 22082-8133

2-3.4.2 Taggant Location

[Revise this section to indicate that the taggant area on PS Form 3800 is now located to the left of the barcode (rather than to the right, as on the previous edition). Rearrange the order of the sentences so that the entire section reads as follows (the boldface type indicates the only change in text - the rest of the text remains the same as in the previous version, except that the order of sentences has changed):]

3-2 Barcoded Form

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Exhibit 3-2 PS Form 3813-P, Insured Mail Receipt

[Replace the graphic of the February 2000 edition of PS Form 3813-P with a graphic of the May 2004 edition.]

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5 Return Receipt - PS Form 3811

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5-2 Form

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Exhibit 5-2 PS Form 3811, Domestic Return
Receipt

[Replace the graphic of the July 1999 edition of PS Form 3811 with a graphic of the February 2004 edition.]

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6 Return Receipt for Merchandise - PS Form 3804

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6-2 Barcoded Form

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Exhibit 6-2 PS Form 3804, Return Receipt for
Merchandise

[Replace the graphic of the July 1999 edition of PS Form 3804 with a graphic of the July 2002 edition.]

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The taggant must be located to the left of the barcode on the label area and must not interfere with the scanning of the barcode. The bottom of the taggant should be located no lower than 3-1/4 inches from the bottom of the mailpiece. The taggant location must be consistent without splattering of taggant on other areas of the label. The taggant must not "chalk" (i.e., interfere with the scanning of the barcode) and must maintain consistency. Any overcoat varnish on the taggant area must be consistent and must not interfere with the spectral response of the taggant.

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3 Insured Mail - PS Form 3813-P

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7 Barcode Requirements

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7-2 Privately Printed Barcode Certification

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[Revise item 2 to read as follows (indicating a new fax number and address where those who produce privately printed forms and/or labels must send the completed PS Form 109):]

2. Complete PS Form 109, Application to Print Special Services Barcoded Forms/Labels (located on the last page of this publication) and either fax it to 901-681-4521 or mail it to the following address:

BARCODE CERTIFICATION
NATIONAL CUSTOMER SUPPORT CENTER
US POSTAL SERVICE
6060 PRIMACY PKWY STE 201
MEMPHIS TN 38188-0001

Upon receipt of this application, the Postal Service will send you a Special Services Certification Test Kit containing all of the information necessary for certification.

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PS Form 109, Application to Print Special Services Barcoded Forms/Labels

[On the last page of the publication, replace the graphic of the March 2001 edition of PS Form 109 with a graphic of the February 2003 edition.]

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- Value Added and Special Services,
Product Development, 12-23-04

Employees

ELM REVISION

Back Pay Claims for Erroneous Retirement Separation

Effective December 23, 2004, Employee and Labor Relations (ELM) section 436.52, Corrective Action, is revised to show that employees who separate for retirement erroneously and are restored to service are compensated as if they had worked during the period of erroneous separation rather than given the amount they would have received in retirement payments.

We will incorporate this revision into the next printed version of the ELM and also into the online version available on the Postal Service^TM PolicyNet Web site:

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click on References.

• Under "References" in the right-hand column, under "Policies", click on PolicyNet.

• Click on Manuals.

(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)

It is also available on the Postal Service Internet:

• Go to www.usps.com.

• Click on About USPS & News, then Forms & Publications, then Postal Periodicals and Publications, and then Manuals.

Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM)

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4 Pay Administration

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430 Basic and Special Pay Provisions

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436 Back Pay

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436.5 Erroneous Separation for Retirement

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436.52 Corrective Action

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[Revise the second paragraph of 436.52 to read as follows:]

In these erroneous optional retirement cases, the back pay is calculated so that employees are compensated as if they had worked during the period of erroneous separation.

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- Compensation,
Employee Resource Management, 12-23-04

HANDBOOK REVISIONS

Powered Industrial Trucks

Effective December 23, 2004, Handbook EL-801, Supervisor's Safety Handbook, Handbook EL-803, Maintenance Employee's Guide to Safety, and Handbook EL-814, Postal Employee's Guide to Safety, are revised to update policies and procedures for towing wheeled equipment using powered industrial trucks. These revisions are a result of engineering tests and assessments requested by Safety Performance Management.

Note: The revisions apply only to the Logistics and Distribution Centers and Priority Mail® Processing Centers at the following locations:

• Jacksonville, Florida

• Miami, Florida

• Orlando, Florida

• Springfield Massachusetts

• Nashua, New Hampshire

• Northern New Jersey

• Bethpage, New York

• Rochester, New York

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed versions of these handbooks and also into the online versions available on the Postal Service^TM PolicyNet Web site:

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click on References.

• Under "References" in the right-hand column, under "Policies," click on PolicyNet.

• Click on Handbooks.

(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)

Handbook EL-801, Supervisor's Safety Handbook

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4 Processing and Distribution Operations

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4-7 Powered Industrial Trucks

[Revise 4-7 to read as follows:]

4-7.1 General

Make sure that operators are trained and authorized to operate powered industrial trucks (PITs) as described in OSHA 1910.178 - such as tow motors, fork trucks, tractors, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks, and other specialized industrial trucks powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines.

All PIT-related accidents and near misses, including property damage, must be investigated and reported on a Form 1769. Fuel-powered industrial trucks are generally prohibited indoors. Consult with your local safety professional before using a fuel-powered industrial truck.

PIT operators are responsible for ensuring vehicle safety and following all safety requirements. Please consult the manufacturer's safe operating manual or your local safety professional if you have any questions.

4-7.2 General Rules for Operating PIT

Reckless operation is strictly prohibited. When using a PIT, the operator must follow the safety procedures listed below:

a. Before using the PIT, check the brakes, steering apparatus, horn, and other components, and report defects immediately.

b. Always wear the seat belts provided any time a PIT is in motion.

c. Do not exceed the maximum speed limit (about the speed of a fast walk). Use only the designated vehicle traffic lanes and keep the PIT to the right whenever possible.

d. Do not use the reverse control as a brake.

e. Never allow passengers to ride on a PIT unless approved, securely attached seating is provided, and never exceed the seating capacity of the unit.

f. Never disengage, cover up, or bypass any audible or visual warning device.

g. Never ride with any part of the body protruding from the truck.

h. Always determine that there is adequate clearance before driving under any overhead obstruction.

i. Always check for a clear path to the rear before backing a truck.

j. Stay at least three vehicle lengths behind other trucks when traveling.

k. Check bridge or dock plates for proper stability before driving across.

l. Always approach tow conveyor crossings and all intersecting aisles slowly and cautiously, and sound a horn to warn pedestrians of approach.

m. Before dismounting, stop the truck, place the truck in neutral gear, set the brake, turn off the engine, and remove the key.

4-7.3 Lift Trucks

Make sure that lift truck operators follow the safe procedures listed below:

a. Lift, lower, and carry loads on a lift truck with the lifting mechanism in a vertical position or tilted back - never forward.

b. Face in the direction the truck is moving and be careful of rear-end swing when turning corners.

c. When approaching or leaving a building where the ramp incline is greater than 10 degrees, turn the lift truck so the load is on the upgrade side and cannot slip off the forks.

d. Keep forks on a moving lift truck low (just high enough to clear any floor obstructions and low enough to clear overhead obstructions). Under normal conditions, 3 to 6 inches above floor level should be sufficient.

e. Neither raise nor lower forks while the forklift is in motion. When a lift truck is parked, fully lower the forks, place controls in neutral, shut off power, set the brake, and remove the key.

f. Before entering a truck or trailer with a forklift, inspect the floor for damage or decay that might cause the lift to break through the floor. The truck or trailer must be properly chocked or the dock locks engaged. See 4-6 for additional information.

4-7.4 PIT Warning Devices and Protective Equipment

Equip all PITs with a horn and a flashing warning beacon that is in working order. Industrial lift trucks are not to be operated with the overhead guard or load backrest removed. PIT drivers must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as specified by the local PPE assessment. PIT drivers must wear hard hats when working in designated hard hat areas.

4-7.5 Towing Wheeled Equipment

Use only approved tow bars or coupling devices while towing wheeled equipment. Operators are prohibited from using their hands to hold equipment while it is being towed.

Only three platform trucks, hampers, or containers - whether loaded or empty - can be towed at any particular time. Container types include the general purpose mail container (GPMC), the Eastern Region mail container (ERMC), and the bulk mail center over-the-road container (BMC-OTR). No more than three containers can be attached to a driverless tractor unit.

4-7.6 Towing Wheeled Equipment - 12-Foot Aisle Facilities

This section applies only to the following Logistics and Distribution Centers (L&DCs) and Priority Mail Processing Centers (PMPCs) at the following locations:

A maximum of seven general purpose mail containers (GPMCs) and/or Eastern Region mail containers (ERMCs) may be towed at any given time provided that the following criteria are met:

• All aisles are clearly marked.

• The aisle width must be a minimum of 12 feet to allow two-way traffic to pass; any aisle less than 12 feet wide requires one-way traffic or no passing of container trains.

• All 90-degree intersections are required to be chamfered by 4 feet at a minimum (see Exhibit 4-7.6a.)

Exhibit 4-7.6a
Chamfered Intersection

• All L&DC and PMPC sites are required to purchase and install Electronic Speed Control (ESC) Programmers on all existing PIT vehicles before instituting an increase of towing more than three mail containers within the facility. The ESC setting is to be adjusted to approximately 80%, not exceeding 5 mph with the Powered Industrial Vehicle (PIV).

• All newly purchased PIVs must have the ESC devices installed by the manufacturer according to the specifications mentioned above.

When towing more than three GPMC and/or ERMC containers at one time, the PIT operator must place a folding tow bar (shown below) between the third and fourth container. When towing a train of seven containers at one time, the PIT operator must use two folding tow bars. One will be placed between the third and fourth container as previously mentioned and the other will be between the fifth and sixth container (i.e., in a 3-2-2 pattern).

When towing containers, the PIT operator must use the brake levers to prevent jackknifing or loss of containers in the train.

Exhibit 4.7.6b
Folding Tow Bar

(See Handbook PO-502, Container Methods, for further information on proper use of mail equipment.)

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(Continued)