Facilities

• Consider purchasing bomb-detection equipment or a K-9 unit.
• X-ray all incoming mail and store it in containment containers until testing is concluded.
• Use a “safe air” room for mail processing and conduct monthly swab testing of the mail handling area.
• Engineering controls provide the best means of preventing workers from exposure to potential hazardous aerosolized particles and potential explosive devices. To provide protection from chemical, biological, and radiological hazards, consider these tactics:
• Use an industrial vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter for cleaning. Don’t clean machinery with compressed air (blow-down/blow-off).
• Install air curtains (using laminar air flow) in areas where large amounts of mail are processed.
• Install filters in your building’s HVAC systems to capture aerosolized spores (if feasible).

Publications About Mail Center Security

These publications from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service may be viewed or printed at https://about.usps.com/resources/publications.

• Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail
• Publication 166, Guide to Mail Center Security
• Publication 280, Identity Theft
• Notice 107, Let’s Keep the Mail Safe
• Notice 128, The Safety of the Mail is Everybody’s Responsibility
• Poster 84, Suspicious Mail or Packages

Additional Resources

 

uspis.gov	U.S. POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is the federal law enforcement agency responsible for all mail-related crime. Postal Inspectors can help businesses keep mail secure and protect against theft. They can perform on-site mail center security reviews for major mailers and assist with training in security protocols.
cdc.gov	CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a U.S. Public Health Service agency that monitors and works to prevent disease outbreaks. CDC also establishes protocols related to biological, chemical, and radiological threats
fbi.gov	FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigates cases related to weapons of mass destruction and terrorist attacks.
ready.gov	FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the federal agency responsible for disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery training.
osha.gov	OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor charged with the enforcement of safety and health legislation.
splcenter.org	SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER The Southern Poverty Law Center provides a list of active hate groups based on information gathered from publications, citizens’ reports, law enforcement agencies, field sources, and news reports.

Conclusion

Regardless of the size or potential risks of a mail center, basic mail center security can protect your employees, the public, and your organization’s assets and operations. By demonstrating a strong interest in security, you may deter potential criminal activity by employees or outsiders.

Some of the recommendations in this guide may not apply to your mail center, so it’s important that you assess your organization’s needs—whether it is a large dedicated mail processing facility or a desk at a small business—and apply the practices that are reasonable and prudent.