As you are aware there is a heightened need for care in the handling of mail, given the current circumstances in the United States.

While there is a need for care, both the Prime Minister and the Premier, have emphasised that Australia does not appear to be a target.

At the Premier's request I have consulted the NSW Fire Brigades on the appropriate mechanisms to deal with suspicious articles and possible contamination. After consultation with the NSW Fire Brigades the State guidelines for dealing with suspicious items are to mirror those issued by the Commonwealth Attorney General.

 RECOGNISING POTENTIAL HAZARDS

• It is critical that staff handling mail remain vigilant and cautious at all times. It should be remembered, however, that most reports of suspicious packages are false alarms.
• As has been emphasised by the Commonwealth Attorney General, all staff handling mail items in a work environment should be aware of the emergency procedures for responding to and reporting a suspicious article.
• Where possible, the sorting and processing of mail and packages should be conducted in an area that is separate from the main organisation and which can be easily contained.
• If your staff receive a package or letter that you believe is suspicious, follow the procedures outlined below.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU RECEIVE A SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE OR MAIL ITEM

If you suspect that you have received a package that may contain hazardous material and HAVE NOT OPENED IT.

• Place item in a plastic bag and seal it.
• Place all items in a second plastic bag and seal that also.
• Stay in your office or immediate work area. This also applies to co-workers in the same room. Prevent others from entering the area and becoming contaminated. Remember you are not in immediate danger.
• Call for help. This may be your supervisor or to 000 to ask for the Police or Fire Brigades. Advise:
• Exact location of the incident - street address, building floor number
• Number of people potentially exposed
• Description of the package/device
• Action taken eg, package covered with black coat, area isolated.
• Keep your hands away from your face to avoid contaminating your eyes, nose and mouth.
• If possible (without leaving your work area) wash your hands.
• If possible have the building ventilation system shut down and turn off any fans or equipment that is circulating air around the workplace.
• Wait for help to arrive

If you suspect that you have received a package that may contain hazardous material and HAVE OPENED IT

• Do not disturb the item any further. Do not pass it around. If any material has spilt from the item, do not try to clean it up, or brush it from your clothing.
• If possible place an object over the package without disturbing it such as a large waste bin.
• Stay in your office or immediate work area. This also applies to co-workers in the same room. Prevent others from entering the area and becoming contaminated.
• If there is a strong/overpowering odour move to an adjoining room closing all doors and windows and stay in that area until help arrives.
• Call for help. This may be your supervisor or to 000 to ask for Police or Fire Brigades depending on your situation. Advise:
• Exact location of the incident - street address, building floor number
• Number of people potentially exposed
• Description of the package/device
• Action taken eg, package covered with black coat, area isolated.
• Keep your hands away from your face to avoid contaminating your eyes, nose and mouth.
• If possible (without leaving your work area) wash your hands.
• If possible have the building ventilation system shut down and turn off any fans or equipment that is circulating air around the workplace.
• Wait for help to arrive

If you suspect the mail item may contain an explosive device

• Follow your normal emergency procedures
• Ring 000 and report the package to the Police
• Evacuate the area

GENERAL
I would emphasise that the New South Wales Government is not aware of any danger to the staff of the State's public sector. However, the incidents in the United Stated reinforce the need for staff to be aware of the procedures to be adopted in cases of a suspect item of mail or parcel.

Your staff should be assured that the Fire Brigades has available staff who are trained to deal with such situations. Throughout the State effective plans are in place to manage any incidents.

Your assistance in ensuring these procedures are promulgated throughout your agency in the same way as your standard emergency procedures would be appreciated.

C Gellatly
Director General