Safety Procedures
These recommendations apply to those who actually open mail as opposed to mailroom staff whose principal function is to accept and route mail to its destination.
In some cases it is possible to determine if a package is totally unexpected. These parcels should be given increased scrutiny.
- You should determine if the parcel is deemed "suspicious"; if so, follow the procedures. Our setting is more conducive to identifying unusual or suspicious return addresses than mailrooms.
- If you become suspicious (the envelope is empty or an unidentifiable substance spills) of a package after it is opened:
- DO NOT attempt to clean up any spilled material.
- Cover the spill with anything available, (clothing, paper, trash can). Leave the area, close the door, contact SECURITY at (212) 305-7979, prevent others from entering.
- Wash hands and exposed skin (arms) with warm water and soap.
- If your clothing may have become contaminated, change as soon as possible; put contaminated clothing in a plastic bag that can be sealed.
This should be given to Environmental Health and Safety for proper handling.
- Shower with soap and water as soon as possible.
- In a laboratory, packages containing infectious materials or specimens should routinely be opened in a biological safety cabinet (BSC).
- Security will contact the NYPD and, if indicated, the Department of Health.
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT EVALUATION/TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED ANTHRAX.
| Exposure: |
None |
| Symptoms: |
None |
| Action: |
No screening - refer to NYC Department Of Health if patient requests screening. Give patient appropriate information sheet. |
|
| Exposure: |
None |
| Symptoms: |
Cutaneous lesion |
| Action: |
If ulcerated or edematous, obtain Dermatology; consider ID evaluation; consider lesion culture/biopsy; treat suspicious lesions pending laboratory evaluation; NYC Department of Health notification. |
|
| Exposure: |
None |
| Symptoms: |
Pulmonary Syndrome |
| Action: |
Medical judgement; consider ID evaluation; consider CXR/blood cultures; NYC Department Of Health notification. |
|
| Exposure: |
Probable Exposure to Suspicious Powder |
| Symptoms: |
None |
| Action:: |
Police/NYC Department Of Health notification; consider antibiotic prophylaxis. |
|
| Exposure: |
Probable Exposure to Suspicious Powder |
| Symptoms: |
None |
| Action: |
Police/NYC Department Of Health notification; dermatology +/- ID evaluation; consider lesion culture/biopsy; nasal swab; treat suspicious lesions pending laboratory evaluation. |
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Last updated 1/12/2006
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