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Home \ Crime Matters \ Crime Prevention \ Crime Prevention Advice \ General Security of Premises and Personnel \ PART 4: BIOHAZARD THREATS VIA THE MAIL |
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Introduction 4.1. As with bombs, the planting or delivery of a package containing (real or hoax) biohazardous materials can be easily achieved. 4.2. This has been confirmed via past experience overseas. However, even in Hong Kong, business has been disrupted by the receipt of suspicious substances which, in most cases, were the subject of innocent despatch. 4.3. It is therefore advised that all staff are briefed on how to handle safely packages which may be suspected to contain biohazardous materials. Basic Security 4.4. As with bombs, good housekeeping will reduce the potential for suspect parcels to be left unattended and undetected. 4.5. However, as with bombs, such materials may also be delivered via the mail. The same indicators of suspicion apply. Suspicious Unopened Letter or Package Marked With Threatening Message Such As "ANTHRAX" 4.6. Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package. 4.7. PLACE the envelope or package in plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leakage of contents. 4.8. If you do not have any container, then COVER the envelope or package with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover. 4.9. The LEAVE the room and CLOSE the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away). 4.10. WASH your hands with soap and hot water to prevent spreading any powder to your face. 4.11. Report the incident immediately to your supervisor, who will notify the police. 4.12. Turn off all the fans. 4.13. The Supervisor should list all people who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized. This list will be given to the Police for follow-up investigations and advice. Envelope With Powder And Powder Spills Out Onto Surface 4.14. DO NOT try to CLEAN UP the powder. Take care NOT to disperse the powder into the air. If possible, COVER the spilled contents with a container such as a box or waste bin. 4.15. Then LEAVE the room and CLOSE the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away). 4.16. WASH your hands with soap and hot water to prevent spreading any powder to your face. 4.17. Report the incident immediately to your supervisor, who will notify the police. 4.18. Turn off all the fans. 4.19. Take all your clothes off and put them in a plastic bag. SHOWER with soap and hot water as soon as possible. DO NOT USE BLEACH or OTHER DISINFECTANT ON YOUR SKIN. 4.20. The Supervisor should list all people who were in the room or area within 15ft when this suspicious letter or package was recognized. This list will be given to the Police for follow-up investigations and advice. These people should stay together at a safe place until the Police arrives. |
