Posted By Dave Wilson
This is the nadvice we give to our people it may be of use.
Security Advice on Postal Bombs and Incendiary Devices
General
Postal bombs can come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Although they may be large, they do not need to be bulky packages or parcels. Postal bombs the size of paper back books have been among the more successful.
As with any suspicious package, those staff responsible for the opening of mail should remain vigilant and treat mail with care. If you are uncertain about a letter or package do not handle it any more than is necessary and make sure no one else does. DO NOT OPEN.
Beware - it is not necessary to open the envelope or package in any particular way to cause it to detonate. It can be triggered by any movement and even a slight attempt to open the outer cover.
Recognition of Suspect Letters and Packages
Pointers to look for in determining whether a postal package is suspect include:
Point of origin: If the item is from an unusual point of origin or sender (if provided) combined with other factors (see below) the item may fall into the category of 'suspicious'.
Manuscript of sender: If this indicates, for example, a foreign style of writing, and if such is not usually received.
Balance: If the package or letter is lopsided.
Weight: If there seems to be excessive weight for size.
Protruding wires: Even well prepared devices can come adrift in transit.
A small hole: (like a pin hole) in the package wrapping or the envelope.
Grease marks on the package wrapping: Possibly caused by the 'sweating' of an explosive.
A smell like that of almonds or marzipan.
Contents: If the appearance suggests a book (unless it's receipt is expected) - treat as suspect. DO NOT PRESS.
Flap of envelope: Usually there is a portion on the flap of the envelope which is ungummed. May be significant if flap is stuck down completely.
Additionally, in the case of a letter:
The feel: (NB Do Not Press!) will indicate whether there is only folded paper inside the envelope (indicating that the contents are not dangerous), or if there is either, stiffening by, for example, cards or the feel of metal.
The Weight: A letter usually weighs up to 28 grams. An effective postal bomb usually weighs at least 56 grams: it therefore needs more than the usual value of stamps for it's size, and is unusually thick for a letter, being at least 5mm.
If, on opening an envelope, there is an additional inner envelope, which is tightly taped or tied with string or it is personally addressed - the letter should be scrutinized again for signs of any of the pointers in this and the above paragraphs
Action on receipt of a Suspicious Package
If the sender's name and address is given, he/she should be contacted and asked to confirm his dispatch of the letter or package concerned, and to validate the contents. If such information is not available then:
Place the package on the nearest horizontal firm surface.
Leave the room, closing the door behind you. If it is possible to open the windows of the room before you leave, do so.
Prevent other persons entering into the room. Lock the door if possible.
Call the police and or the local security officer and advise Security Duty Manager, Telephone: .
NB: On no account should a suspicious package be taken to the police or the security officer.
It should NOT be placed outside in the street, put in a bucket of water or covered with sand.
Action if suspicions are aroused when a package has been partly opened or the contents removed.
If mail becomes suspect while it is in the course of being opened:
Order any other personnel present to leave the room as quickly as possible.
Place the package, or the contents of the package, as gently as possible on the nearest horizontal firm surface keeping the face and body shielded. This can be achieved by either placing the suspect item behind a substantial object such as a steel cupboard or by leaving the room and using the wall as a barrier placing the item gently on the floor around the corner of the door.
Leave the room quickly, closing the door. Prevent other persons going into the room. Lock or otherwise secure if possible.
Notify local police or company security officer and Security Duty Manager, Telephone: .