How to deal with an officially marked package
Before proceeding or calling 999, you must conduct a risk assessment and call Central Postal Control (CPC) on 0345 266 1060 to agree how to proceed.
If CPC agree that the item is suspicious, you should follow the instructions below to ensure the safety of your people.
Royal Mail Group does carry some low-risk pathological (e.g. blood/urine/faeces) and low-risk hazardous substances (e.g. water-based paints, varnishes, enamels).
Pathological substances will be packaged in three layers of protection. The inner plastic flask can withstand an elephant’s weight and has never been known to break open. The outer package may be dry ice (which can smoke), or vermiculite powder (which can leak if the package is damaged) but are harmless.
Low-risk substances should be surrounded with sufficient absorbent material to soak up any leakage and should be packed in strong fibreboard and polystyrene.
A response to this type of situation would only be required under exceptional circumstances, such as people in the vicinity experiencing a physical reaction.
If you still think the package is suspicious
Call CPC to decide how to proceed
Brief Central Postal Control (CPC) on the situation and get its advice on how to proceed.
If CPC agree that the item may pose a risk
Call and support the police
If CPC do not agree the item poses a risk
Close the incident
If in doubt at any stage always call Central Postal Control (CPC)
Central Postal Control deals with issues on a regular basis and will be able to talk you through how to deal with any situation.