Procedures for dealing with suspicious packages
The University of Kent receives a wide variety of mail and this offers an attractive route into the premises for terrorists or criminals. Delivered items may be explosive or incendiary (the two most likely kinds), or chemical, biological or radiological ('white powder'). Incidents of this nature are extremely rare. However, if there is concern that a suspected package has been received, sensible steps can be taken to minimise the risk and danger.
Advice for handling mail
- Look out for suspicious envelopes or packages (see below for some things that should trigger suspicion).
- Keep hands away from nose and mouth while handling mail.
- Wash hands after handling mail.
- Discolouration, crystals on surface, strange odours or oily stains.
- Envelope with powder or powder-like residue.
- Excessive tape or string.
- Unusual size or weight for its size.
- Lopsided or oddly-shaped envelope.
- Postmark that does not match return address.
- Restrictive endorsements such as 'Personal' or 'Confidential'.
- Excessive postage.
- Hand-written, block printed or poorly typed addresses.
- Incorrect titles.
- Title but no name.
- No return address.
- Misspelling of common words.
- Addressed to a person who has left the University's employment.
- There is a smell, particularly of almonds or marzipan.
- If you believe you have received a suspicious item do not touch the package further or move it to another location. Especially do not put it in a bucket of water.
- If you are holding the item put it on a flat surface and keep it separate and easily identifiable to emergency services.
- Move everyone to a safe distance, including from any rooms above or below.
- Prevent others from approaching.
- Don't use radios or mobile phones within the immediate vicinity of a suspect item (15 metres radius), remaining out of sight and behind hard cover.
- Notify your manager, clearly stating why you think it is suspicious.
- Notify Campus Security on 3333/3300.
- Do not shake or pour out contents.
- Shut windows and doors in the room and leave the room, but keep yourself separate from others and available for medical examination.
- Switch off any room air conditioning/ventilation system.
- Notify your manager, clearly stating why you think it is suspicious.
- Notify Campus Security on 3333/3300.
- Ensure that whoever found the item or witnessed the incident remains on hand to brief the police.
If you believe that you have been exposed to biological/chemical material:
- Remain calm.
- Do not touch eyes, nose or any other part of your body.
- Wash your hands and any other exposed parts of your body in ordinary soap and water.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke.
Managers' actions
- Confirm as far as possible that the suspicious package is actually worth calling out the police and invoking emergency plans.
- Close all fire doors.
- Close all windows.
- Notify the police using the 999 system.
- Evacuate the immediate area without sounding the fire alarm.
- Notify Campus Security on 3333/3300 – follow their instructions.
- Switch off building air conditioning/ventilation systems.
- Close all fire doors and close all windows.
- If biological contamination is suspected, ensure that staff in the contaminated room are evacuated to an adjacent unoccupied room away from the hazard and separate from those not involved so as to minimise the risk of inadvertent cross-contamination.
- If there has been a suspected chemical incident, ensure staff leave the room as quickly as possible. Possible signs that people have been exposed will be streaming eyes, coughs and irritated skin. Seek immediate medical advice.
- Notify the police using the 999 system.
- Notify Campus Security on 3333/3300.
