accommodation & hospitality services staff briefing – no 17 handling suspicious packages

Accommodation & Hospitality Services

STAFF BRIEFING – No 17

Handling Suspicious Packages


WHAT IS A SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE?

Envelopes and packages believed to be a possible threat to life and/or property. Be wary of suspicious packages and letters. They can contain explosives, incendiary devices, chemicals or biological agents.


How to handle a threatening phone call…or mail

• Take it seriously. • Try to remain calm and don’t let the caller sense you are

alarmed. • Do not use the word “bomb” within earshot of visitors or other

personnel. • Summon a witness, if available. • Don’t transfer the call or place the caller on hold.• Quickly locate your bomb threat checklist. • Keep the caller talking by asking him or her to repeat things or

spell things.• Ask open questions that require more than a “yes” or “no”

answer. • Obtain as much information as possible about the caller (e.g.

apparent gender and age, voice, background noise) and the device (e.g. where it is located, what it looks like).

• Write down the caller’s exact words while the call is in progress or as soon as you can.


• As soon as the caller hangs up, report the incident. Keep the line the caller called on open, in case he or she calls back.

• Notify Security or, failing that, your manager• They will notify the police and other appropriate authorities• Once you have reported the threat you may need to help the

people responsible for investigating it. • Crisis managers or bomb threat experts may decide to

evacuate the area. • As with any emergency, your ability to respond effectively

and efficiently depends on being prepared.

You've Got (Threatening) MailNot all bomb threats are by phone. You may also be the

recipient of a written note, letter or email. If so, follow post orders and contact the appropriate authorities. In addition, written notes are evidence and must be preserved. Avoid handling paper notes or envelopes. Use gloves, tongs or even tissue to keep from blurring fingerprints

…CONT


Suspicious Packages?

You don’t necessarily have to work in the mailroom for a suspicious package to cross your path.

If you are on duty at a reception area or in a general office, it is possible you may be asked to take receipt of an item of mail from a total stranger, who may or may not be wearing uniform. They may have arrived in a marked or unmarked vehicle, or you may not have seen the vehicle.

Always be aware of anyone who is asking you to take receipt of anything.

If you have any concerns what should you do?


WHY SO SUSPICIOUS?

Can you each give me two reasons why a package may raise your suspicions?


Handling of Suspicious Packages and Envelopes

• If a package or envelope appears suspicious, DO NOT OPEN IT.• Do not shake or empty the contents. • Do not carry the package, show it to others or allow others to examine it. • Put the package envelope down on a stable surface; do not sniff, touch, taste, or

look closely at it or at any contents which may have spilled. • Alert others in the area about the suspicious package. • Leave the area, close any doors, and take actions to prevent others from entering

the area. If possible, shut off the ventilation system. • Wash hands with soap and water to prevent spreading potentially infectious

material to face or skin. • Seek additional instructions for exposed or potentially exposed persons. • Notify a supervisor, a security officer. • If possible, create a list of persons who were in the room or area when this

suspicious letter or package was recognized and a list of persons who also may have handled this package.


If the item has arrived in the post, it has already taken some quite rough handling and so it is likely that any device enclosed would be designed to be activated when the package is opened. So don’t open it or tamper with it!

Further Advice


• Having received an item that raises your suspicions you should take note of what is wrong and contact Security on 666

• It’s important that you follow any instructions given to you over the phone by security staff.

• The member of Security will inform the University Security Manager and the emergency services if necessary.

• A University Security Officer will now be en-route to the scene.

• The Senior University Security Officer will assume control of the incident upon arrival at the scene and issue instructions to staff.

• The members of staff who raised the alarm are required to keep themselves available for questioning.

What to do next…


Evacuation or Invacuation?

Depending on the situation either an Evacuation or an Invacuation will be decided upon; there is a separate toolbox talk on this topic.


NOTES/QUESTIONS


NAME DATE SIGNATURE

Attendee List

accommodation & hospitality services staff briefing – no 17 handling suspicious packages

Documents

package envelope

wary of suspicious packages

possible threat

caller sense

bomb threat experts

bomb threat checklist

word bomb

reception area