What is a Doubtful or Suspicious Article?

The threat of explosive or contaminated mail being sent to the University is very real in the light of current world-wide terrorism. To combat this possibility you should have in place appropriate guidelines and measures to assist staff who handle suspicious mail.

Ask yourself, does the doubtful or unattended item represent a potential threat to yourself, your colleagues or the University of Melbourne? Carefully analyse the item for a combination of any of the factors listed below. Ensure you do not touch or move the item at any time.

Is it a Suspicious Article?

• Is it hidden?
• Is it obviously suspicious?
• Is it typical of your work area?
• Has there been unauthorised access?
• Has there been a perimeter breach?

Is it Hazardous or Suspicious Mail?

• Excessive securing material?
• Excessive weight?
• Protruding wires or foil?
• Lopsided or unevenly weighted?
• Oily stains or visible powder and crystals?
• Stiff or rigid envelope?
• Is the package or mail expected?
• Visual distractions on the packaging?
• Excessive postage?
• Proper names and titles not used?
• Address handwritten or poorly typed?
• Restrictive markings eg: "Confidential"?
• Common words mispelt?
• External or foreign mail?
• Lacks sender address?

Emergency Procedures

If you believe a letter or parcel is suspicious and you have NOT opened it:

• DO NOT open it, or shake it.
• Place the parcel/letter into a plastic bag and seal it. Place this bag into another plastic bag and seal it.
• Stay in your immediate environment and prevent others from entering the area.
• DO turn off any personal fans in the immediate area.
• DO call for help. Contact Security on 8344 6666 and your supervisor.
• DO wash your hands if you are able to access facilities in your immediate area.
• DO NOT touch your face with your hands or any part of your body that has open wounds.

If you HAVE opened a letter or parcel that contains suspicious powder:

• DO cover the object without touching or disturbing it further by upending your garbage bin and placing it over the top.
• If any material has spilt from the item, DO NOT try to clean it up.
• DO NOT brush powder off your clothing or off any other surface.
• DO turn off any personal fans in the immediate area.
• Stay in your immediate environment and prevent others from entering the area.
• Ensure that co-workers in the same room also stay put.
• DO wash your hands if you are able to access facilities in your immediate area.
• DO NOT touch your face with your hands or any part of your body that has open wounds.
• DO call for help. Contact Security on 8344 6666 and your supervisor.

If you suspect the mail item may contain an explosive device:

• DO NOT touch it, or move it.
• Ring Security on 8344 6666 and report the package.
• Evacuate the area if the device indicates it may detonate soon, otherwise, stay nearby behind a solid barrier and prevent others from entering the area.
• Wait for Police to arrive to tell them where the device is.