10/12/01

ADVISORY:
USE OF GLOVES AND FILTERING FACEPIECES FOR MAILHANDLING AND PROTECTION
FROM ANTHRAX

We have had inquiries on the use of gloves and respirators to protect against anthrax while handling mail.

There is no indication that wearing gloves for protection against potential anthrax spores in the mail is of any significant benefit to employees. Skin infections from anthrax typically involve contact with heavily contaminated animal hides and similar materials. Any serious skin infection is very unlikely with subsequent treatment. The principal hazard is the release of anthrax spores, inhalation, and subsequent respiratory infection, which gloves will not prevent. This is a very low risk scenario for postal employees, and public health authorities are not recommending the use of respirators. Additionally, use of latex (surgical/examination gloves) can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals.

We understand, however, that employees have real concerns based on recent events. Therefore please advise employees that they may wear disposable nitrite gloves during routine mail handling, such as culling and other direct contact with mailpieces. In most cases those points of operation do not involve immediate mechanization hazards, e.g. an in-running nip-point in automation or mechanization. We still do not want employees exposed to a greater probability of injury, so in those specific locations where a gloved hand presents a hazard, advise employees not to wear gloves.

Persons concerned about inhalation may also utilize filtering facepiece respirators. For maximum efficiency, they should be NIOSH approved N95 types. This is in accordance with existing respirator policy on voluntary use of filtering facepieces.

Please note that this advisory is not in response to any known significant threat from anthrax mailings, but is to provide postal employees with a measure of security.
 

Employees may wear their own nitrile gloves or FFPs, or gloves and FFPs purchased by the Postal Service. Management can use existing stocks of non-nitrite gloves, until nitrite stock can be purchased. For administrative purposes, providing gloves is not considered part of the PPE program under OSHA.
 

As the Chief Postal Inspector has said: "Considering that the post office delivers approximately 208 billion pieces of mail per year ... the chances of someone actually receiving a mailpiece containing a biological agent are remote. "The Postal Inspection Service is working closely with other law enforcement agencies to keep all postal employees safe from terrorist threats."

If an employee encounters a suspicious package, or a mailpiece leaking unknown materials, they should isolate the mailpiece without further handling, retreat, cordon off the area, and notify their supervisor to obtain expert help. They should wash their hands or other skin areas with soap and water if they think they have experienced skin contact. This is the best protection against any hazardous material release, including anthrax.

The Postal Service policy on the use of gloves and filtering facepieces is contained in the PPE MI, EL-810-2001-1 and is still applicable. Additional guidance is also available on the Safety Toolkit Resources Page, and recent safety talks issued on the anthrax issue.

-SAFETY PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT, HEADQUARTERS