In March 2009 a new Publically Available Specification was introduced in the UK. The Standard, developed in collaboration with the British Standards Institution (BSi) is known as PAS 97:2009 A Specification for Mail Screening and Security.
Terrorists and others wishing to cause harm or disruption have long used postal and courier services to deliver hazardous items to target recipients. A properly conducted risk assessment enables CornerStone to identify the likely threat to your organisation and will enable the type of precautions you need to take to be recommended.
Delivered items can include letters, packages and parcels and may contain:
- Explosive or incendiary devices
- Sharps or blades
- Offensive materials
- Chemical, biological or radiological (CBR) materials or devices.
Anyone receiving a suspicious delivery is unlikely to know exactly which type it is, so procedures should cater for every eventuality.
A delivered item will probably have received fairly rough handling in the post and so any device is unlikely to function through being moved, but any attempt at opening it may set it off. In contrast, even gentle handling or movement of an item containing CBR material can lead to the release of contamination. Unless delivered by courier, an item is unlikely to contain a timing device.
Delivered items come in a variety of shapes and sizes; a well-made one will look innocuous but there are many possible indicators that a delivered item may be of concern.
Bulky deliveries (e.g. office equipment, stationery and catering supplies) are also a potential vulnerability. This risk can be reduced through measures such as: matching deliveries against orders, only accepting those which are expected; using trusted suppliers wherever possible; maintaining vigilance; inspecting deliveries.
Corporate Mail Rooms
Understanding the potential threats that each client is exposed to helps CornerStone propose Policies and Procedures that can mitigate a level of risk. One of the measures that can assist a Corporate enterprise in managing and controlling the threat of mail based attacks is the deployment of X-Ray screening. However, simply installing the requisite X-Ray equipment is only a small aspect of the consideration necessary when X-Ray technology is being used.
It is essential that a Mail and Delivery Procedure exists that captures every potential scenario, ensuring that all mail and parcels are vetted promptly after arriving at a building.
Strict procedures need to be enforced in relation to the management and operation of X-Ray machines in accordance with the Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999 but with the introduction of an effective Local Rule safe working practices and manufacturers recommendations, risks associated with regular operation can be mitigated.
The Mail Room itself should be fit for purpose and CornerStone can provide advice and recommendations to ensure that the environment is suitable for the tasks that are being undertaken.
CornerStone provide a comprehensive Mail Room Security Service. We are able to assist with one or all of the following:
- Development of Mail Room Procedures
- Process and procedure review
- Design of the Local Rule
- Specifying suitable X-Ray and associated equipment
- Review and specification of the Mail Room environment
CornerStone provide comprehensive Training programmes that include
- Operator Training
- X-Ray methodology
- X-Ray Health and Safety
- Suspicious mail handling
- Screening and threat recognition techniques
To find out more about our mail and parcel delivery screening and security consultancy services please call us on 0207 868 5070.
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