Safe Mail Handling Recommendations
Incidents involving mail potentially contaminated with biohazards such as anthrax or smallpox have created demand for enclosures where suspicious mail can be sorted and opened safely. It should be noted that the use of biological safety cabinets can pose risks and should be restricted to those familiar with proper use of laboratory enclosures and laboratory procedures. Please read the information provided by the CDC and United States Post Office before purchasing a laboratory enclosure for mail screening.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends handling
anthrax and smallpox using Biosafety Level 2 practices, containment equipment
and facilities. The Biosafety Level 2 recommendation is required for work
on a laboratory scale, which would be similar to the small amounts of
infected agents found in dangerous mail. The Biosafety Level 3 recommendation
is required for those working with production levels of anthrax, which
does not apply.
Labconco Recommendations
Labconco recommends the Purifier
HEPA Filtered Class I Enclosure for the safe handling of mail. This 2'
, 3' and 4' enclosure uses a 99.9% efficient HEPA (high efficiency particulate
air) filter to remove particulates, including bacteria and viruses, from the
air. Room air enters the enclosure through the sash opening. Particulates
and aerosols generated within the enclosure are picked up in the air stream
and trapped in the HEPA filter located above the work area. Clean air is recirculated
into the room. The Purifier HEPA Filtered Enclosure may also be exhausted
to the outside using ductwork and a remote blower to provide protection from
chemical hazards as well.
If more than 3' of work space is required, Labconco also offers the Purifier Class II Safety Cabinet which comes in 3', 4' and 6' widths and provides Biosafety Level 1, 2 and 3 containment for personnel and product protection.
For more information please contact a Labconco product specialist at 1-800-821-5525 or labconco@labconco.com. For GSA customers please contact Dave Norby at extension 704 or davidno@labconco.com.
Important Links
• The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• The
United States Postal Service: Message About Safe Handling
• Health
Canada
CDC Publications
• Biosafety
in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 4th Edition
• Primary
Containment for Biohazards: Selection, Installation and Use of Biological
Safety Cabinets, 2nd Edition
More About Labconco
Standards and Certification
• ISO Certification
• CE Marking
• ETL Electrical Safety Listings
• U.S. Green Building Council
• NSF Standard #49