Since there have been quite a number of positive tests for the presence of anthrax in workplaces and in workers alike, and since it seems as if this disease is being spread via letters handled by postal employees, we as responsible workers must remain informed about the disease, about our safety, and about our rights. With this in mind, I have updated this section of the website with the assistance of Bob Del Prete, former Southern Region Safety/Health Rep. It represents a compilation of the very ample amount of information about this subject that has been generated ever so speedily in the preceding weeks.

Hopefully, the following frequently asked questions by members from many of the locals Bob and I recently spoke with, with accompanying straightforward answers (documented whenever possible), will help to enlighten all USPS employees. In the interest of expediency, not all answers are documented, but most of them are. If there is an answer that you need to have documented, let us know and documentation will be provided. Also, if there is any particular question that you may have that is not addressed in this forum, contact your steward, your local,  or the region and we will be certain that your question is answered. If noteworthy, we will add it to this site so that others will benefit from your desire to be informed.

Further, we invite you to use this information in any manner you deem necessary to educate members, as long as it is done responsibly and accurately. As it is our intention to remain as current as possible as events transpire and information is disseminated, check this site frequently to remain abreast of all of the latest developments as they take place and eventually have their affect on us all.

Frequently Asked Questions:

It is an infectious disease that spreads when its spores (cells that can create something else) enter the body through open wounds, the mouth or the nose, or swallowed. It is through the ability of some to force these spores to become airborne that makes anthrax such a threatening biological weapon for terrorists. These spores are extremely resilient to high temperatures and other adverse conditions; also to ethanol and many antibiotics.

These spores can cause disease usually in 1-7 days, but can still remain in an incubation stage for up to 60 days.

The spores are odorless, colorless, and too infinitesimal for the naked eye to see. A dot made with a pen or pencil can hold 10,000 of these spores (Source: Dr. K. Sathiakumar, Epidemiological Analyst, Jefferson County Department of Health, Birmingham, Alabama).

Anthrax spores that we can inhale vary in size from 18-20 microns on down. The spores that do the most damage are those that measure 1-5 microns because these are the spores that can enter a person’s lungs where they begin to give off deadly toxins. Spores that are known to be less than one micron in size are not known to cause disease.

(Source: Dr. K. Sathiakumar, Epidemiological Analyst in Birmingham, Alabama).

According to Webster’s Dictionary, a micron is one thousandth of a millimeter. A millimeter is one thousandth of a meter. A meter is slightly more than one yard. To further put their size into perspective, the thickness of a common piece of Kleenex is 25 microns thick. One micron is one twenty fifth the thickness of a piece of Kleenex.

Yes, according to Dr. K. Sathiakumar, Epidemiological Analyst, Jefferson County Department of Health, Birmingham, Alabama. The porosity of the envelope may permit spores to seep through the paper.

By most accounts, it is agreed that it takes about 8000 spores to infect an individual to the point that symptoms of the disease manifest themselves. One CNN report said that it could take as little as 5000 spores. In a December 1 article in the Washington Post, it was stated that " … health experts on Friday acknowledged that little is known about the minimum dose of anthrax spores that may be necessary to cause disease, especially in older people."

Yes. Untreated water won’t kill anthrax spores. In fact, it is conceivable that anthrax spores measuring 1-5 microns (the size that do damage to lungs) could be sprayed in the atmosphere with water.

(Source: Carol Ingram, R.N., BSN; Communicable Disease Supervisor, Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services)

No. City water treatment systems are designed to kill bacteria, including anthrax, before it re-enters the water supply.

(Source: Carol Ingram, R.N., BSN; Communicable Disease Supervisor, Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services)

There are different types and their corresponding symptoms are as follows:

Pulmonary (inhaled form): Here, spores generally measuring 1 to 5 microns enter the lungs through inhalation. For 1-5 days you have what appears to be a low grade viral infection, then this disappears or subsides. The spores then start to generate toxins that are released into the lung cavity, causing bleeding. Flu like symptoms develop, leading to a high fever, leading to shock. This form of the disease is most often fatal, usually within 24 hours in this stage, in almost all cases. This one must be treated early, but even then it is said to be almost always fatal. This is what the gentleman in Boca who worked for the tabloid had that died. This is second in incidence rate at 5% of all anthrax cases.

Cutaneous (skin form): Here, spores invade the body through a cut, or a wound. Poisons develop and grow, causing bleeding and swelling. It starts out as a sore (or sores) 1-7 days after exposure; these sores are not painful. This sore then grows into a black scab, usually on the face, neck, arms, or hands, and flu like symptoms develop. This type causes death in 20% of those infected; if properly treated in a timely manner, fewer than 1% die. This type might be contagious if the drainage from the sores comes into contact with open wounds on others. This is the most popular one … 95% of all cases are the "cutaneous" type.

Ingested: Here, you get it by eating undercooked meat from an animal infected with the bacteria. There is bleeding, swelling, and possible blood poisoning. You have flu like symptoms with stomach pain, vomiting of blood and diarrhea. This type is fatal in 25 – 60% of the cases. This is generally NOT found in this hemisphere, but in Asia and Africa. Actually this one has NEVER been reported in the United States among humans.

(Sources: Centers for Disease Control, Florida Department of Health, and others)

It depends. One medical professional defined an "open wound" as any skin lesion (cut) that one sustained in the last twenty-four hours. For postal workers, it might be advisable to consider any cut sustained in the last forty-eight hours as an open wound. This is why gloves are recommended for postal workers.

(Source: Carol Ingram, R.N., BSN; Communicable Disease Supervisor, Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services)

With anthrax, you will have flu like symptoms WITHOUT ANY NASAL OR SINUS ACTIVITY. In other words, if you’re experiencing fever, muscle aches, sore throat, general discomfort, etc. like the flu, but with no "running nose," GO TO THE DOCTOR!

Possibly, according to Dr. Bradley Perkins, lead anthrax investigator of the Centers for Disease Control. On November 3 it was reported that he said, "There may be host factors or particular susceptibilities in persons who might be a little older. And we’re actively exploring that as a hypothesis based on the 10 cases that we have." Further, it should be added that in a December 1 article in the Washington Post, it was stated that " … health experts on Friday acknowledged that little is known about the minimum dose of anthrax spores that may be necessary to cause disease, especially in older people (our underline)."

Possibly, according to Dr. Bradley Perkins, lead anthrax investigator of the Centers for Disease Control. On November 3 it was reported that he said that smokers might be more vulnerable to anthrax "because of damage to a mechanism that clears impurities such as bacteria spores from the lungs."

It can be diagnosed either of two ways. One way is with two blood tests. If there is a rise in antibodies in the second test, there’s a problem. The second test is usually not done until one or two weeks later, so another way is to introduce a sample of the blood or sputum and place it in a Petrie dish. Depending on what eventually grows, one can then tell if anthrax bacteria are present (Source: Carol Ingram, R.N., BSN; Communicable Disease Supervisor, Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services). This can take 2-4 days. However, the Mayo Clinic has just announced that there’s a new test that can diagnose the disease in one day through DNA. A sampling of nasal spores IS NOT a way to diagnose the disease; this is a means of measuring extent of exposure by HAZMAT crews.

Probably not, unless other existing circumstances suggest that it is. According to an October 24, 2001 letter from P. Donahoe (Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President) and S. Medvidovich (Senior Vice President, Human Resources) at USPS Headquarters, it is specified that employees who call in sick or report to a hospital are to tell their managers, and that this information is to be relayed to the district command center. The intent of this is to track any possible anthrax illnesses as closely as possible according to an October 24, 2001 USPS News Release. In addition, a number of APWU locals have asked their members to give management emergency telephone numbers and current home addresses so that they can be contacted in case of emergency. However, if you feel you are being harassed, see your steward.

Yes, by all means. This may have a bearing on the health care provider’s diagnosis of your symptoms and subsequent treatment.

Tell your supervisor IMMEDIATELY! According to Gary Conley, Human Resources Manager of the Tampa, Florida Sun Coast District, the USPS has agreed to pay for any such test that a licensed health care provider deems appropriate. Accommodations on your behalf will be made.

A prescribed antibiotic is administered for as long as 60 days, usually a form of penicillin. If allergic to penicillin, oral tetracycline is used for cutaneous anthrax. The antibiotic used for the type of anthrax used in the germ warfare we are experiencing is ciprofloxacin (a.k.a. "cipro"), and this had been the drug being prescribed in the recent cases publicized. This practice ceased on October 28 when the USPS announced in a USPS Facts Update that "cipro" would no longer be the drug endorsed by the USPS as a recommended treatment for its employees. The antibiotic now recommended because of its fewer, less severe side effects is doxycyclene (a.k.a. "doxy").

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the side effects can be vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, sun sensitivity, and rash. Ciprofloxacin is a very powerful antibiotic and should be avoided. It also should not be looked upon as the cure-all for the problem we are now facing. It is no longer the recommended drug to fight anthrax.

Yes, in some. According to the Centers for Disease Control, these side effects can be nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; sensitivity to the sun; dark "furry" tongue, black tongue or swollen tongue; vaginal yeast infection. More serious side effects can occur, and they may include an allergic reaction (swelling), severe headaches, vision changes, confusion, liver damage, blood problems, and genital sores or itching. Regardless, according to an October 28, 2001 USPS Facts Update this is now the drug endorsed by the USPS for postal employees to combat possible anthrax infections because of the lowered risk of side effects and because it is more readily available.

No, according to Dr. Jeffrey Koplan, Director of the Centers for Disease Control. He stated on October 18, 2001 in a CDC Anthrax Update that "there is no need to stockpile antibiotics, and indeed it can be detrimental to both the individual and the community." He went on to say that antibiotics can be delivered as the need arises.

If one is taking "doxy," can he quit if tests prove negative for the disease, or is this strictly a decision by the attending physician?

If one completes his "doxy" regimen, is that individual protected against future anthrax exposures? And if so, for how long?

Yes, and it was approved by the FDA in 1970. As of this date it is reserved for those in the military.

Possible side effects to this vaccine are a matter of much controversy. The US Army says less than 1/10 of 1% of those inoculated have any side effects. Dr. Meryl Nass, a member of an organization called "Physicians for Social Responsibility," says the military’s numbers are grossly in error. Dr. Nass says that 30% of those inoculated experience redness and swelling around the area of the inoculation. She also says that 20% experience more serious symptoms like sleeplessness, poor concentration, vision problems, no tolerance for loud noises or bright light, headaches, abdominal cramping, increased thirst, tingling in arms and legs, the possibility of bloody diarrhea, an inability to drive or read, bone joint pain, and chronic fatigue.

Many opponents of the vaccine feel it is a contributing factor to those who have been afflicted with Gulf War syndrome, and point to French troops who fought in Desert Storm with Americans who were not inoculated with the anthrax vaccine/atropine (a drug that counteracts the effects of nerve gas) combination. These individuals have shown no symptoms of Gulf War syndrome.

(Sources: various articles available upon request)

This could be time consuming, and with the issue of its safety further clouding the matter, this may prove to be unrealistic. As of now, the injection series mandates 6 inoculations over an 18-month period. Efforts are underway to reduce it to 4 injections (and possibly 2) over a shorter period of time, but this is still in the formulative stages. Also, since this vaccine is controversial, one may not want to take the series of shots. As of this writing, it is the position of APWU National Headquarters not to endorse any such inoculation program until it is deemed completely safe.

This is uncertain at best and is a topic of hot debate. While the military says that it is, others claim that it has only been proven to work against cutaneous anthrax. It has not yet been tested thoroughly to the satisfaction of many authorities as an effective preventative against the inhaled (pulmonary) form of anthrax. Further, the dosage may not be sufficient to combat a high bombardment of anthrax spores. Also, there are strains that the vaccine may not be effective against, and it is not known how long the vaccine works combating the anthrax bacteria in a person’s body.

(Sources: various articles available upon request)

Yes, and these efforts have already begun in a number of districts. Ask your steward for details. He may be able to get them from his local, managers, or human resources personnel.

Because with flu shots the number of false alarms will reduce. With the flu shot, if you subsequently get flu like symptoms with no nasal or sinus activity, you would then know to seek the services of a health care physician immediately because these are anthrax symptoms. Flu shots can reduce the amount of stress we are all currently enduring by preventing flu like symptoms, thus decreasing any unnecessary need for concern.

Medical professionals insist that the worst that can happen is that for a very short period of time you could experience some slight symptoms similar to those that accompany the flu. They insist that the shot is not designed to make anyone sick and most often does not make anyone sick. If some symptoms are experienced, Tylenol or Advil can help.

(Source: Carol Ingram, R.N., BSN; Communicable Disease Supervisor, Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services)

According to Corey Thompson, APWU Safety/Health Specialist, if any employee has any concern regarding their medical ability to have the flu shot, they should consult a physician for advice.

What do I do if I find a suspicious letter, parcel or package?

According to an October 18, 2001 USPS Anthrax Update, if an employee finds a suspicious letter, parcel or package, they should do the following:

Be calm.

Do not touch the item.

Contact your supervisor immediately.

If you have come into contact with the item, wash your hands as soon as possible.

Follow instructions provided by supervisor and/or HAZMAT (Hazardous Materials) personnel.

APWU President Bill Burrus says the following steps should be taken: 

1. Do not touch or handle the suspicious item.

2. Leave the area immediately.

3. Notify your supervisor immediately.

4. Wash your hands and exposed skin completely.

5. Be sure you have current contact information on file so that you can be notified in an emergency.

You should wash your hands with soap and water immediately and await further instruction from management or outside emergency response experts.

Many health care professionals contend that one should wash as long as 3 minutes, or at least as long as it takes to say the alphabet or the pledge of allegiance. They also advise that one should wash their hands AND forearms, and that they should also wash their face. According to Hillsborough County (Tampa, Florida) epidemiologists, it is not necessary to wash with hot water or use any particular grade of soap.

At the very least, they must provide "tepid" or warm water. It is specified in 29 CFR 1910.141(d)(2)(ii) that "each lavatory shall be provided with hot and cold running water, or tepid running water." What temperature is considered "tepid" or warm is subject to debate.

Wash them with "hypochlorite," which is another way of saying one part household bleach to ten parts of water. Another option is to boil them in water for about thirty minutes.

In an October 24, 2001 letter from P. Donahoe (Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President) and S. Medvidovich (Senior Vice President, Human Resources) at USPS Headquarters, it is specified that employees are permitted to wash their hands every two hours. It is strongly recommended that employees take advantage of this right.

No. This practice has temporarily ceased according to an October 15 USPS NewsTalk for supervisors and postmasters. The practice of asking customers if the package could present any form of hazard is still in effect.

According to USPS Postal Inspectors, some typical characteristics that could trigger suspicion are as follows:

1. One that is unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you;

2. One that is addressed to someone no longer with your organization or otherwise outdated;

3. One with no return address, or one that can’t be verified as legitimate;

4. One that is of unusual weight, lopsided, oddly shaped, marked with restrictive endorsements, e.g. "personal" or "confidential."

5. One that has protruding wires, strange odors or stains;

6. One that shows a city or a state in the postmark that doesn’t match the return address.

When such parcels are noticed, they are not to be touched but reported to a supervisor or manager immediately (Source: October 2001 Mandatory Safety Talk on Anthrax). The Centers for Disease Control adds that those sealed with excessive amounts of tape and those that have excessive amounts of postage could also be considered suspicious.

As outlined in Management Instruction, EL-860-1999-3. It says (a) do not handle the piece suspected to be contaminated; (b) notify the supervisor who will contact the safety person or whomever else is designated; (c) isolate the package and cordon off the area.

How must the USPS respond to anthrax scares or incidents, or if a suspicious letter, parcel, or package is found?

According to a mandatory safety talk on anthrax scheduled given in October, 2001, supervisors and managers will immediately do the following:

1. Direct all employees away from the suspected mail piece(s) immediately.

2. Avoid further handling of the suspected mail piece(s), isolate it, and cordon off the immediate area (may utilize facility Spill and Leak Team to assist in this effort).

3. Call 911 immediately for HAZMAT Response Team.

4. Call your supervisor/manager or any member listed on the Crisis Management Plan/Emergency Action Plan.

5. Call Postal Inspectors.

6. Call the Health Unit.

7. Instruct employees thought to have handled the suspect mail to wash exposed skin with soap and water for three minutes and then rinse with water for one minute. These employees should remain in a safe place on postal premises until the Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) team arrives and employees are processed through the decontamination line.

8. After being decontaminated, employees may be interviewed by federal authorities (FBI) to determine the extent of the situation.

9. Invoke emergency action plan, including mechanical shutdowns (air handling equipment) and evacuation.

10. Call Postal Service Aviation Mail Security Office.

11. Call County Health Department.

NOTE: This information has now been printed on a card that can be easily carried by workers. This card was distributed with President Bill Burrus’ December 5, 2001 letter to all members.

No. You are not to attempt to clean up a suspicious spill or leak under any circumstances. You are to stop what you are doing and immediately notify a supervisor.

No. Spill team members are not to do anything but keep workers away, unless they are trained to clean up such contaminants as anthrax, and they are more than likely not trained to do this.

Inform a supervisor, who should contact the mailer or the addressee so that the contents can be verified. If its contents are verified to be safe, proceed with normal cleanup procedures. If its contents are not verifiable, management must initiate emergency procedures.

(Source: October 23, 2001 USPSNEWSTALK)

Possibly. As of October 29, it was announced by the USPS that about 200 offices varying in size and chosen at random will or have already been tested for contamination. Some of these started as early as October 24. Check with your steward to see if your facility is one of those chosen. Any facility can be checked if there is a good reason to do so, e.g. the discovery of a powdery substance, a worker afflicted with the disease.

Possibly, but not likely. Your doctor would have no reason to request such a test, and the Centers for Disease Control relies upon an incident of some nature to justify the necessity of the test. Symptoms of anthrax could necessitate tests for the disease.

No, according to Jordan Lewis, an epidemiologist and Director of the Hillsborough (Tampa, Florida) Health Department. Nasal swabs are taken by HAZMAT crews to determine the distance or extent anthrax spores have traveled. They are not an indicator if you have or will have the disease.

No. The color of the substance can be any color. It can also be mixed with other powdery substances like cinnamon. It can also be mixed with substances that are crystal-like in nature, like sugar.

Yes, according to an Associated Press story that ran on November 3, 2001. It is believed that anthrax spores can easily pass through the pores of the paper making up the envelope. They note that these envelopes were used in the recent anthrax attacks, and they were removed from sale to the public in post offices and in vending machines as part of the ongoing investigation. They can still be purchased in bulk by large mailers.

Yes. Ask your steward to determine when appropriate safety talks have or will be given. If he determines that an insufficient amount of talks is a practice, he should make this known to the local’s president. Stand-up talks to employees by Supervisors and Postmasters to provide them with the information they need to stay safe are mandated, and this is specified in an October 24, 2001 USPS News Release. Sheets certifying that these took place on certain dates are to be completed by management according to Corey Thompson, APWU Safety/Health Specialist, in his letter dated October 18, 2001. These sheets can be requested by stewards if necessary.

Yes. Ask your steward to determine if management has such a plan to deal with possible exposures, and if so, what that plan is, beginning with the discovery of a possibly contaminated letter through emergency evacuation.

Ask your steward to determine management’s sincerity, if possible, regarding their ability or desire to react in an appropriate manner. Address any perceptible shortcomings with your steward, who in turn should discuss then with management. If not satisfied, ask your steward to raise these issues with your local president. If the local president can’t make any progress, he has been instructed to discuss their apathy with the APWU National Business Agent representing your particular area. If he experiences difficulty, the regional coordinator will contact Washington to resolve the matter.

It is the position of the APWU that if one spore is found on postal premises, those premises are to be shut down and be de-contaminated immediately. This is based on the belief that if a sampling is taken and one spore is found, there is a good possibility that more spores can be found if more samples are taken. A decision will be made by the health department and other professionals with regard to the treatment of those possibly exposed.

At this time it is not mandatory. However, in an October 24, 2001 letter from P. Donahoe (Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President) and S. Medvidovich (Senior Vice President, Human Resources) at USPS Headquarters, it is stated that the wearing of masks and gloves is "highly recommended." According to a USPS News Release dated October 25, 2001, the USPS " … has purchased 86 million pairs of gloves made of vinyl and nitrile, a high grade industrial plastic, to supply three pairs per employee per day throughout the nation. So far 44 million pairs have been shipped to postal facilities."

Can I wear a mask I feel offers more protection than those recommended by the USPS?

No. A waiver should not be presented as it is not an agreed upon form that has been endorsed by the APWU. If such a form is presented, see your steward.

According to an October 18, 2001 letter, Corey Thompson, APWU Safety/Health Specialist, stated that gloves will provide limited protection from cutaneous anthrax if used properly. However, the level of protection may be no more than that found if you regularly wash your hands with soap and water.

According to a USPS NEWS Release dated October 25, 2001, nitrile is a brand name for a high-grade industrial plastic. Latex gloves are made from natural materials and not quite as durable. Further, nitrile gloves, according to a November 16, 2001 USPS NEWSTALK are more resistant to punctures and abrasions.

According to an October 18, 2001 letter, it was reported by Corey Thompson, APWU Safety/Health Specialist, that it has been a long standing USPS policy that those who work on machinery are not to wear gloves because it is felt that gloves will increase the potential for hands to be drawn into a machine. It appears that management remains steadfast in this belief. The use of barrier creams are being considered. Many districts are permitting these workers the opportunity to wear gloves in spite of this national policy. Therefore, at this time, it is a local issue.

Request to see your steward to investigate the possibility that a machine guarding problem exists with equipment at your worksite. OSHA has standards that address such issues.

There is no national USPS policy to this effect; thus it is a local issue. However, it is understood that any window clerk who wishes to wear either gloves or a mask will at least be afforded the opportunity to work at other areas than the window.

It has been agreed that general distribution clerks are to be provided with N-95 masks if they ask for them. These masks have been approved by NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health). This information is stated in the October 12, 2001 USPS Advisory entitled "Use of Gloves and Filtering Facepieces for Mailhandling and Protection from Anthrax." This information also appears in an October 15, 2001 USPSNEWSBREAKPM.

It has been agreed that clerks who work on automated machinery are to be provided with N-100 masks if they ask for them. These masks have been approved by NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health).

The APWU is waiting documentation to this effect.

If worn properly they are very effective. Since the anthrax spores that can do the most damage measure 1-5 microns, and these masks are effective against spores measuring .3 or 3/10 of a micron, the masks can be an effective means of protection.

As of now, maintenance workers are being provided with N-95 masks. However, efforts are being made by this region to assure that maintenance personnel be issued N-100 masks in view of much of the work they perform.

According to Corey Thompson, APWU Safety/Health Specialist, if a person is having difficulty breathing through a respirator, they should tell their supervisor and seek medical attention/advice. There are other types of respiratory protection that have less if any effect on breathing. It should be noted, however, that the USPS is not obligated to pay for any respiratory device other than the N-95 and the N-100.

Is it necessary to have a good fitting mask?

Yes. A good seal around the edges of a mask where it meets the face is crucial to keep out spores. The OSHA training video that USPS management has begun showing stresses this and provides instruction to get the best fit possible.

Yes. A beard will prevent the mask from sitting flush against the face, thereby allowing spores to possibly enter your nose and mouth.

Are the masks being issued employees reusable?

Yes, within certain limitations. In an October 17, 2001 USPSNEWSTALK for postal supervisors and postmasters, it is specified that the manufacturer of the masks recommends that their N-95 mask should be replaced when they become damaged, soiled, or breathing becomes difficult. They also specify that if you suspect that a mask may have been contaminated, it should be treated as hazardous waste, and disposed of in a similar fashion as gloves are, i.e. five days, etc. (see below).

In general, at a place that management and workers agree is not contaminated. Since this is not easily accomplished given the situation that exists, many districts have agreed to replace the masks each time they are removed for various breaks. If this is not being allowed, see your steward. Remember NEVER to touch the inside of your mask, especially after touching the outside of the mask, as this could transfer spores to a position where they could be inhaled.

No. The vast majority of medical professionals agree that spores that can become airborne could contaminate the inside of the mask if they are on the outside of the mask. You would then inhale the spores once you’ve repositioned it on your face.

Can I take my mask home?

No. You could contaminate members of your family if the spores possibly resting on your mask become airborne.

No. Information to this effect was not correct. OSHA plans on issuing a clarification in the near future.

Yes. Many offices are showing a 12-15 minute film produced by OSHA. This is acceptable at this time.

Procedures for the disposal of gloves are best outlined in an October 18, 2001 memorandum sent by Terry Green, Acting Manager, Human Resources in the South Florida District; this was based upon an October 17 mandatory safety talk. In summary, gloves are to be disposed of as follows:

No. In an October 26, 2001 letter from J. Gerard Bohan, Manager, Maintenance Policies and Programs, it is expressly stated that custodians are not to use compressed air for cleaning. This policy was reiterated in a November 1, 2001 letter from Bohan.

It was specified in an October 26, 2001 letter from J. Gerard Bohan, Manager, Maintenance Policies and Programs, that vacuum cleaners are to be equipped with a high efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter. This should eliminate the redistribution of most (if not all) of the material taken in by the vacuum. This policy was reiterated in a November 1, 2001 letter from Bohan.

It was specified in an October 26, 2001 letter from J. Gerard Bohan, Manager, Maintenance Policies and Programs, that it is a good work practice to wear the filtering face respirator (ffp) and gloves while changing the vacuum bags. It is hoped that all will follow this suggestion.

It was specified in an October 26, 2001 letter from J. Gerard Bohan, Manager, Maintenance Policies and Programs, that the generation of dust when changing bags be minimized. To do this, he suggests that the employee place the full bag in a plastic bag and seal the plastic bag, then place it in the trash. We are looking into the possibility that these filters be kept for five days in the locations marked for discarded gloves, for future possible analysis.

No. It was specified in an October 26, 2001 letter from J. Gerard Bohan, Manager, Maintenance Policies and Programs, that dry sweeping and dusting is to be avoided. A vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate) filter is to be used, or a wet mop with a 10% bleach solution (1.5 cups of household chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water) for areas unattainable with the HEPA filtered vacuum. This policy was reiterated in a November 1, 2001 letter from Bohan.

Yes. In an October 31, 2001 communication from George Moose, Manager, Surface Operations, that was sent to various postal managers and supervisors, it was specified that all interim cleaning practices used on the workroom floor will also apply to trailers and vehicles that service postal facilities. It was specified that sweeping or the use of compressed air to clean trailers is prohibited; that empty trailers and vans be inspected for cleanliness prior to delivery to postal facilities; and that this also applies to companies who lease vehicles to the USPS. The leasing companies are to meet the burden of USPS requirements.

According to medical professionals, it is so that in the case of an actual anthrax infection, this material can be checked for anthrax spores, and thus aid in determining the extent of the exposure.

Yes. This was agreed to during a joint USPS/APWU teleconference held on October 25, 2001. As of this date, the APWU is in the process of obtaining this policy in writing.