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Threats
Common Questions

What should I do when opening mail?
  • Do not open external post in broadcast critical areas.
  • DO use minimum movement opening letters so as not to disturb contents.
  • DO NOT blow into, or shake contents out of envelopes.
  • DO keep hands away from nose and mouth, and wash them afterwards.
If you are suspicious of a letter or package remember the following:
  • DO NOT attempt to open it.
  • DO NOT put it in water or anything else.
  • DO NOT put anything on top of it.
  • DO put it down gently on a horizontal surface.
  • DO leave the room immediately if you think it will explode or ignite.
  • DO NOT leave the room if you think it a biological hazard.
  • DO immediately contact any manager on site and inform them of the situation.

If chemical/biological hazard suspected, DO close windows and doors, switch of air conditioning, quickly move to an adjacent area as soon as it is clear of people, and wait there for medical attention.

One or more of these factors may indicate suspicious contents:
  • Excessive Postage
  • Hand Written or Poorly Typed Addresses
  • No Return Address
  • Unusual Post Marks
  • Incorrect Titles
  • Misspellings of Common Words
  • Oily Stains or Discoloration's
  • Crystal or powder residue
  • Unusual Smell
  • Excessive Weight
  • Rigid Envelope
  • Lopsided or Uneven Envelope
  • Lumpy Contents
  • Protruding Wires or Tinfoil
  • Excessive Securing Material such as Masking Tape, String, etc.
 
I suspect a Chemical, Biological or Nuclear incident outside - What should I do?
 
If there has already been a warning:
  • DO follow the instructions of Security Officers and the Emergency Services police, fire and ambulance.
If there has not been a warning, and any of the following happens outside a building:
 
  • Unexplained or unexpected droplets, or oily film, or stains appear on surfaces or windows.
  • There are unexplained or unexpected strong smells of noxious fumes or unusual odours.
  • Unusual and unexplained liquid sprays, vapours, or powders are seen.
  • There are unusual effects on living things, e.g. people or animals vomiting or fainting; having convulsions or having difficulty breathing; becoming disorientated or distressed.
AND THERE IS NO LOGICAL EXPLANATION.
  • DO stay indoors unless told to leave by the Emergency Services.
  • DO close all windows and vents.
  • DO turn off all air conditioners, computers, fans, printers and heaters.
  • DO lock all doors, with key left in lock, if told to leave.
  • DO go to the side of the building furthest away from the incident, if told to leave.
  • DO move upwind of the incident if possible if caught outdoors.
Take note of these effects:
 
CHEMICAL
In a chemical attack, people and animals will become visibly ill within minutes and early decontamination showers, although unpleasant, could save your life.
 
BIOLOGICAL
Biological agents take days to act, and the subsequent onset of flu like symptoms must be medically investigated.
 
RADIOLOGICAL/NUCLEAR 
A dirty bomb will have an immediate explosive effect, but the fallout will take decades to effect health. Seek medical advice if caught in an incident.
 
 
What should I do when facing aggression?
To diffuse the situation try the following:
 
  • DO appear calm
  • DO avoid prolonged eye contact
  • DO be aware of the tone of your voice
  • DO NOT sound patronising
  • DO speak slowly and softly
  • DO avoid long sentences
  • DO keep your distance
  • DO NOT touch anyone threatening you
  • DO be conscious of your posture, try to appear relaxed
  • DO dissuade others escalating a situation by words or actions
Distract:
  • try to change the subject.
Listen:
  • the problem may be poor communication.

Negotiate:

  • try a compromise.
Consider these additional factors:
  • Take special care if the aggressor appears under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or appears mentally unstable they may behave in an unpredictable way.

If weapons are produced you must:
 
  • Withdraw to a safe area
  • Summon help
  • Warn others
  • Call for police assistance, if possible without giving further alarm.
Who should I speak to if my programme has received a threat?
Immediate threat local security, otherwise the Head of Corporate Security.
 
Where must external mail be opened?
Away from broadcast operations.
 
What should I do if I receive a telephone bomb threat?
Call security / see checklist of telephone bomb threat measures.
 
What should I do if I receive a suspicious package?
Call security / see checklist for Suspect Mail.
 
What should I do if I am worried about CBR threats?
See checklist / contact the Head of Corporate Security.
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