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This document provides interim recommendations for workers handling
mail in office environments and facilities sorting small volumes
of mail in state, county and local public facilities.
A
program to reduce skin exposure to B. anthracis spores may decrease
the risk of cutaneous anthrax. These interim recommendations are
based on the limited information available on ways to avoid infection
and the effectiveness of various prevention strategies. These recommendations
will be updated as new information becomes available.
Personal
Protective Equipment
Gloves
- Protective
gloves will be available to all workers handling mail (e.g., envelopes
and packages).
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Different gloves or layers of gloves may be needed depending on
the task, the dexterity required and the type of protection needed.
In some cases, workers may need to wear cotton gloves under impermeable
gloves for comfort and to prevent dermatitis. Skin rashes and
other dermatological conditions are a potential hazard of wearing
gloves.
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Gloves will be provided in a range of sizes to ensure proper fit.
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The choice of glove material (e.g., powder-free nitrile, vinyl)
will be based on safety, fit, durability and comfort.
- Latex
gloves should Not be worn because of the risk of developing skin
sensitivity or allergy.
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Care must be taken to avoid touching skin, eyes, or other mucous
membranes since contaminated gloves may transfer B. anthracis
spores to other body sites.
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Gloves should be discarded if they are visibly torn or damaged.
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Hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and water when gloves
are removed, before eating and when replacing torn or worn gloves.
Soap and water will wash away most spores that my have contacted
the skin. Disinfectant solutions are not needed. Do not rely on
alcohol-based hand cleaners, as these cleaners will not remove
spores as well as soap and water.
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Used or torn gloves can be discarded in regular trash.
How
to Recognize and Handle a Suspicious Package or Envelope
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