Hazardous materials. USPS is reminding employees about the proper handling of packages that contain exempt human or animal specimens, including samples transported for routine testing of noninfectious diseases, as well as drug, alcohol, cholesterol and pregnancy testing.
Mailpieces marked “Exempt Human Specimens” should be handled appropriately for the mail class and product. No special handling or hazardous materials handling is required if all packaging requirements in Publication 52, Section 346.326, are met.
The Postal Inspection Service has prepared a stand-up talk that managers and supervisors can deliver to employees to educate them about the handling requirements.
The stand-up talk, Hazardous Materials: Proper Handling of Exempt Human Specimen Packages, is available on pages 14-15 in a series of talks posted on Blue.
Stay informed. Employees can sign up for Informed Delivery, a free feature that provides users with digital previews of their incoming mail, at informeddelivery.usps.com. Sign-up is voluntary and must be completed off the clock.
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