Is CDC telling all mail handling operations to adopt these anthrax worker safety guidelines immediately?
Every facility is different and should be evaluated based on the recommendations in the guidelines, and the recommendations implemented should be selected on the basis of an initial evaluation of the work site. This evaluation should focus on determining which processes, operations, jobs, or tasks would be most likely to result in an exposure should a contaminated envelope or package enter the work site. Many of these measures (e.g., administrative controls, use of HEPA filter-equipped vacuums, wet-cleaning, use of protective gloves) can be implemented immediately; implementation of others will require additional time and efforts.
