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BSI publishes standard to help organizations reduce the risk of postal security incidents

07 April 2009

BSI British Standards has published a specification for mail screening and security to help organizations reduce the risk of harm to operations and staff from malicious attacks and other security incidents. Publication comes just weeks after the government launched its new counter terrorism strategy which, amongst other things, includes new initiatives to counter threats from chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive devices.

The last decade has seen several attempts to cause disruption and damage, within both the commercial and public sector, by infiltration of organizations mail systems. Examples of these have been the letter bomb campaign of 2007 and the series of hoax anthrax letters sent to high profile individuals between 2003 and 2007. PAS 97 Specification for mail screening and security will help to mitigate the risk and impact of attacks such as these.

Developed by the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) in collaboration with BSI British Standards, the standard is aimed primarily at those responsible for planning, delivering or procuring mail handling and screening services. It focuses on letters and small parcels entering the organization from any external source, including public or commercial postal services, by hand or by courier delivery services.

The specification, which can be used by organizations of any size, sector or complexity, sets out a comprehensive framework to help with protective security including:

• Assessment of risks associated with mail streams into and within an organization
• Identification of appropriate measures to take in screening mail
• Requirements for formal recording, implementation and regular review

The specification will help with decisions on investment in equipment and facilities. It also provides guidance for requirements relating to outsourcing and the occupation of shared premises.

Annexes in PAS 97 include guidance on possible indicators of suspicious items (e.g. an additional inner envelope that may be difficult to remove; an unusual postmark or no postmark) and suggested action upon discovery of suspicious items.

Mike Low, Director of BSI British Standards, says: 'BSI has a strong record of publishing standards and other guidance in the security sector. The latest of these is PAS 97 which addresses a growing risk by offering organizations a robust framework within which they can develop their own protective security systems.'

Other organizations involved in the development of PAS 97 include:

• Arup Security Consultancy
• BP
• G4S Cheltenham
• Home Office
• Mail Source UK
• MFD Group
• Palace of Westminster
• Pfizer
• Pitney Bowes
• Royal Mail
• Sister Banks Group

For more information on PAS 97 visit www.bsigroup.com/PAS97