Anthrax Update
Since we first posted a Web page with information about anthrax on 10/10 (Anthrax - Knowledge is Power), the topic has taken on increased significance and the need for quick access to solid guidance is more important than ever. The threat of contracting anthrax is still extremely remote, but there have now been sufficient incidents of contamination, including two among individuals who were neither with the media nor with the Postal Service, that individuals and businesses simply cannot ignore the need to take precautions.
Over the last month, we have seen the evolution of the medical community's understanding of how anthrax spores spread and how individuals become infected. Accordingly, we have provided new links below to provide you the latest and most comprehensive information about how to protect yourself.
There are also several new threads on Bankers' Threads about the subject, including discussions about the possibility of anthrax contamination of the money supply. You can reach those threads from these links:
CDC Interim Recommendations for Protecting Workers from Exposure to Anthrax (Issued 10/31)
These recommendations cover four areas:
1. Engineering controls
2. Administrative controls
3. Housekeeping controls
4. Personal protective equipment for workers
While they are designed for workers who handle mail, we have reviewed them and believe they are also useful for employees handling currency.
Mail Facilities/Services Updates -- allows customers to check the
status of postal mail service, handling,
pickup, and delivery at affected facilities.
Nitrile gloves (Information on the USPS site indicates they have outfitted their workers with nitrile gloves. We found at least one supplier of such gloves online. Sunflower Rubber and Plastics
BankersOnline is a free service made possible by the generous support of our
advertisers and sponsors. Advertisers and sponsors are not responsible for site content. Please help us keep BankersOnline FREE to all
banking professionals. Support our advertisers and sponsors by clicking
through to learn more about their products and services.
Print Friendly
Version!
Email This Article!
Discuss NOW!