A message from the Acting District Manager Scott Hooper…

Keeping Our Employees and Customers Safe

Every day, Postal employees safely and responsibly handle and transport packages of mail that may contain hazardous materials. Despite our best efforts, spills of hazardous materials can happen at any time and can quickly escalate inside a facility and pose an even greater risk when released to the environment.

Last month, we saw how a hazardous mailed package spilled and shut down mail operations at our North Texas Processing & Distribution Center in Coppell. Each of you play a critical role in safe guarding the mail stream. Asking the right HAZMAT questions and recognizing an improperly mailed package ensures a safer environment for employees, customers, and protects Postal Service property.

Also, knowing what to do if you encounter a package that has leaked an unknown powder or substance is key in helping keep everyone safe. Here are some basic safety guidelines:

Do not move, transport, handle, or clean up any suspicious mail or unknown powders or substances. 

Immediately isolate the area where suspicious mail or unknown powders or substances were found. 

Notify your co-workers around you and notify a supervisor or manager who will call for authorized and trained spill and leak team members.

Thank you for the dedication and teamwork you showed during the Coppell P&DC hazmat spill and for being flexible as we reassigned many of you to other facilities. I sincerely appreciated your efforts in keeping the mail moving for our customers and helping protect the postal brand.