Questions and answers

Q: What is a postal threat?

A postal threat or mail attack could be an explosive combining a power source and a trigger such as a letter bomb or parcel bomb, a powder which can easily be delivered as the material is light and is very often hard to detect such as anthrax or a malicious or sharp item to cause emotional or physical damage. If any of these items are delivered and opened by someone in your organisation; they all have devastating consequences. Even hoaxes, if not handled correctly can also disrupt the running of your business; resulting in a loss of revenue through evacuation of your premises or damage to corporate image.

Q: What does an X-Ray scanner detect?

A cabinet or conveyor X-Ray scanner will allow you to look inside letters, parcels, bags or luggage to detect:

• explosives
• power sources/triggers for IEDs
• chemical and biological threats
• powders and liquids
• weapons
• drugs
• sharp/hazardous items
• malicious mail

Q: Is it safe to use an X-Ray scanner in our company?

Yes, they are completely safe. Our Mailroom Security X-Ray equipment is used in post rooms, offices and reception areas. Not only are our machines designed and manufactured in the UK to the highest standards and regulations but they only produce a low dose continuous beam which is completely shielded so there is no hazard. This means that you can use, work near and walk past our equipment throughout the day with no concerns.

If you have any health and safety questions regarding using X-Ray scanning equipment then please contact us directly and we would be happy to provide you with more information. 

Q: Do we need to wear PPE when using the scanner?

No. You do not need to wear any protection. Our devices use a low dose, continuous beam that is continuously shielded so your X-Ray scanner can be used by anyone in your office and no protection is required.

If you have any health and safety questions regarding using X-Ray scanning equipment then please contact us directly and we would be happy to explain in more detail. 

Q: Will the X-Ray damage the contents that are scanned?

No. Your items are scanned using a low dose X-Ray that does not cause any hazard to the items scanned. This includes technology, food and drink items and even camera film.

Q: Do Royal Mail X-Ray scan the post?

The Royal Mail X-Ray scan post being sent abroad via airmail but they do not scan internal mail before it is delivered to your address. This is not to scare but due to the volumes of mail with the post office this would be a nearly impossible task. It is also worth considering that not all your post is delivered by Royal Mail and items delivered by courier or by hand should also be screened.

Q: What do we do if we find a suspect item?

If you are in any doubt about a package, do not touch it, move it or open it and call the emergency services.

We cover all procedures for handling a suspect item in our Safe or Suspect training course which a place on is free of charge with any machine from our X-Ray range. Although we offer a free place what you will learn is invaluable. Our course includes: what to look for, what to do (as taught to the Police), who to contact and what information you will need to provide to the emergency services. With these skills along with a free postal threat assessment you’ll have all the tools needed to protect yourself against letter bombs/parcel bombs (IEDS), powder threats, chemical/biological attacks and malicious mail.

We can also offer this course to businesses and organisations not using our equipment or anyone who feels their training is not currently sufficient.

Q: Do we need to scan all our post and parcels?

Yes. An actual threat such as a letter bomb is extremely dangerous and even a hoax spreads fear amongst staff so it is important that all post is screened. We offer a free Threat Assessment as part of our service to you which is carried out by a trained Threat Assessment Officer. This will leave you with a report showing how you can keep your staff and premises safe.

You may have additional questions not answered above and we would be happy to answer them for you. You can easily contact us on 01322 288890 and speak with our friendly team or send us an email enquiries@mygroupsecurity.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.