Health and Safety
Hazardous Materials Training for the U.S. Postal Service
One of the greatest challenges facing the United States Postal Service (USPS) is the control of hazardous materials (HAZMAT) in the mail stream. For several years, the Volpe Center has been supporting the USPS Aviation Security Group’s (AVSEC) HAZMAT Program in keeping the mail safe from potential impacts of HAZMAT and other restricted materials.
A significant portion of the Volpe Center’s support includes developing and conducting HAZMAT awareness training, and preparing instructional materials and standard operating procedures. This training is designed to instruct postal employees in proper procedures for both acceptance and handling of mailable HAZMAT, as well as procedures to identify and handle restricted and non-mailable HAZMAT improperly commingled in the mail stream. Training approaches range from conducting end-user and train-the-trainer classes to employing training videos and web-based training classes.
During FY 2007, the Volpe Center developed operations-specific training for seven different USPS operations. Processing operations training support included conducting six 16-hour make-up classes, spread across the country. In collaboration with the USPS, the Volpe Center also developed and conducted four 16-hour classes for Business Mail Entry as well as Pricing and Classification Service Center employees.
Other deliverables such as a 15-minute refresher training video in FY 2007, coupled with a 30-minute training video, were prepared for deployment in FY 2008 to delivery and retail operations personnel. The Volpe Center also generated a 30-minute training video for Military Postal Service personnel. Separate web-based classes were developed for Executive and Administrative Schedule and Business Sales Network employees, to be released in FY 2008.
Since FY 2001, approximately 1.8 million hours of HAZMAT training have been completed by USPS employees, involving more than 704,000 USPS trained personnel. To meet changing needs, the Volpe Center’s HAZMAT training support continues to create and surpass milestones towards the safety of the U.S. Postal Service, public, and transportation network.
