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USPS · General

You are processing mail and find pieces that are jammed or stuck in the equipment. What is the proper approach?

Correct answer

Follow proper procedures to safely clear jams (which may include stopping/locking out the equipment), protecting both the mail and your safety

  1. A Force them out quickly while the machine runs
  2. B Follow proper procedures to safely clear jams (which may include stopping/locking out the equipment), protecting both the mail and your safety
  3. C Leave them and let the next person deal with it
  4. D Pull hard and rip them out

Why this is the answer

SAFE JAM CLEARING: Jammed mail should be cleared following PROPER PROCEDURES, which typically include stopping the equipment (and locking it out where required) before reaching in — protecting both your safety and the mail. Forcing pieces out while the machine runs risks serious injury (caught hands/clothing) and damages mail; leaving jams disrupts processing; ripping mail destroys it. The 476 VEA rewards following proper, safe procedures over dangerous shortcuts. Equipment jams are routine in processing, but clearing them improperly causes injuries and mail damage; safe, procedure-based handling protects people and mail and is the expected, valued behavior.
Source: USPS 476 VEA — Quality and Safety, Clearing Jams

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