By CASEY NEILL
A SUSPICIOUS mail item forced about 400 workers to evacuate the Nathan Road mail centre in Dandenong South last night (Thursday).
An Australia Post spokesperson said staff detected a substance in a parcel, reportedly a white powder, while processing mail and authorities evacuated the area while tests were conducted.
“Three staff were taken to hospital as a precaution and later released,” the spokesperson said.
“Staff were able to return to work once the authorities declared the area safe and there will only be minimal mail delays.
“Australia Post takes the safety of all of our staff extremely seriously.”
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said police were called to the scene about 8.30pm.
“Police conducted a safety check of the location and the area was deemed safe around 2am and cleared by emergency services personnel,” she said.
The substance was investigated and determined as not dangerous.
