Pubdate: 1 Nov 1998
Source: The Sun Herald (Australia)
Author: B. Berwick
Section: Page 74

SALVOS NOT THINKING VERY SHARPLY

IF the Salvation Army's Major Brian Walters had family members employed
servicing passenger aircraft, I suspect he would moderate his views on the
sharps containers installed in Ansett aircraft ("Flying High", October 25).

For many years the servicing of aeroplane toilet systems has been fraught
with danger from needle stick injuries. It is not a recent occurrence
brought about by the installation of sharps containers.

Yes, there are amusing stories of passengers being handed back false teeth,
rings, wallets and mobile phones that have ended up in the loo. However,
the days of "dunny diving" have long gone due to the inherent risks to the
rescuers.

Get some sanity back into the discussion. Every needle placed in an
aeroplane sharps container, whatever the source, is one less risk of injury
or disease to the public.

B BERWICK

Melbourne 
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Checked-by: Mike Gogulski