Compliance with sharps waste standards by a sample of Sydney acupuncture premises
Louise Blundell A , Toni Cains B , Kelly-Anne Ressler B D and Mark J. Ferson B CA Aboriginal Environmental Health Officer Training Program, NSW Department of Health
B Public Health Unit, South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service
C School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The University of New South Wales
D Corresponding author. Email: Kelly-Anne.Ressler@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au
NSW Public Health Bulletin 22(8) 149-153 https://doi.org/10.1071/NB10073
Published: 20 September 2011
Abstract
Aim: To examine current practices with regard to the safe collection, storage and disposal of sharps waste in acupuncture premises and to determine compliance with the NSW Public Health (Skin Penetration) Regulation 2000 and the NSW Health Skin Penetration Code of Best Practice. Methods: A random sample of acupuncturists in the City of Sydney local government area was selected and surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Results: All 26 acupuncturists surveyed had sharps disposal bins and complied with the Regulation, but the following elements of the Code were not uniformly followed: regular disposal of sharps (77%), disposal through a waste contractor (23%) and placement of bins out of reach of visitors (8%). Conclusion: Regular disposal of sharps containers in acupuncture premises could be improved.
References
[1] NSW Health. Public Health (Skin Penetration) Regulation 2000. Available from: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pubs/2000/pdf/skin_pen_reg_2000.pdf (Cited 18 September 2010.)[2] NSW Health. Skin Penetration Code of Best Practice. March 2001. Available from: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Business/documents/Health/SkinPenetrationCodeOfPractice.pdf (Cited 19 May 2011.)
[3] Hutin Y, Hauri A, Chiarello L, Catlin M, Stilwell B, Ghebrehiwet T, et al. Best infection control practices for intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular needle injections. Bull World Health Organ 2003; 81 491–500.
[4] Ridzon R, Gallagher K, Ciesielski C, Ginsberg MB, Robertson BJ, Luo CC, et al. Simultaneous transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus from a needle-stick injury. N Engl J Med 1997; 336 919–22.
| Simultaneous transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus from a needle-stick injury.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK2s3gvFCrtQ%3D%3D&md5=86f53d21b2cfd8fae4f1b3994b8776ebCAS |
[5] Baldo V, Floreani A, Dal Vecchio L, Cristofoletti M, Carletti M, Majori S, et al. Occupational risk of blood-borne viruses in healthcare workers: a 5-year surveillance program. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2002; 23 325–7.
| Occupational risk of blood-borne viruses in healthcare workers: a 5-year surveillance program.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
[6] Do AN, Ciesielski CA, Metler RP, Hammett TA, Li J, Fleming PL. Occupationally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection: national case surveillance data during 20 years of the HIV epidemic in the United States. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2003; 24 86–96.
| Occupationally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection: national case surveillance data during 20 years of the HIV epidemic in the United States.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
[7] Kent GP, Brondum J, Keenlyside RA, LaFazia LM, Scott HD. A large outbreak of acupuncture-associated hepatitis B. Am J Epidemiol 1988; 127 591–8.
| 1:STN:280:DyaL1c7jtV2rsQ%3D%3D&md5=968822cd89c9ed0a090147f286de0306CAS |
[8] Wiwanitkit V. HIV infection after Chinese traditional acupuncture treatment. Complement Ther Med 2003; 11 272
| HIV infection after Chinese traditional acupuncture treatment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
[9] Wittmann A, Kralj N, Köver J, Gasthaus K, Hofmann F. Study of blood contact in simulated surgical needlestick injuries with single or double latex gloving. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2009; 30 53–6.
| Study of blood contact in simulated surgical needlestick injuries with single or double latex gloving.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
[10] UK Departments of Health. Guidance for clinical health care workers: protection against infection with blood-borne viruses. 1998. Available from: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4002766 (Cited 24 September 2010.)
[11] Ernst E, Sherman KJ. Is acupuncture a risk factor for hepatitis? Systematic review of epidemiological studies. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2003; 18 1231–6.
| Is acupuncture a risk factor for hepatitis? Systematic review of epidemiological studies.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3svnsVynsw%3D%3D&md5=9e6aa81676eabe4755809f06e3aa735fCAS |
[12] Bi P, Tully PJ, Boss K, Hiller JE. Sharps injury and body fluid exposure among health care workers in an Australian tertiary hospital. Asia Pac J Public Health 2008; 20 139–47.
[13] Bouwman R, Cannata S, Bek M, Fett M. Infection control and hygiene practices in skin penetration businesses. N S W Public Health Bull 1998; 9 47–50.
| Infection control and hygiene practices in skin penetration businesses.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
