Compliance with sharps waste standards by a sample of Sydney acupuncture premises.

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.