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