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Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

November 21, 1989 
MEMORANDUM FOR:   JACKIE ROGERS
                  Office of Health Compliance Assistance

THRU:             STEVE MALLINGER Deputy 
                  Directorate of Technical Support

FROM:             Pat Bertsche
                  Directorate of Technical Support

SUBJECT:          1.  Life-GARD needle shield by Willander
                  2.  The Recapper by Atomic Products Corporation
I have been sent two syringe recapping devices by OSHA field personnel to render a professional opinion as to the effectiveness of the devices. As you well know, OSHA Instruction CPL 2-2.44A, subject: Enforcement Procedures for Occupational Exposure to HBV and HIV, states that needles shall not be recapped by hand.

I consulted with personnel in the Directorate of Health Standards Program who are currently working on the development of the bloodborne pathogens standard regarding these two devices.

It is my opinion, and the opinion of Health Standards personnel, that the Life-GARD needle recapping device will not provide adequate protection since the shield is not big enough to cover the entire hand, especially a large hand.

The Recapper syringe recapping device appears to provide adequate protection for larger gauge needles. I unsuccessfully tried recapping a 1cc 25G 5/8 tuberculin syringe and needle with the Recapper. Therefore, the device should only be used with larger gauge needles.


Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

Standard Interpretations - Table of Contents Standard Interpretations - (Archived) Table of Contents