Letters of Interpretation

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Each letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed.

Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information.

These letters of interpretation and the standards they address may not apply to OSHA State Plans. State Plans are required to have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as OSHA's and may have different or additional requirements. Please see OSHA-approved State Plans for more information.

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How to Request a Letter of Interpretation

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Date Title Standard Number
Application of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard to digital rectal examinations for rectal foreign bodies 1910.1030, 1910.1030(b), 1910.1030(c)(2), 1910.1030(d)(2)(i), 1910.1030(d)(3), 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)
Is a single-handed scalpel blade removal device an engineering control under the Bloodborne Pathogens standard? 1910.1030, 1910.1030(b), 1910.1030(c)(1)(ii)(B), 1910.1030(d)(2)(i), 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii), 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(A), 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(B)
Clarification of the HAZWOPER standard to employees engaged in the cleanup of blood from crimes or trauma incidents 1910.120, 1910.120(q)(6), 1910.120(q)(11), 1910.1030
Emergency eyewash requirements for eye hazards caused by bloodborne pathogens 1910.151(c), 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(2)(vi), 1910.1030(d)(3)(x)
Bloodborne Pathogens Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-up 1910.1030 - Index, 1910.1030(f)(1)(ii)(D), 1910.1030(f)(3)(iii), 1910.1030(f)(3)(iii)(A), 1910.1030(f)(3)(iii)(B)
Virtual Reality Safety Training, Various OSHA Standards 1910.120 - Index, 1910.269 - Index, 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(N)
Cleanup of blood from crime or accident scenes and HAZWOPER training requirements 1910.120, 1910.120(a)(3), 1910.120(e)(3), 1910.120(e)(4), 1910.120(q)(6), 1910.120(q)(11), 1910.1030
Shipping Labels for Blood Contaminated Medical Devices 1910.1030(d)(2)(xiv)(A), 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)(H)
Bloodborne Pathogens Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-up for Emergency Response Employees 1910.1030(f)(3)
Bloodborne Pathogens Training and Hepatitis B Vaccination 1910.1030(f)(2), 1910.1030(g)(2)
Use of reusable microblading tools in the cosmetic tattoo industry 1910.1030(d)(2)(i), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii), 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(A), 1910.1030(g)(2)
Obligations of establishments that provide tattoos and body piercing under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 1910.1030(g)(2)
Clarification of work practice controls when using needless connectors 1910.1030(d)(2)(i)
Incontinence and Feminine Hygiene Products 1910.1030(b)
Active Barrier Apparel as Engineering Control 1910.1030(d)(3)(i)
Hepatitis B Virus Antibody Testing 1910.1030(f)
Inspection Guidance for Inpatient Healthcare Settings 1910.23, 1910.132, 1910.1030, 1910.1200, 1913.10
HBV and needlesticks in the textile industry 1910.1030(b)
HBV testing and vaccines, regulated medical waste, and sole proprietorship 1910.1030(f)(1), 1910.1030(f)(3)(iii), 1910.1030(d)(3)(xi)
Applicability of Certain OSHA Standards to Cabin Crew Members on Aircraft in Operation 1910.95, 1910.1030, 1910.1200