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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Date Title Standard Number
Specifying decontamination disinfectants and procedures 1910.1030(d)(2)
Clarification of "as soon as feasible" when conducting post exposure evaluations 1910.1030(f)(3)
Unintended disposal of blood-contaminated hospital linens by laundries 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)
Application of BBP standard to the precision machining industry 1910.1030(c)(2)
Transporting contaminated surgical instruments for cleaning 1910.1030(d)(2)(viii), 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard Requirements for Exposure Control Plans 1910.1030
Applicability of the Bloodborne Pathogens standard during transection of the umbilical cord. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(c)(2), 1910.1030(c)(1)(v), 1910.1030(d)(2)(i), 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(F)
Dental office employers with one or more employees must comply with the OSH Act. 1975.4, 1910.1200, 1910.1030, 1910.132
Removal of Contaminated Needles Prior to Disposal. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(A)
Clarification on whether an employer with multiple facilities needs a separate written ECP for each facility. 1910.1030, 1960 - Table of Contents
Obtaining source individual's consent to release test results. 1910.1030
Hand protection selection/usage while handling bacterial culture plates in a laboratory. 1910.1030
Providing the hepatitis B vaccine to companion-sitters who may provide first aid as a collateral duty. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(f)(2), 1910.1030(f)(1)(ii)(D)
OSHA policy on the containerization and disposal of specimen containers used for urine collection in medical settings. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)
Rapid test methods for determining HCV infectivity. 1910.1030
Clarification on when an instructor must be immediately available during a training program. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(N)
Handling of contaminated laundry in long-term care facilities. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(b), 1910.1030(f)(1)(i)
Occupational exposure during the handling of deployed stun gun darts. 1910.1030
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 1910.1030
Prevention of needlestick injuries caused by the improper removal of Taser darts 1910.1030