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
Requirement for bloodborne pathogen training to be conducted during working hours. 1910.1030
OSHA Training Standards Policy Statements 1910.134(k), 1910.147(c), 1910.1030(g), 1910.1200(h), 1926.21
Appropriate disinfectants for decontamination of blood or OPIM. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)(A)
OSHA requirement for sharps containers to be closable 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(l)(i)
Confidentiality of employee post-exposure evaluations as it pertains to the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard; use of portable fans in phlebotomy collection rooms. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(f)(3), 1910.303, 1910.303(b)(2)
Disposal of blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B)(1)(iii), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(C)
Compliance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(a), 1910.1030(b), 1910.1030(c)(1), 1910.1030(c)(2), 1910.1030(d)(1), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(A), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(A)(1), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(A)(3), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(C)
OSHA's position on the use of Novartis' Fluvirin device. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(b), 1910.1030(c)(1)(v), 1910.1030(d)(2)(i)
OSHA's position on the use of fingers or a two-handed procedure with a hemostat to remove scalpel blades. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(A), 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(B)
OSHA's position on the use of Q104 needle removal device. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(2)(viii)(A), 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(B)
Whether written programs may be kept solely in an electronic format. 1910.146(c)(4), 1910.1030(c)(1)(i), 1910.1030(c)(1)(iii), 1910.1200(e)(1), 1910.1200(e)(4)
OSHA's position on the use of lancets or lancing devices without safety-engineered features for finger prick blood sampling in the workplace. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(2)(i)
Requirement for annual BBP training for tattooing and body piercing artists and the use of written interpretations in the BBP training program. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(g)(2), 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)
Whether an employee can waive right to have untested blood maintained for 90 days. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(f)(3)(iii)(B)
Clarification of the use and selection of BBP safety devices. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(b), 1910.1030(c)(1)(ii)(A), 1910.1030(c)(1)(ii)(B), 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv), 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)(A), 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)(B), 1910.1030(c)(2), 1910.1030(d)(2)(i)
Placement of sharps containers and requirement to ensure they are maintained in an upright position. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(c), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(2)(ii)
Clarification on trainer requirements and access to trainer under OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(N), 1910.1030(g)(2)(viii)
Applicability of OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard to the containment and disposal of electric razors in correctional facilities and health care settings. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(C), 1910.1030(g)
OSHA does not regulate the final disposal of medical waste. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(C)
Clarification of PPE requirements for phlebotomists performing venipunctures in hospital setting and/or rural outpatient clinics. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(b), 1910.1030(c)(2)(i), 1910.1030(d)(1), 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix), 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(E), 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(F), 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(G)