Letters of Interpretation | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

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
10/15/2002	Application of the bloodborne pathogens standard to veterinary clinics.	1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)
09/17/2002	Labeling requirements for packages used to ship blood or OPIM.	1910.1030(g)(1)(i), 1910.1030(d)(2)(xiii)
09/12/2002	Needle destruction device use as an engineering control for the Bloodbore Pathogens standard.	1910.1030(d)(2)(i), 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv), 1910.1030(b)
08/22/2002	Universal precautions application to elective surgeries.	1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(2)(xi)
07/29/2002	Applicability of the Bloodborne Pathogens standard to the tattoo and body piercing industries.	1910.1030(a), 1910.1030(c)(2), 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii), 1910.1030
06/12/2002	Re-use of blood tube holders.	1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(A)
11/26/2001	Response to the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act.	1910.1030(d)(2)(i), 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)
09/10/2001	Plasma derivatives are covered by the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.	1910.1030, 1910.1030(b)
08/24/2001	Standard syringes may still be used in certain situations.	1910.1030(d)(2)
08/17/2001	Evaluation of safer medical devices and the use of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals.	1910.1030
06/27/2001	Means of reducing needlestick exposure hazards.	1910.1030(d)(2), 1910.1030(b)
06/11/2001	Decontamination and labeling requirements for BBP-contaminated equipment and sharps.	1910.1030(d)(2)(xiv), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii), 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)(H)
06/04/2001	Acceptability of using a straight needle where there's no exposure to blood or OPIM.	1910.1030
05/17/2001	Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act amplifies the requirements to use safer needle devices.	1910.1030(d)(2)
03/23/2001	Coverage of the BBP standard for Good Samaritan acts and personal medical conditions.	1910.1030(a)
03/21/2001	Hepatitis B vaccine and titer requirements for firefighters, police, and EMTs.	1910.1030(f)(1)
02/09/2001	Use of engineering and work practice controls during pouring of blood or OPIM.	1910.1030(d)(2)(i), 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)
01/11/2001	Labeling requirements under the HAZCOM and Laboratory standards;use of safe needle devices.	1910.1200(f), 1910.1450(h)(1)(i), 1910.1030(d)(2)(i)
12/15/2000	Engineering controls must be used to prevent needlesticks where feasible.	1910.1030(d)(2)(i), 1910.1030(d)(2)(viii)
11/01/2000	Hepatitis B vaccination requirements for employees providing first aid as a collateral duty.	1910.1030(f)(2), 1960 - Table of Contents