Breast milk does not constitute occupational exposure as defined by standard.

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

December 14, 1992

Ms. Marjorie P. Alloy
Reed, Smith, Shaw & McClay
8251 Greensboro Drive
Suite 1100
McLean, Virginia 22102-3844

Dear Ms. Alloy:

This is in response to your letter of November 23, addressed to the Acting Assistant Secretary, Dorothy L. Strunk. You wrote on behalf of the International Lactation Consultants Association and inquired into the applicability of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.1030, "Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens," to breast milk.

Applicability of Bloodborne Pathogens Standard to emergency responders, decontamination, housekeeping, and good samaritan acts

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

December 4, 1992

Mr. W. Valentini
President
Federal Compliance and Reporting Service
702 Cortez Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84103

Dear Mr. Valentini:

This is in further response to your letter of October 14, which was sent to a number of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regional and Area Offices. Your letters were referred to this office for response.

Background of standards.

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 20, 1992

The Honorable Jim Chapman
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Congressman Chapman:

Appropriate quality standards for PPE.

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

July 1, 1994

Mr. Mitchell Davis
President
Protect Aide, Inc.
605 White Hills Drive
Rockwall, Texas 75087

Dear Mr. Davis:

This if in further response to your letter of April 19, addressed to Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, Joseph A. Dear, regarding your concerns about the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.1030, "Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens." You expressed concerns about appropriate quality standards for personal protective equipment, in particular, clothing.

Requirements for the bloodborne pathogens standard, 1910.1030.

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 18, 1992

(Name Withheld)

This is in response to your recent inquiries regarding requirements in the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030.

As you are aware, the personal protective equipment requirements of the standard are performance oriented. That is, it is the employer's responsibility to evaluate the task and type of exposure expected and, based on that determination, select the "appropriate" personal protective equipment in accordance with paragraph (d)(3)(i) of the standard.

Sharps container implicated in needle sticks.

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 9, 1992

Mr. Vincent W. Foglia
President
Sage Products Inc.
815 Tek Drive Crystal
Lake, Illinois 60014

Dear Mr. Foglia:

It has recently come to our attention that your SAGE sharps container (model #8965-1) was involved in a needlestick injury in a hospital in the State of Vermont. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) would appreciate you providing us with information about this product.

Bloodborne pathogen standard as it pertains to the construction industry.

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 6, 1992

Mr. Larry T. Worden
920 Oxford Road
Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137

Dear Mr. Worden:

This is in response to your inquiries of June 15 to Mr. William Wierdt of our office in Chicago, and of June 16 to President George Bush regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.1030, "Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens." Please accept our apology for the delay in this response.

Applicability of bloodborne pathogens standard to first aid providers at electric cooperatives

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

October 23, 1992

Mr. Thomas E. Schroeder
Smith and Ruff
Attorneys at Law
Suite 720
6100 Fairview Road
Charlotte, North Carolina 28210

Dear Mr. Schroeder:

This is in response to your letter of September 17, regarding the applicability of 29 CFR 1910.1030, "Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens", to employees electric cooperatives. We apologize for the delay in this response.

Reusable Sharp Containers.

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

February 21, 1995

MEMORANDUM FOR: ALL REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS

ATTENTION:      BLOODBORNE COORDINATORS

FROM:           JOHN B. MILES, JR., DIRECTOR DIRECTOR OF COMPLIANCE
               PROGRAMS

SUBJECT:        Reusable Sharps Containers

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide a reminder to the field concerning OSHA's policy on the proper handling of reusable sharps containers. Reusable sharps containers are an acceptable alternative to disposable containers and are permitted if the risk to servicing employees is eliminated.

Clarification on OSHA's policy regarding the requirements for hand washing facilities inside an examination room.

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 2, 1995

David C. Yoburn, M.D.
Hypertension and Nephrology, Inc.
North Main Medical Building
1076 North Main Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02904

Dear Doctor Yoburn: