The wearing of gloves during routine vena punctures.

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.

April 1, 1994

Reva Shilmover, Senior M.T.
Santa Teresa Kaiser Hospital
260 International Circle
San Jose, California 95119

Dear Ms. Shilmover:

This is in response to your letter of August 14, concerning the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.1030, "Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens." We apologize for the delay in this response.

Secondary container for a specimen.

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.

March 31, 1994

Lesley Craig Litt
Ultra-Creative Corporation
975 Essex Street
Brooklyn, NY 11208-5443

Dear Mr. Litt:

This is in response to your letter of October 26, regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.1030, "Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens." Specifically, you asked whether the secondary container into which a specimen is placed is allowed to leak. We apologize for the delay in this response.

Appropriateness of computer-based interactive training programs to satisfy required OSHA training.

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.

June 11, 1997

Ms. Anna E. Jolly, JD, CHMM
Circle Safety & Health Consultants, LLC
P.O. Box 29
Gum Spring, VA 23065

Dear Ms. Jolly,

This letter is in response to your letter of May 27th to John Miles regarding the appropriateness of computer-based interactive training programs to satisfy required OSHA training. You expressed particular interest in its use for bloodborne pathogen training.

OSHA's position on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved disinfectants.

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.

June 27, 1997

Mr. Thomas H. Bach
Reckitt & Colman Inc.
225 Summit Avenue
Montvale, New Jersey 07645-1575

Dear Mr. Bach:

This is in response to your second letter dated May 5 concerning the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) position on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved disinfectants. Your concern is that the inclusion of additional products that have different kill claims will provide the employer with choices for cleaning blood spills, and that this is not in keeping with universal precautions.

Applicability of the Bloodborne Pathogens standard to emergency response employees.

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.

September 12, 1995

Ms. Katherine West, B.S.N., MSED, CIC
Infection Control Consultant
Infection Control/Emerging Concepts, Inc.
P.O. Box 2565
Springfield, Virginia 22152

Dear Ms. West:

The coverage of child care workers regarding pre-exposure hepatitis B vaccination.

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.

September 1, 1995

Diane M. Dwyer, M.D., Chief,
Center for Clinical Epidemiology
State of Maryland
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
201 West Preston Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201

Dear Dr. Dwyer:

OSHA's standard for exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

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 3, 1997

Robert Chavez, D.D.S., M.S.
750 Almar Parkway
Suite 104
Bourbonnais, Illinois 60914

Dear Dr. Chavez:

Thank you for your letter dated May 8, regarding concerns about the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) standard for Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens. In your letter you have stated an objection to wearing latex gloves while performing procedures in your orthodontic practice. You state that there is no contact with the teeth, gums or salvia of a patient in many of your procedures.

Evaluation of raw sewage as regulated waste; product label compliance with the bloodborne pathogens 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.

August 28, 1995

David L. Trimble, President
Milieu Systems Corporation
1632 Enterprise Parkway
Twinsburg, OH 44087

Dear Mr. Trimble:

This is in further response to your letter of June 20, 1995 concerning interpretation of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030, and your request for confirmation that your product label complies with paragraph 1910.1030(g)(1)(i) of the standard.

Face protection for phlebotomists, exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens.

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.

May 1, 1995

 

MEMORANDUM FOR:           MICHAEL G. CONNORS
                         REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR

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

SUBJECT:                  AMERICAN RED CROSS

This memorandum is in response to your letter dated January 23, requesting that we review the American Red Cross citations issued by the Cleveland Area Office. You asked that an interpretation be provided on whether face protection is required for phlebotomists.

Abortion clinics do not comply with OSHA regulations and guidelines.

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 13, 1994

The Honorable J. Bennett Johnston United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Johnston:

Thank you for your letter of October 27, on behalf of your constituent, Mrs. James Hannie of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Mrs. Hannie wrote to your questioning why abortion clinics do not comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and guidelines as other doctors and hospitals are required to.