Approval for use of needle disposal systems; incineration not prohibited.

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.

January 21, 1998

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich Rosati
Professional Corporation
Attention: David M Hoffmeister
650 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto, California 94304-1050

Dear Mr Hoffmeister:

The OSHA policy on the use of disinfectants that are registered with the EPA as being effective against HBV and HIV.

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 24, 1996

Diane Krpan
Regulatory Specialist
Buckeye International, Inc.
2700 Wagner Place
Maryland Heights, Missouri 63043-3471

Dear Ms. Krpan:

Thank you for your letter of August 26, concerning the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) policy on the use of disinfectants that are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as being effective against HBV and HIV.

The SPS "Needle-Eater" and accessory sharps transfer container.

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, 1996

[Name Withheld]

Dear [Name Withheld]:

This is in response to your letter dated December 5, 1995, concerning the SPS "Needle-Eater" and accessory sharps "transfer container." As we have discussed, the "Needle-Eater" was referred to us by OSHA regional staff who raised concerns about its use and the safe handling of sharps.

Appropriateness of the usage of video presentations in meeting the OSHA bloodborne training requirements.

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, 1996

Jeffery A. Reynolds, CIH
Director, Industrial Hygiene
PMK Group
Consulting Engineers
629 Springfield Road
Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033

Dear Mr. Reynolds:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding the appropriateness of the usage of video presentations in meeting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) bloodborne training requirements.

Bloodborne Pathogens standard: Group purchasing agreements in healthcare facilities; engineering controls.

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 5, 1998

Mr. Michael D. Weiss, Esq.
The Lyric Center
440 Louisiana
Suite 1212
Houston, Texas 77002

Dear Mr. Weiss:

This is in response to your letter dated June 19. We apologize for the long delay. You have requested that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provide an interpretation of CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne Pathogens standard. Specifically you have asked if the use of group purchasing agreements in healthcare facilities is a violation of the Bloodborne Pathogen standard.

Trainer accessibility during 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.

 

Glass Capillary Tubes: Joint Safety Advisory About Potential Risks.

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 22, 1999
MEMORANDUM FOR:   NATIONAL OFFICE DIRECTORS

Hemox Safe Deposit system for needles and syringes used with bloodborne pathogens

Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

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 8, 1990

Mr. Michael R. Anderson Director of Marketing Hemox, Inc. Post Office Box 362115 Melbourne, Florida 32936-2115

Dear Mr. Anderson:

This is in response to your letter of June 12, addressed to Jessica Sandler of my staff. You requested that she review the literature associated with your Hemox Safe Deposit System and the product itself and provide you with her opinion of it.

Applicability of Bloodborne Pathogens Standard to HCV.

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 25, 1999

Mr. Mark E. Thorsland
Associate Industrial Hygienist
State of New York, Department of Labor
Division of Safety and Health
State Office Building Campus
Albany, NY 12240

Dear Mr. Thorsland:

LOTO of hydraulic systems; postal workers' exposure to hazardous material spills.

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 10, 1999

Mr. Dave Folk
President
Empire Safety Consulting
4291 Byrum Road
Onondaga, MI 49264

Dear Mr. Folk:

Thank you for your two August 24, 1999 letters to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requesting interpretation of the lockout/tagout (LOTO) standard and biohazards for postal workers handling mail. Your questions and our replies follow: