Applicability of the Bloodborne Pathogens standard to the tattoo and body piercing industries.

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 29, 2002

David A. Vidra, CLPN, MA
President, Health Educators, Inc.
2710 Detroit Avenue
Lower Level
Cleveland, OH 44113

Dear Mr. Vidra:

Acceptable use of antiseptic-hand cleansers for bloodborne pathogen decontamination and as an appropriate handwashing practice.

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, 2003

Ms. Janice Zalen
Director of Special Programs
American Health Care Association
1201 L St., NW
Washington, DC 20005

Dear Ms. Zalen:

Thank you for your January 3, 2003 inquiry to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding OSHA requirements for handwashing under the bloodborne pathogens standard [29 CFR 1910.1030]. Your question has been outlined below followed by OSHA's response.

Plasma-derived products are considered "blood" within the meaning of 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.

December 27, 2002

Mr. Michael Cannavo
Vice President, Global Environment, Health, and Safety Matters
Aventis Behring, L.L.C.
1020 First Avenue
P.O. Box 61501
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Dear Mr. Cannavo:

Sharps injury logs are intended to track departments, devices, and/or procedures causing injuries, not injured 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.

December 3, 2002

Janice Zalen
Director of Special Programs
American Health Care Association
1201 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005-4444

Dear Ms. Zalen:

Safer medical devices must be selected based on employee feedback and device effectiveness, not Group Purchasing Organizations.

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 21, 2002

Ms. Audrey Taffet
Manager, Business Development
Terumo Medical Corporation
2101 Cottontail Lane
Somerset, NJ 08873

Dear Ms. Taffet:

Bloodborne pathogens standard's necessity, requirements and costs.

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.

 

 

Background of bloodborne pathogens standard.

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.

October 16, 1992

Carl Nabours, M.D.
Route 8, Box 191-Miller Lane
Lake Charles, Louisiana 70605

Dear Dr. Nabours:

Thank you for your letter of August 9, regarding your concerns about the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) regulations, particularly the Final Standard for Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens and the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). You expressed concerns about the necessity for these regulations and the costs to your business.

OSHA's determination of Lysol Spray's acceptability to the bloodborne pathogen standard.

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.

October 21, 1992

Mr. Richard S. Baiman
Market Manager - Health Care
National Laboratories
L & F Products
225 Summit Avenue
Montvale, New Jersey 07645-1575

Dear Mr. Baiman:

Bloodborne pathogen standard's applicability to containers having a DOT "Infectious Substances" label.

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.

October 22, 1992

Mr. Eugene J. Wingerter
Executive Director/CEO
National Solid Waste
Management Association
1730 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W., Suite 1000
Washington, D.C. 20036

Dear Mr. Wingerter:

Background of bloodborne pathogens standard.

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.