Application of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard to digital rectal examinations for rectal foreign bodies

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 22, 2024

Brian C. Weiner, MD, MS, FACP, AGAF
7952 Mansfield Hollow Rd.
Delray Beach, FL 33446

Dear Dr. Weiner:

Is a single-handed scalpel blade removal device an engineering control under 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.

February 8, 2023

Dr. Michael Sinnott, MBBS, FACEM, FRACP
Staff and Patient Safety
P.O. Box 5677,
West End,
Brisbane, Queensland, 4101
AUSTRALIA

Dear Dr. Sinnott:

Application of provisions of the Bloodborne Pathogens standard to Funeral and Nursing Homes.

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 1, 1992

 

 

Applicability of the bloodborne pathogens standard to tag attachment devices in garment 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.

 


August 12, 1994

 

 

 

Surgical smoke is not covered by 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.

September 6, 2000

Dennis Sleister, President
Niche Medical
55 Access Road
Warwick, RI 02886

Dear Mr. Sleister:

Clarification of HIV and HBV research and clinical laboratories.

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 5, 1999

Ms. Diane O. Fleming, Ph.D.
15611 Plumwood Court
Bowie, MD 20716-1434

Dear Ms. Fleming;

Means of reducing needlestick exposure hazards.

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, 2001

The Honorable Steven C. LaTourette
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Congressman LaTourette:

HBV and needlesticks in the textile 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.

February 11, 2015

Mr. Michael J. Harney, Jr.
Western North Carolina AIDS Project
554 Fairview Road
Asheville, North Carolina 28803

Dear Mr. Harney:

Needle destruction device use as an engineering control for the Bloodbore 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.

September 12, 2002


Mr. George R. Salem
Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer, & Feld, LLP
Attorney at Law
Robert S. Strauss Building
1333 New Hampshire Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20036-1564

Dear Mr. Salem:

Applicability of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard to the municipal solid waste 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.

January 2, 2003

Benjamin H. Hoffman, M.D., M.P.H.
Waste Management, Inc.
1001 Fannin St.
Suite 4000
Houston, TX 77002

Dear Dr. Hoffman: