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:

Employer's responsibility to re-evaluate engineering controls, i.e., safer needle devices, at least annually.

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 20, 2004

Mr. Marty Salanger
Manager of Safety, Policy and Government Relations
BD Advanced Protection Technologies
1 Becton Drive
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417

Dear Mr. Salanger:

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard application to small healthcare facilities and the annual review of the Exposure Control Plan.

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 20, 2004

Mr. Mark B. Evans
Vice President
Strickler Medical Incorporated
503 Libbie Ave, Ste 2C
Richmond, Virginia 23226

Dear Mr. Evans:

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard application to bifurcated needles; acceptability and appropriateness of safety bifurcated needles.

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 27, 2004

Zeil Rosenberg, M.D., M.P.H.
Worldwide Business Leader and Medical Director
BD Immunization
BD Medical Systems
1 Becton Drive
Franklin Lakes, New Jersey 07417

Dear Dr. Rosenberg:

Limiting factors for implementing the use of engineering controls, i.e., safety scalpels, 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.

September 1, 2004

Ms. Debbie Eckard
Product Manager
American Safety Razor Company
One Razor Blade Lane
Verona, VA 24482

Dear Ms. Eckard:

The applicability of OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standards to the use of sharps containers on hospital crash carts.

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 14, 2007

Ms. Selin Hoboy
Corp VP, Environmental, Safety and Health
Stericycle, Inc.
2333 Waukegan Road
Suite 300
Bannockburn, IL 60015

Dear Ms. Hoboy:

Clarification of the use and selection of BBP safety devices.

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 5, 2008

Dr. William A. Hyman
Texas A&M University
Department of Environmental Engineering
233 Zachry Engineering Center
3120 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-3120

Dear Dr. Hyman: