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:

Use of reusable microblading tools in the cosmetic tattoo 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 6, 2017

 

Ms. Laurna V. Marika
Director, Body Arts Education Initiative
4346 Augusta Road
Lexington, South Carolina 29073

Dear Ms. Marika:

Re-use of blood tube holders.

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 12, 2002

Mr. Douglas E. Kline
Infection Control Practitioner
1101 Wellesley Terrace
Westchester, PA 19382

Dear Mr. Kline:

Thank you for your March 20, 2001 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the applicability of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) to the safe practice of phlebotomy and blood tube holder use. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation only of the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any question not delineated within your original correspondence.

Needle removal procedures for situations where other methods of disposal are infeasible or required by a specific procedure.

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 9, 2004

Ms. Kathy Toriello, RN, MHA, CIC
Corporate Director of Employee Services
NeighborCare
601 E. Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202

Dear Ms. Toriello:

OSHA's position on the use of fingers or a two-handed procedure with a hemostat to remove scalpel blades.

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, 2008

Dr. Michael Sinnott
Qlicksmart Pty Ltd.
PO Box 5677
West End
Brisbane 4101
Australia

Dear Dr. Sinnott:

Removal of Contaminated Needles Prior to Disposal.

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 19, 2011
 
MEMORANDUM FOR: MARTHE B. KENT, REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR
 
FROM: THOMAS GALASSI, DIRECTOR
DIRECTORATE OF ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS