Clarification of the HAZWOPER standard to employees engaged in the cleanup of blood from crimes or trauma incidents

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 15, 2020

Mr. Kent Berg, CEOP, ACBTI
Administrator
National Institute of Decontamination Specialists
3504 Highway 152 PMB 319
Greenville, SC 29611

Dear Mr. Berg:

Cleanup of blood from crime or accident scenes and HAZWOPER 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.

September 06, 2019

Mr. Scott W. Vogel
Chief Executive Officer
Emergi-Clean Inc.
41 Murray Street
Rahway, New Jersey 07065

Dear Mr. Vogel:

Application of OSHA's final standard for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response.

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 28, 1989

Richard F. Boggs, Ph.D
Vice President
Organization Resources Counselors, Inc.
1910 Sunderland Place N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036

Dear Dr. Boggs:

This is in response to your inquiry requesting interpretations of OSHA's final standard for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (29 CFR 1910.120).

For the sake of clarity, I will enumerate and respond to your questions in the order you raised them:

Full time contract personnel at plant facility considered "workplace 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.

October 23, 1990

Mr. H.W. Miller
General Manager
Safety and Industrial Hygiene Department
Texaco Inc.
Post Office Box 1404
Houston, Texas 77251

Dear Mr. Miller:

This is in response to your inquiry concerning paragraph (q)(11) of the final standard on Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (29 CFR 1910.120). Please accept my apology for the delay in this reply.

Applicability of HAZWOPER to the clearing and rerailing of train cars after derailment situations.

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 14, 2012

Mr. David Gulliver
Hulcher Services Inc.
61 1 Kimberly Drive
P.O. Box 271
Denton, TX 76202-0271

Dear Mr. Gulliver: