Enforcement of Bloodborne Pathogen Standard | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Standard Number:

1910.1030

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.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.

December 24, 1991

MEMORANDUM FOR:          REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS

FROM:                    PATRICIA K. CLARK, DIRECTOR 
                        DIRECTORATE OF COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS

SUBJECT:                 Enforcement of 29 CFR 1910.1030, "Occupational
                        Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens"

This is to clarify the agency's intent that OSHA Instruction CPL 2-2.44B, "Enforcement Procedures for Occupational Exposure to HBV and HIV" shall remain in effect for complaint inspections until the effective dates of the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1030. No programmed inspections under the SEP shall be scheduled.

For your information, the effective date of the new standard is March 6. The effective date for the exposure control plan requirement is May 5; for the training and recordkeeping requirements the date is June 4; and for all other requirements, including the vaccine, the date is July 6.

We would also like to remind you that, as with all other technical questions from the public, callers should not be referred directly to the Office of Health Compliance Assistance (OHCA). Rather, if a coordinator is unable to answer a particular question, the regional staff person should contact OHCA for assistance and then provide the public with the requested information.