1910.1030(c)(1)(iv): Updating the Bloodborne Exposure Control Plan
Employers must review and update the bloodborne pathogens Exposure Control Plan at least annually and whenever needed for new or changed tasks, procedures or positions with occupational exposure. Each review must reflect new technology that reduces exposure and document annual consideration and use of effective safer medical devices.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 358 times in the last 3 years, in 353 inspections, with $230,235 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (93), CT (41), OR (41).
- Related part: 1910.1030(c) Exposure control (1,315 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv) is one requirement inside 1910.1030 Bloodborne pathogens, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 2 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(iv) The Exposure Control Plan shall be reviewed and updated at least annually and whenever necessary to reflect new or modified tasks and procedures which affect occupational exposure and to reflect new or revised employee positions with occupational exposure. The review and update of such plans shall also: 358 citations
(A) Reflect changes in technology that eliminate or reduce exposure to bloodborne pathogens; and Open (c)(1)(iv)(a) 4 citations
(B) Document annually consideration and implementation of appropriate commercially available and effective safer medical devices designed to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure. Open (c)(1)(iv)(b) 44 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1030.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv).
At 2:27 p.m. on September 23, 2024, Employee #1 was restraining a child who was attempting to harm themself or others. During the restraint, Employee #1 began experiencing a heart attack. Coworkers initiated CPR and called emergency services. Employee #1 was transported for medical treatment…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2024 | 109 |
| 2025 | 152 |
| 2026 | 76 |
Top states: TN (93), CT (41), OR (41), ME (36), KY (34)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THE BUCKEYE RANCH, INC. | GROVE CITY, OH | $14,518 |
| THE WILLIAM W. BACKUS HOSPITAL | NORWICH, CT | $13,240 |
| ALLERVIE HEALTH | BETHLEHEM, PA | $10,000 |
| COMPREHENSIVE AT ORLEANS, LLC | ALBION, NY | $8,511 |
| ALASKA REGIONAL HOSPITAL | ANCHORAGE, AK | $8,066 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification of the use and selection of BBP safety devices. (2008-05-05)
- The applicability of OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standards to the use of sharps containers on hospital crash carts. (2007-06-14)
- The use of safety-engineered devices and work practice controls in operating rooms; hospital responsibility to protect independent practitioners under BBP standard. (2007-01-18)
- Employer's obligation to assure the accuracy of the sharps injury log. (2006-01-12)
- Use of passing trays and single-handed scalpel blade remover in a surgical setting. (2005-12-22)
- Limiting factors for implementing the use of engineering controls, i.e., safety scalpels, under the Bloodborne Pathogens standard. (2004-09-01)
- Bloodborne Pathogens Standard application to bifurcated needles; acceptability and appropriateness of safety bifurcated needles. (2004-05-27)
- Clarification from OSHA regarding the use of the NeedleguardTM in a hospital environment. (2004-04-20)
- Bloodborne Pathogens Standard application to small healthcare facilities and the annual review of the Exposure Control Plan. (2004-01-20)
- Employer's responsibility to re-evaluate engineering controls, i.e., safer needle devices, at least annually. (2004-01-20)
- Engineering control requirements for allergy and immunization injections. (2003-03-19)
- Safer medical devices must be selected based on employee feedback and device effectiveness, not Group Purchasing Organizations. (2002-11-21)
- Needle destruction device use as an engineering control for the Bloodbore Pathogens standard. (2002-09-12)
- Response to the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act. (2001-11-26)
- Use of engineering and work practice controls during pouring of blood or OPIM. (2001-02-09)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1030(c) Exposure control 1,315 citations
- 1910.1030(c)(1) Exposure Control Plan 1,154 citations
- 1910.1030(c)(1)(i) 571 citations
- 1910.1030(c)(2) Exposure determination 161 citations
- 1910.1030(c)(2)(i) 161 citations
- 1910.1030(c)(1)(ii) 113 citations
- 1910.1030(c)(1)(v) 62 citations
- 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)(B) 44 citations
- 1910.1030(c)(1)(iii) 43 citations
- 1910.1030(c)(1)(ii)(B) 42 citations
- 1910.1030(c)(2)(i)(A) 31 citations
- 1910.1030(c)(1)(ii)(A) 25 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
How often must the Exposure Control Plan be updated?
At least annually and whenever necessary to reflect new or modified tasks, procedures or positions with occupational exposure.
What must the annual review document?
Consideration and implementation of appropriate commercially available and effective safer medical devices.
Does new technology matter?
Yes. The review must reflect changes in technology that eliminate or reduce exposure.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1030 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.