1910.1030(d)(2)(i): Bloodborne Pathogen Controls and PPE
Employers must use engineering and work practice controls to eliminate or minimize employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Where exposure remains after these controls, personal protective equipment must also be used.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1030(d)(2)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 53 times in the last 3 years, in 53 inspections, with $84,293 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (21), NY (5), OR (4).
- Related part: 1910.1030(d) Methods of compliance (455 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.1030 Bloodborne pathogens, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). 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
(i) Engineering and work practice controls shall be used to eliminate or minimize employee exposure. Where occupational exposure remains after institution of these controls, personal protective equipment shall also be used. 53 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1030.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2025 | 25 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: TN (21), NY (5), OR (4), MD (4), CT (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HERO PRACTICE SERVICES | ALBUQUERQUE, NM | $11,588 |
| WILLIAM F. RYAN COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, INC. | NEW YORK, NY | $7,685 |
| FAIRPORT BAPTIST HOMES | FAIRPORT, NY | $7,052 |
| 317737396 - CASCADIA HEALTH | PORTLAND, OR | $6,916 |
| ANNISTON ASSISTED LIVING, LLC | ANNISTON, AL | $6,250 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1030(d)(2)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Application of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard to digital rectal examinations for rectal foreign bodies (2024-03-22)
- Is a single-handed scalpel blade removal device an engineering control under the Bloodborne Pathogens standard? (2023-02-08)
- Use of reusable microblading tools in the cosmetic tattoo industry (2017-01-06)
- Clarification of work practice controls when using needless connectors (2016-03-22)
- Applicability of the Bloodborne Pathogens standard during transection of the umbilical cord. (2012-07-13)
- OSHA's position on the use of Novartis' Fluvirin device. (2008-11-24)
- OSHA's position on the use of lancets or lancing devices without safety-engineered features for finger prick blood sampling in the workplace. (2008-09-09)
- Clarification of the use and selection of BBP safety devices. (2008-05-05)
- Whether the BD SmartSlip™ is an acceptable safety-engineered device under 1910.1030. (2007-06-21)
- Requirements for safety-engineered sharps for stockpiled pandemic influenza vaccines and pre-filled syringes. (2007-03-02)
- Whether shielding is required when removing Becton Dickinson's blood tubes with a Hemoguard® closure. (2007-01-29)
- "Freehand" piercing without the use of forceps or other engineering controls violates the bloodborne pathogens standards. (2005-12-08)
- Applicability of the bloodborne pathogens standard to persons who self-administer injectable medications. (2005-09-06)
- Definition of contaminated sharps; engineering controls and good work practice controls must be implemented; ECP must be reviewed annually. (2005-06-03)
- Containment and disposal requirements for disposable razors used in long-term health care facilities for personal grooming. (2005-03-28)
- 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)
- Recapping of contaminated needles used in body piercing. (2003-08-19)
- Engineering control requirements for allergy and immunization injections. (2003-03-19)
- Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act and the requirement to include safety-engineered sharps devices in pre-packaged surgical kits or trays. (2003-02-20)
- 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(d) Methods of compliance 455 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(4) Housekeeping 262 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii) Regulated Waste 195 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(2) Engineering and work practice controls 141 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A) Contaminated Sharps Discarding and Containment 131 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii) 48 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(3) Personal protective equipment 48 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(A) 33 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv) Laundry 23 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(4)(i) General 23 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(2)(viii) 22 citations
- 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii) 21 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What comes first, controls or PPE?
Engineering and work practice controls must be used first; PPE is also used where exposure remains.
What is the goal of the controls?
To eliminate or minimize employee exposure.
Is PPE alone enough?
No. Engineering and work practice controls are required, with PPE added where exposure remains.
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.