1910.1030(d)(2)(viii): Containers for Reusable Sharps
Employers must make sure contaminated reusable sharps are placed, immediately or as soon as possible after use, in containers until properly reprocessed. The containers must be puncture resistant, labeled or color-coded, leakproof on the sides and bottom, and meet paragraph (d)(4)(ii)(E) for reusable sharps.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1030(d)(2)(viii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 22 times in the last 3 years, in 19 inspections, with $12,952 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (19), NV (2), CT (1).
- 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)(viii) is one requirement inside 1910.1030 Bloodborne pathogens, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 4 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
(viii) Immediately or as soon as possible after use, contaminated reusable sharps shall be placed in appropriate containers until properly reprocessed. These containers shall be: 22 citations
(A) Puncture resistant; Open (d)(2)(viii)(a) 2 citations
(B) Labeled or color-coded in accordance with this standard; Open (d)(2)(viii)(b) 14 citations
(C) Leakproof on the sides and bottom; and 2 citations
(D) In accordance with the requirements set forth in paragraph (d)(4)(ii)(E) for reusable sharps.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1030.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: TN (19), NV (2), CT (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TRAVELSUITES INN, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY | LAS VEGAS, NV | $6,452 |
| PASSION DENTAL | HARTFORD, CT | $5,800 |
| GROVE PARK DENTAL GROUP, PLLC | MEMPHIS, TN | $350 |
| JOHN R. FOGAROS, D.D.S., P.C. | FRANKLIN, TN | $350 |
| STOOKSBERRY FAMILY DENTAL P.C. | MARTIN, TN | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1030(d)(2)(viii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Transporting contaminated surgical instruments for cleaning (2013-01-31)
- OSHA's position on the use of Q104 needle removal device. (2008-09-25)
- OSHA has no specific standard on autoclaving used medical instruments. (2004-09-03)
- Engineering controls must be used to prevent needlesticks where feasible. (2000-12-15)
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)(i) 53 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)(4)(ii) 21 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
When must contaminated reusable sharps go into a container?
Immediately or as soon as possible after use.
What must the containers be like?
Puncture resistant, labeled or color-coded, leakproof on the sides and bottom, and meet paragraph (d)(4)(ii)(E).
How long do sharps stay in the container?
Until properly reprocessed.
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.