1910.1030(g)(1): Bloodborne Pathogen Labels and Signs
Employers must put warning labels on regulated waste containers, refrigerators and freezers holding blood or other potentially infectious material, and other containers used to store, transport or ship it. Labels must be fluorescent orange or orange-red with contrasting lettering and securely attached; red bags or containers may substitute. HIV and HBV research labs and production facilities must post entrance signs.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1030(g)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 15 times in the last 3 years, in 15 inspections, with $18,894 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NC (4), AK (2), CA (2).
- Related part: 1910.1030(g) Communication of hazards to employees (976 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(1) ("Labels and signs") is one requirement inside 1910.1030 Bloodborne pathogens, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 13 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
(1) Labels and signs — 15 citations
(i) Labels. Open (g)(1)(i) 15 citations
(A) Warning labels shall be affixed to containers of regulated waste, refrigerators and freezers containing blood or other potentially infectious material; and other containers used to store, transport or ship blood or other potentially infectious materials, except as provided in paragraph (g)(1)(i)(E), (F) and (G). Open (g)(1)(i)(a) 14 citations
(B) Labels required by this section shall include the following legend:
(C) These labels shall be fluorescent orange or orange-red or predominantly so, with lettering and symbols in a contrasting color.
(D) Labels shall be affixed as close as feasible to the container by string, wire, adhesive, or other method that prevents their loss or unintentional removal.
(E) Red bags or red containers may be substituted for labels. Open (g)(1)(i)(e)
(F) Containers of blood, blood components, or blood products that are labeled as to their contents and have been released for transfusion or other clinical use are exempted from the labeling requirements of paragraph (g).
(G) Individual containers of blood or other potentially infectious materials that are placed in a labeled container during storage, transport, shipment or disposal are exempted from the labeling requirement.
(H) Labels required for contaminated equipment shall be in accordance with this paragraph and shall also state which portions of the equipment remain contaminated. Open (g)(1)(i)(h) 1 citations
(I) Regulated waste that has been decontaminated need not be labeled or color-coded.
(ii) Signs.
(A) The employer shall post signs at the entrance to work areas specified in paragraph (e), HIV and HBV Research Laboratory and Production Facilities, which shall bear the following legend:
(Name of the Infectious Agent)
(Special requirements for entering the area)
(Name, telephone number of the laboratory director or other responsible person.)
(B) These signs shall be fluorescent orange-red or predominantly so, with lettering and symbols in a contrasting color.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1030.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: NC (4), AK (2), CA (2), TN (2), AZ (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 158417 - PEAK RESOURCES-WILMINGTON, INC. | WILMINGTON, NC | $6,500 |
| 160637 - BAPTIST RETIREMENT HOMES OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC | CONCORD, NC | $5,200 |
| BUCKY'S CASINO | PRESCOTT, AZ | $3,618 |
| CPX2025XVM508X0058 - INTERNAL MEDICINE OF ARIZONA, INC. | PHOENIX, AZ | $3,310 |
| SPARKS HOTELS LLC | SPARKS, NV | $266 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1030(g)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Shipping Labels for Blood Contaminated Medical Devices (2019-09-06)
- Requirements for the construction of trash receptacles used in operating rooms for the containerization of regulated waste. (2007-08-09)
- Application of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard to contractors who clean up blood following accidents. (2007-05-22)
- Acceptability of DOT labeling requirements in lieu of OSHA's labeling requirements for shipments of biohazardous materials. (2005-09-08)
- Labeling requirements for packages used to ship blood or OPIM. (2002-09-17)
- Decontamination and labeling requirements for BBP-contaminated equipment and sharps. (2001-06-11)
- Disposal methods for blood collection tubes. (2000-03-13)
- Bloodborne pathogens: OSHA acceptance of DOT "Infectious Substances" label. (1999-07-21)
- Bloodborne Pathogens Standard applicability to radiopharmaceutical use. (1998-05-18)
- Evaluation of raw sewage as regulated waste; product label compliance with the bloodborne pathogens standard. (1995-08-28)
- Application of provisions of the Bloodborne Pathogens standard to Funeral and Nursing Homes. (1992-06-01)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1030(g) Communication of hazards to employees 976 citations
- 1910.1030(g)(2) Information and Training 961 citations
- 1910.1030(g)(2)(i) 410 citations
- 1910.1030(g)(2)(ii) 200 citations
- 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii) 193 citations
- 1910.1030(g)(2)(iv) 142 citations
- 1910.1030(g)(2)(ii)(B) 130 citations
- 1910.1030(g)(2)(ii)(A) 61 citations
- 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(D) 35 citations
- 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(N) 27 citations
- 1910.1030(g)(1)(i) Labels 15 citations
- 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)(A) 14 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
What color must biohazard labels be?
Fluorescent orange or orange-red or predominantly so, with lettering and symbols in a contrasting color.
Can red bags be used instead of labels?
Yes. Red bags or red containers may be substituted for labels.
Does decontaminated waste need a label?
No. Regulated waste that has been decontaminated need not be labeled or color-coded.
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.