1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(B): One-Handed or Mechanical Needle Recapping
When bending, recapping or removing a contaminated needle is done, it must be done with a mechanical device or a one-handed technique.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(B) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $6,162 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (9), NV (2), MD (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)(vii)(B) 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
(B) Such bending, recapping or needle removal must be accomplished through the use of a mechanical device or a one-handed technique. 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1030.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: TN (9), NV (2), MD (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| STONEHILL MC LLC | LAS VEGAS, NV | $4,138 |
| QUAIL MANAGEMENT | LAS VEGAS, NV | $1,774 |
| CRESTVIEW DENTAL CARE, P.C. | MARYVILLE, TN | $250 |
| NIU DENTISTRY, LLC | GLEN BURNIE, MD | $0 |
| PROFESSIONAL DENTAL ALLIANCE OF TENNESSEE, PLLC | CROSSVILLE, TN | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(B), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Is a single-handed scalpel blade removal device an engineering control under the Bloodborne Pathogens standard? (2023-02-08)
- OSHA's position on the use of fingers or a two-handed procedure with a hemostat to remove scalpel blades. (2008-11-21)
- OSHA's position on the use of Q104 needle removal device. (2008-09-25)
- Applicability of the bloodborne pathogens standard to persons who self-administer injectable medications. (2005-09-06)
- Needle removal procedures for situations where other methods of disposal are infeasible or required by a specific procedure. (2004-12-09)
- Recapping of contaminated needles. (1993-01-26)
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)(2)(viii) 22 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
How must needle recapping be done when it is done?
Using a mechanical device or a one-handed technique.
Does this cover needle removal and bending?
Yes. Bending, recapping or needle removal are all covered.
Which rule is this?
29 CFR 1910.1030, bloodborne pathogens.
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.