1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(A): Handling Contaminated Laundry
Employers must handle contaminated laundry as little as possible with minimal agitation. It must be bagged or containerized where it was used, not sorted or rinsed there, placed in labeled or color-coded bags or containers, and put in leak-proof bags or containers when it is wet and likely to soak through.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(A) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 18 times in the last 3 years, in 18 inspections, with $13,836 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (7), OR (2), NV (2).
- 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)(4)(iv)(A) 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
(A) Contaminated laundry shall be handled as little as possible with a minimum of agitation. 18 citations
(1) Contaminated laundry shall be bagged or containerized at the location where it was used and shall not be sorted or rinsed in the location of use.
(2) Contaminated laundry shall be placed and transported in bags or containers labeled or color-coded in accordance with paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this standard. When a facility utilizes Universal Precautions in the handling of all soiled laundry, alternative labeling or color-coding is sufficient if it permits all employees to recognize the containers as requiring compliance with Universal Precautions.
(3) Whenever contaminated laundry is wet and presents a reasonable likelihood of soak-through of or leakage from the bag or container, the laundry shall be placed and transported in bags or containers which prevent soak-through and/or leakage of fluids to the exterior.
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 | 6 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: TN (7), OR (2), NV (2), VA (2), NC (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| COMPREHENSIVE AT ORLEANS, LLC | ALBION, NY | $8,511 |
| TLC SNF OPERATIONS, LLC | HENDERSON, NV | $5,025 |
| 317734428 - STATE OF OREGON DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES | KEIZER, OR | $300 |
| WINDSOR MILL HOSPITALITY LLC | WINDSOR MILL, MD | $0 |
| DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS | ELKO, NV | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(A), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Compliance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030. (2009-02-27)
- Bloodborne Pathogens Standard as it relates to contaminated laundry, sharps containers, and the Hepatitis B vaccine in fitness centers. (2004-09-17)
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
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Can contaminated laundry be rinsed where it was used?
No. It must not be sorted or rinsed in the location of use.
How must contaminated laundry be labeled?
Bags or containers must be labeled or color-coded as required, or use alternative labeling under Universal Precautions if all employees can recognize them.
What if the laundry is wet?
If it is likely to soak through or leak, it must go in bags or containers that prevent soak-through and leakage.
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.