Guidelines for school buses under the bloodborne pathogens standard.

Standard Number: 1910.1030

August 25, 1992

The Honorable Bob Graham
United States Senator
Post Office Box 3050
Tallahassee, Florida 32315

Dear Senator Graham:

This is in further response to your letter of June 16, concerning a request for information from your constituent, Mr. Richard Rosenberg, which was forwarded to us by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The specific issue of his inquiry concerned federal requirements for schools receiving federal funds to ensure that school buses carry an "infection control kit."

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.1030, "Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens," addresses infection control from the standpoint of employee protection but does not address any specific requirement for school buses as was suggested in your constituent's letter. The standard requires employers to provide specific protective measures and programs for employees having occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) in workplaces under OSHA's jurisdiction. If Mr. Rosenberg requires more specific information on that OSHA standard, please refer him to our Atlanta Regional Office at the address below.

U.S. Department of Labor- OSHA
Suite 587
1375 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30367
Attention: Bloodborne Pathogens Coordinator
Office of Technical Support

Telephone: (404) 347-2281

We hope this information is responsive to your concerns and the concerns of your constituent. Thank you for your interest in employee safety and health.

Sincerely,

Patricia K. Clark, Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs