Self-sheathing syringes and one-handed needle recapping

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

June 22, 1990

Mr. John A. Miller
Market Manager
Needles and Syringes
Sherwood Medical
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Miller:

This is in response to your letter of May 11, addressed to Jessica Sandler of my staff. You requested that she review the brochures describing your company's Monoject System of Safety and Monoject Safety Syringe.

As Ms. Sandler has discussed with you, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not endorse or approve any particular type of product or medical device. The current compliance directive (OSHA Instruction CPL 2-2.44B: Enforcement Procedures for Occupational Exposure to Hepatitis B Virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus) clarifies OSHA's prohibition against recapping and expressly allows that "resheathing instruments, self-sheathing needles, or forceps shall be used to prevent recapping needles by hand" (page 16). The type of self- sheathing needles described in your Monoject Safety Syringe brochure and the one-handed recapping method described in your Monoject System of Safety brochure are permitted under OSHA Instruction CPL 2-2.44B. Of course, the final determination regarding compliance with OSHA's requirements in the area of bloodborne hazards must be made in the workplace by direct OSHA compliance officer observation of employee work practices while utilizing your product.

I hope this information is helpful to you.

Sincerely,
Patricia K. Clark Director
Designate Directorate of Compliance Programs

Enclosure