Disinfectant standard for dental work surfaces

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

October 21, 1992

Mr. Richard S. Baiman
Market Manager - Health Care
National Laboratories
L & F Products
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Baiman:

This is in response to your letter of July 1, addressed to Ms. Susan Harwood, Director, Office of Risk Assessment, regarding clarification of the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.1030, "Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens", and to confirm information previously communicated to you in your subsequent discussion with Mr. David Kendall of this office. You specifically requested written confirmation of our recognition of your disinfectant product, Lysol Spray (EPA Reg. No. 777-53) as meeting current OSHA compliance criteria for decontamination of environmental surfaces in dental facilities. We apologize for the delay in this letter.

Paragraph 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)(A) states that "...an appropriate disinfectant..." shall be used for decontamination of work surfaces contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious material. The current OSHA policy regarding acceptability of disinfectants used for this purpose is stated in the Inspection and Citation Guidelines following paragraph M.4.d.(1)(b) on page 34 of OSHA Instruction CPL 2-2.44C, "Enforcement Procedures for the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030." This policy indicates that products registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with claims of tuberculocidal efficacy, such as Lysol Spray, are considered "appropriate" for purposes of compliance with the standard, and would therefore be acceptable for such use in dental facilities.

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

Sincerely,
Ruth McCully,
Director
Office of Health Compliance Assistance