Biohazard label color and symbol under the bloodborne pathogens standard

December 15, 1992

Ms. Elaine Turner
Ciba-Corning Diagnostics Limited
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Ms. Turner,

This is in response to your letter of September 22 and to provide you with written confirmation of phone conversations you have had with a member of my staff. You requested an interpretation of the acceptability of your company's biohazard label under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.1030, the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. We apologize for the delay in this written response.

The bloodborne pathogens standard requires that the biohazard label be affixed to containers of regulated waste and other containers used to store, transport, or ship blood or other potentially infectious materials; a red container may be substituted for the biohazard label. The design and coloring of the warning label which you submitted appears to be consistent with the requirements of 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)(B) and (C) which require that the biohazard symbol and legend be in a contrasting color to a fluorescent orange or orange-red background.

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

Sincerely,
Roger A. Clark,
Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs