| OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov. |
March 24, 2008
| MEMORANDUM FOR: |
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS
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| FROM: |
DONALD G. SHALOUB
Deputy Assistant Secretary
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| SUBJECT: |
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Protection Enforcement |
The Federal Register Notice published on December 31, 2003, withdrew the standard 29 CFR
1910.139 — Respiratory Protection for M. Tuberculosis. At that time, establishments whose
respiratory protection programs for tuberculosis were formerly covered under 29 CFR 1910.139
were required to adapt their programs to comply with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.134.
Congress subsequently restricted OSHA's appropriations in the years that followed and provided
"[t]hat none of the funds appropriated under this paragraph shall be obligated or expended to
administer or enforce the provisions of 29 CFR 1910.134(f)(2)...to the extent that such
provisions require the annual fit testing (after the initial fit testing) of respirators for
occupational exposure to tuberculosis."
The appropriations restriction affected only annual fit testing of respirators used for
protection against tuberculosis. No other provisions of the respiratory protection standard
were affected by the appropriations restriction. All requirements of the respiratory
protection standard, including annual fit testing, continued to be cited for respirator use
against other hazards, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) or other bioaerosols.
The accompanying text to the legislation advised OSHA to take no further action "until such
time as the CDC completes the revision of its TB guidelines." The CDC issued "Guidelines for
Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health-Care Settings, 2005" in
December of 2005. These guidelines recommended periodic fit testing in accordance with federal,
state and local regulations. However, Continuing Appropriations Resolutions that followed
provided funding "under the authority and conditions provided in the applicable appropriations
Act for fiscal year 2006..."
Congress passed the 2008 omnibus appropriations bill and President Bush signed it into law on
December 26, 2007. This new appropriation has no restriction on the enforcement of the
Respiratory Protection standard. On January 2, 2008, OSHA will resume full enforcement of the
entire Respiratory Protection standard, including 1910.134(f)(2).
This restriction has also been removed with respect to outreach and assistance activities
(e.g., education and training, and compliance assistance); participation in OSHA's recognition
programs (i.e., SHARP and VPP) or strategic partnerships; and the use of Federal funds
appropriated for State plan States and Consultation projects.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Office of Health Enforcement at (202)
693-2190.
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