Cleaning Blood Spills From Carpets

In a letter of interpretation on June 10, 1994, OSHA stated "that carpeted surfaces cannot be routinely decontaminated," but it makes no specific recommendations for decontamination. The letter explains that even though in most cases there is minimal dermal exposure to carpeting, employers must make a reasonable effort to clean and sanitize carpeting with carpet detergent/cleaner products. Carpet should not be used in areas where the chance of blood and body fluid spills can occur.