OSHA cancelled CPL 2-2.53 in 2007. Your letter cites OSHA’s current guidelines for CPR training contained in OSHA 3317-06N 2006, Best Practices Guide: Fundamentals of a Workplace First-Aid Program. Although OSHA does not mandate retraining intervals, this guidance, at p. 13, recommends that “Instructor-led retraining for life-threatening emergencies[,]” specifically CPR and AED, “should occur at least annually.” OSHA has also published Letters of Interpretation (LOIs) for CPR training. These LOIs were published in response to requests for clarification on OSHA Standard 1910.151, Medical Services and First Aid.
OSHA’s simple answer is… The agency does not mandate the frequency of refresher training [regarding 1st Aid/CPR]
Here is there detailed answer:
Some OSHA standards, for example:
- Permit-required confined spaces (29 CFR 1910.146),
- Logging operations (29 CFR 1910.266),
- Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution (29 CFR 1910.269),
- Qualification of Dive Team (29 CFR1910.410), and
- Construction Subpart V, Power Transmission and Distribution [1926.951 and 1926.968]
have specific requirements that employees be trained in first aid and CPR.
If an employer is covered by one of these specific standards, CPR training would be required.
However, while OSHA supports the annual CPR retraining intervals, as noted in the Best Practices Guide, the Agency DOES NOT MANDATE THE FREQUENCY OF REFRESHER TRAINING.