Bill > AB589

This bill amends the Labor Code to modify regulations regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters, specifically addressing how often such equipment must be replaced. Currently, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board conducts comprehensive reviews of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards every five years and can modify safety orders accordingly. The bill now prohibits the board from mandating replacement of PPE more frequently than every 15 years for certain fire districts (those serving populations under 40,000, with majority volunteer staffing, or with annual budgets not exceeding $200,000), unless specific safety concerns are identified. These exceptions include situations where the PPE is unsafe due to wear and tear, poses an immediate safety hazard, or contains hazardous materials like perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The legislation aims to provide smaller and volunteer fire districts with more flexibility in managing their equipment replacement schedules, recognizing potential budget constraints while maintaining a focus on firefighter safety.

Labor and Employment

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB589