Bill > AB1181

This bill aims to address the use of harmful chemicals, specifically perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE). It requires the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board to modify existing safety orders by January 1, 2028, to create new standards for firefighter PPE that are more relevant to how firefighters actually use their equipment and reduce exposure to hazardous substances. The bill mandates that future PPE must be certified as free of dangerous chemicals like PFAS and flame retardants, using scientific research to develop standards that prioritize firefighter health and safety. The new standards will be based on the 2025 NFPA 1970 Standard and will include a phased implementation timeline, allowing existing PPE to be replaced through normal attrition or within 10 years of the new safety order. Additionally, the bill requires the Division of Occupational Safety and Health to report on the progress of implementing these modified PPE safety standards by July 1, 2026. This legislation is motivated by scientific research linking PFAS exposure to serious health risks, including cancer, and recognizes the inherently dangerous nature of firefighting that already exposes workers to numerous toxic substances.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1181