Bill > S3183

This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with other federal agencies, to improve safety standards for wildland firefighters by developing strategies to provide appropriate respiratory personal protective equipment when smoke exposure exceeds established safety limits. The bill defines key terms such as "wildland firefighter" (anyone participating in firefighting activities under the direction of the Agriculture or Interior Departments) and "covered permissible exposure limits" (smoke exposure standards set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Within one year of enactment, the Secretary must create a strategy to make respiratory protective equipment commercially available, determine the appropriate equipment in consultation with safety experts, and require wildland firefighters to use this equipment when smoke exposure surpasses safe limits. The bill also mandates periodic reviews of safety standards, including developing new exposure limits specifically tailored to wildfire settings if existing standards are inadequate, and incorporating the most recent national fire protection association standards for respirators used in wildland firefighting. The legislation authorizes necessary funding to implement these safety measures and aims to protect the health of wildland firefighters who are regularly exposed to hazardous smoke conditions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3183/all-info