Safety News: CPF wins firefighter high-visibility safety apparel exemption

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Safety News: CPF wins firefighter high-visibility safety apparel exemption

Firefighters Now Exempt From Wearing High-Visibility Apparel

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today issued an Interim Final Rule to address safety concerns raised by the firefighting community regarding high-visibility safety apparel.

The Interim Final Rule:

• Revises the definition of "worker" to exclude firefighters when they are exposed to flame, fire, high heat or hazardous materials

• Exempts firefighters from the requirement to use high-visibility safety apparel, when the use of such apparel may increase the risk of injury to firefighter personnel

The rule is effective as of November 24, 2008. This amends the Worker Visibility rule (23CFR 634), which was designed to improve the safety of workers by providing increased visibility to approaching motorists and construction traffic.

"Firefighters across the country spoke out and were heard," said Lou Paulson, President of California Professional Firefighters. "The firefighter's job is dangerous enough without adding the risks that these high-visibility garments pose. Common sense has prevailed."

Click here to read this Interim Final Rule.

Source: http://www.cpf.org - Link
Firefighters-now-exempt-from-wearing-high-visibility-apparel

More:
1 - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
is recognized as the national standard for all traffic control devices
installed on any street, highway, or bicycle trail open to public travel. It is available at - Link

2 - ANSI 107-1999 is the nationally recognized standard for
high-visibility garments developed in conjunction with the
International Safety Equipment Association. Copies may be obtained at:  - Link

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Wednesday, January 14, 2009