San Francisco Fire Department secures $2.3 million for PFAS-free turnout testing as city considers ban
March 27, 2024 | San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
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Chief of Department Janine Nicholson told the San Francisco Fire Commission on March 27 that the department has secured a $2,300,000 grant to purchase PFAS-free turnout gear and is actively testing prototype garments in the field.
Nicholson said the grant will help the department move toward replacing PFAS-containing turnout coats, and she described ongoing engagement with manufacturers and labor. "We secured a $2,300,000 grant for turnouts, specifically," Nicholson said in her report. She added that the department has been working for years with manufacturers and safety staff to identify acceptable PFAS-free alternatives.
Nicholson and staff flagged pending local legislation by Supervisor Peskin that would require PFAS-free turnout gear by June 2026. "This legislation will make San Francisco the first city to actually ban the PFAS turnouts and require these," Nicholson said, noting the concern that an unfunded deadline could create procurement problems if the department lacks the money to buy compliant gear.
Deputy Chief Shane Kailoa described the department's testing protocol and named the two manufacturers in active wear trials. "We are testing 2 manufacturers. 1 is Lion, 1 is Firedex. Those are 60 to 90 day test, wear test," Kailoa said, adding the wear trials focus on comfort, heat stress and performance in real operations. He said the tests do not include any blood testing of members.
Health and safety staff and the department's Cancer Prevention Foundation were credited for leading the effort. Commissioners expressed support for the goal but raised procurement and timing concerns; Nicholson said staff are pursuing grants and incremental purchasing approaches to spread costs.
Next steps identified at the meeting include completing the 60–90 day wear tests, evaluating manufacturer performance and continuing to seek funding and procurement strategies to meet a possible 2026 compliance deadline.
Votes at a glance: The only formal vote recorded in the meeting approved the March 13, 2024 minutes (motion made and seconded; unanimous approval).
Nicholson said the grant will help the department move toward replacing PFAS-containing turnout coats, and she described ongoing engagement with manufacturers and labor. "We secured a $2,300,000 grant for turnouts, specifically," Nicholson said in her report. She added that the department has been working for years with manufacturers and safety staff to identify acceptable PFAS-free alternatives.
Nicholson and staff flagged pending local legislation by Supervisor Peskin that would require PFAS-free turnout gear by June 2026. "This legislation will make San Francisco the first city to actually ban the PFAS turnouts and require these," Nicholson said, noting the concern that an unfunded deadline could create procurement problems if the department lacks the money to buy compliant gear.
Deputy Chief Shane Kailoa described the department's testing protocol and named the two manufacturers in active wear trials. "We are testing 2 manufacturers. 1 is Lion, 1 is Firedex. Those are 60 to 90 day test, wear test," Kailoa said, adding the wear trials focus on comfort, heat stress and performance in real operations. He said the tests do not include any blood testing of members.
Health and safety staff and the department's Cancer Prevention Foundation were credited for leading the effort. Commissioners expressed support for the goal but raised procurement and timing concerns; Nicholson said staff are pursuing grants and incremental purchasing approaches to spread costs.
Next steps identified at the meeting include completing the 60–90 day wear tests, evaluating manufacturer performance and continuing to seek funding and procurement strategies to meet a possible 2026 compliance deadline.
Votes at a glance: The only formal vote recorded in the meeting approved the March 13, 2024 minutes (motion made and seconded; unanimous approval).
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