2022 -- H 7541
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LC004900
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022
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AN ACT
RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY- SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAMS FOR FIRE
DEPARTMENTS - PFAS CHEMICALS
Introduced By: Representatives Speakman, Casimiro, Cortvriend, Handy, Donovan, and
Fogarty
Date Introduced: February 18, 2022
Referred To: House Environment and Natural Resources
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
1 SECTION 1. Section 23-28.4-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-28.4 entitled "Safety
2 and Health Programs for Fire Departments" is hereby amended to read as follows:
3 23-28.4-1. Definitions.
4 The following terms when used in this chapter shall have the meanings herein ascribed:
5 (1) "Class B firefighting foam" means a foam designed for flammable liquid fire.
6 (1)(2) Employee means a person involved in performing the duties and responsibilities of
7 a fire department, under the auspices of the organization. A fire department employee may be a
8 full-time, or part-time, or volunteer employee, may occupy any position or rank within the fire
9 department, and may or may not engage in emergency operations.
10 (2)(3) Employer means any person who has one or more employees, but does not include
11 the United States. A fire district shall be considered an employer.
12 (3)(4) Fire department means an organization providing rescue, fire suppression, and
13 related activities.
14 (5) "Firefighter turnout gear" means the protective clothing worn by firefighters.
15 (4)(6) NFPA means national fire protection association.
16 (7) "PFAS chemicals" means a class of fluorinated organic chemicals that:
17 (i) Contain at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom, including perfluoroalkyl and
18 polyfluoroalkyl substances; and
1 (ii) Are designed to be fully functional in Class B firefighting foam formulations.
2 (5)(8) Provide means to furnish, supply, or to make arrangements for full monetary
3 reimbursement.
4 SECTION 2. Chapter 23-28.4 of the General Laws entitled "Safety and Health Programs
5 for Fire Departments" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
6 23-28.4-6.2. Use of firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals.
7 (a) Beginning on September 1, 2022, Class B firefighting foam that contains intentionally
8 added PFAS chemicals may not be used for:
9 (1) Testing purposes, including calibration testing, conformance testing, and fixed-system
10 testing unless:
11 (i) The use is required by law or by the agency having jurisdiction over the testing facility;
12 and
13 (ii) The testing facility has implemented appropriate containment, treatment, and disposal
14 measures to prevent releases of foam into the environment; or
15 (2) Training purposes
16 (b) Non fluorinated training foam shall be used for purposes of firefighting training.
17 SECTION 3. Section 1 of this act shall take effect upon passage. Section 2 shall take effect
18 on January 1, 2023.
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
AN ACT
RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY- SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAMS FOR FIRE
DEPARTMENTS - PFAS CHEMICALS
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1 This act would prohibit the use of firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals during
2 training exercises.
3 Section 1 of this act would take effect upon passage. Section 2 would take effect on January
4 1, 2023.
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LC004900 - Page 3 of 3

Statutes affected:
7541: 23-28.4-1