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Massachusetts, USA, Regulates PFAS in Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment

SafeGuardSPersonal and Protective Equipment05 Nov 2024

SG 157/24

The US state of Massachusetts has approved measures to regulate PFAS in personal protective equipment for firefighting. The new law will be implemented into phases, starting on January 1, 2025.

In August 2024, the governor of Massachusetts signed S.2902 (Chapter 182) into law to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting personal protective equipment (FPPE).

According to the definitions in the new law, ‘FPPE’ and ‘PFAS’ have the following meanings:

  • FPPE means clothing or wearable items for firefighting personnel in the performance of their duties that are designed for use in fire and rescue activities, including, but not limited to footwear, gloves, helmets, jackets, pants and respiratory equipment
  • PFAS means a class of fluorinated chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom

Highlights of S.2902 are summarized in Table 1.


Substance
ScopeRequirement
Effective date
PFAS
FPPE
Manufacturers (including importers and domestic distributors by statute) must provide written notice1 to the purchaser at the time of sale indicating:

  • FPPE contains PFAS
  • Reason for FPPE containing PFAS
  • Specific PFAS by chemical and abbreviated names
January 1, 2025
PFASFPPE
Prohibited if intentionally added
January 1, 2027

Table 1

1Manufacturers and purchasers must retain a copy of the notice for at least three years from date of purchase.

Our global network and experts provide you one stop simple solutions for PPE product compliance with testing and certification requirements. Our accredited laboratories also provide assistance in compiling technical files and coordinating with Notified Bodies for application of EC type examination. Contact us for more information or visit our website. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.

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For further information, please contact:

HingWo Tsang

Dr.

Hingwo

Tsang

Global Information and Innovation Manager
Melanie Tamayo

Melanie

Tamayo

Senior Technical Manager, SGS NA

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