6 USC 323 - Guidance on how to prevent exposure to and release of PFAS

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 23, 2024

§ 323.

Guidance on how to prevent exposure to and release of PFAS

(a)

In general

Not later than 1 year after December 20, 2022, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the heads of any other relevant agencies, shall—

(1)

develop and publish guidance for firefighters and other emergency response personnel on training, education programs, and best practices;

(2)

make available a curriculum designed to—

(A)

reduce and eliminate exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (commonly referred to as “PFAS”) from firefighting foam and personal protective equipment;

(B)

prevent the release of PFAS from firefighting foam into the environment; and

(C)

educate firefighters and other emergency response personnel on foams and non-foam alternatives, personal protective equipment, and other firefighting tools and equipment that do not contain PFAS; and

(3)

create an online public repository, which shall be updated on a regular basis, on tools and best practices for firefighters and other emergency response personnel to reduce, limit, and prevent the release of and exposure to PFAS.

(b)

Curriculum

(1)

In general

(2)

Consultation

For the purpose of making recommendations under paragraph (1), the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration shall consult with interested entities, as appropriate, including—

(A)

firefighters and other emergency response personnel, including national fire service and emergency response organizations;

(B)

impacted communities dealing with PFAS contamination;

(C)

scientists, including public and occupational health and safety experts, who are studying PFAS and PFAS alternatives in firefighting foam;

(D)

voluntary standards organizations engaged in developing standards for firefighter and firefighting equipment;

(E)

State fire training academies;

(F)

State fire marshals;

(G)

manufacturers of firefighting tools and equipment; and

(H)

any other relevant entities, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration.

(c)

Review

(d)

Applicability of FACA

(e)

Rule of construction

(Pub. L. 117–248, § 2, Dec. 20, 2022, 136 Stat. 2348.)

cite as: 6 USC 323