CA AB1181

Requires the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board by January 1, 2028, to modify safety standards for firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) to address performance standards that result in the use of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), fluoropolymers, flame retardants, and other hazardous substances

Mandates that modified safety standards require firefighter PPE certified for future use in California be free of hazardous substances posing long-term health and environmental risks, with manufacturers required to certify compliance

Establishes a phaseout timeline for existing firefighter PPE containing hazardous substances through normal attrition or within 10 years after the safety order is modified

Requires the Division of Occupational Safety and Health to report to the Governor and Legislature by July 1, 2026, on progress toward implementing the modified PPE safety standards

Uses the 2025 NFPA 1970 Standard as a baseline floor while creating California-specific standards that are relevant to how firefighters actually utilize their equipment