SB19-061 Summary

• Establishes certification standards for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) pressure vessels used by firefighters and first responders, effective January 1, 2020.

• Permits retesting and recertification of SCBA cylinders under federal DOT Special Permit 16320 standards to extend service life beyond the initial 15-year period, potentially doubling usable life while reducing costs to approximately one-third of replacement cost.

• Authorizes the Division of Fire Prevention and Control to promulgate rules establishing inspection, certification, and recertification standards that incorporate or recognize current DOT and NIOSH standards.

• Requires towns, cities, counties, fire protection districts, and state higher education institutions to ensure SCBA equipment is regularly tested and certified in accordance with all applicable federal standards and state rules.

• Appropriates $40,291 to the Department of Public Safety for 2019-20 fiscal year, including $35,018 for 0.5 FTE personal services and $5,273 for operating expenses.