Duty time for hygiene and gear decontamination for Federal wildland firefighters

(a) Definition of covered employee In this section, the term covered employee means a wildland firefighter, including permanent, seasonal, temporary, and emergency appointment personnel, regardless of pay classification. (b) Duty time The Secretaries shall each ensure that each covered employee is provided regular duty time during wildfire operations or prescribed fires, without loss of pay or benefits— (1) to shower and perform personal hygiene following shifts involving exposure to smoke, ash, perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, hazardous substances, or other contaminants; (2) to clean, decontaminate, and maintain personal protective equipment and work clothing, including through the use of washing machines or equivalent cleaning and decontamination methods; and (3) to decontaminate vehicles and closed spaces used to transport or support wildland fire personnel during operations. (c) Health and safety purpose Duty time provided under subsection (b) shall be— (1) considered hours of work for purposes of pay, leave, and other employment benefits; and (2) intended to reduce occupational exposure to carcinogens, toxic substances, and other health hazards associated with wildland firefighting. (d) Requirements for decontamination infrastructure and equipment (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall ensure that each duty station, fire cache, or other regularly staffed wildland fire facility is equipped with adequate gear decontamination infrastructure. (2) Minimum requirements Infrastructure described in paragraph (1) shall include— (A) decontamination equipment or equivalent systems dedicated to contaminated gear and clothing; (B) appropriate drying equipment; (C) designated cleaning areas; (D) access to hot and cold showers; (E) appropriate wastewater handling or filtration, where feasible; and (F) replacement personal protective equipment. (3) Capacity Infrastructure described in paragraph (1) shall be sufficient to serve assigned personnel without unreasonable delay following exposure. (4) Remote operations For remote or temporary operations, the Secretaries shall provide mobile decontamination capability or ensure prompt access to cleaning and hygiene upon return. (5) Maintenance The Secretaries shall ensure routine inspection, maintenance, and timely replacement of infrastructure described in paragraph (1). (e) Implementation The Secretary may issue guidance or regulations to carry out this section.