Vest Rule

This just in
It has been debated for several years and most I talked to could not figure out what firefighters needed to do to comply. It was down to the final deadline and here is another modification!

Common Sense Rules! FHWA Modifies Federal Rule for Firefighters- Vest Rule goes into effect November 24, 2008

On November 21, 2008, the FHWA issued an interim final rule revising the Worker Visibility rule (23CFR 634) to create an exemption for the firefighting community. This interim Final rule allows firefighters or other emergency responders working within the right-of-way of a Federal-aid highway and engaged in emergency operations that directly expose them to flame, fire, heat, and/or hazardous materials to wear retroreflective turn-out gear that is specified and regulated by other organizations, such as the National Fire Protection Association. Firefighters or other emergency responders working within the right-of-way of a Federal-aid highway and engaged in any other types of operations shall wear high-visibility safety apparel as defined in this rule. The FHWA decided to issue this interim final rule to address safety concerns raised by fire fighting community. The interim final rule was published in the Federal Register today and goes in effect on November 24, 2008. This rule can be accessed at the following link:

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-27671.pdf

Please share this information with others that may be interested in this matter.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or Ken Wood at 708-283 -4340 or Ken.Wood@dot.gov.

Hari Kalla, P.E.
MUTCD Team Leader
FHWA, Office of Operations (HOTO-1)
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, E84-316
Washington, DC 20590
Tel.: (202) 366-5915
Fax: (202) 366-3225
Web: http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/