SOP 219P Grooming Standards

Grooming Standards

• Purpose: To establish consistent personal grooming standards for Clearwater Fire and Rescue Department personnel, promoting a neat and professional appearance.
• Hair: Hair must not extend past the bottom of the Class C uniform collar, and not impede proper PPE use. Hair can be pinned, braided, or securely held up. No ribbons or ornaments are allowed. Simple bobby pins, clips, or hair bands are permitted
• Hair Color: Artificial hair coloring must be neutral or conservative. Supervisors decide what constitutes neutral/conservative. Disputes are to be resolved by the District Commander.
• Sideburns: Sideburns should be trimmed and not bushy or shaggy. They cannot extend past the earlobe, and must not be wider than 1 inch or interfere with the respirator seal.
• Facial Hair: Facial hair is generally prohibited due to safety standards for respiratory equipment (OSHA 1910.134). Mustaches are permitted (must follow length, placement rules). No beards or goatees.
• Cosmetics: Cosmetics must be conservative in nature. Disputes resolve with District Commander.
• Jewelry: Jewelry is not encouraged because of safety concerns; but some items are permitted. Necklaces must be hidden. Rings are limited to one per hand; post-type earrings are allowed (specific size and protrusion limits apply); No other jewelry is allowed.
• Tattoos: Tattoos on the head, face, or scalp are prohibited. Tattoos with inappropriate content must be covered while on duty, with the final decision made by the Fire Chief.
• Intentional Body Modifications: Excessive or unusual intentional body modifications, mutilations, or scarring are prohibited (these include but are not limited to forked tongues, foreign objects embedded in flesh, and excessive ear piercings).