Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department Grooming Policy PDF

CLEARWATER FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT STANDARD DEPARTMENT POLICY S.D.P. 219P SUBJECT: Grooming PAGE 1 OF 3 CATEGORY:...

CLEARWATER FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT STANDARD DEPARTMENT POLICY S.D.P. 219P SUBJECT: Grooming PAGE 1 OF 3 CATEGORY: SUBCATEGORY: Administration APPROVED BY: EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/23/13 REVISION DATE: 05/07/20 REVIEWED DATE: 02/01/22 SIGNATURE ON FILE, APPROVED TO FORM THIS DATE BY SCOTT EHLERS, FIRE CHIEF, FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT FORMS REQUIRED: NOTE: Current forms are located on the Department’s SharePoint. PURPOSE: To establish personal grooming standards for uniformed personnel that are consistent with the emergency service work performed by the Fire and Rescue Department and to promote a neat and professional appearance. 219P.1 Hair A. Hair shall be arranged in such a way that it does not extend past the bottom of the Class C uniform collar and/or impede the proper wearing of PPE. Hair may be pinned securely up or braided to meet this requirement. No ribbons or ornaments shall be worn in the hair. Non- decorative inconspicuous bobby pins, clips, or hair bands may be used to meet this standard. B. Artificial hair coloring shall be neutral or conservative in color. Words such as neutral or conservative are subjective terms that may be interpreted differently by individual supervisors. Therefore, in the event of a disagreement between the officer and employee about what constitutes conservative or neutral, the on-duty District Commander shall be consulted for interpretation. 219P.2 Sideburns A. Sideburns shall be kept trimmed and not be bushy or shaggy. They shall not extend beyond the lowest part of the ear lobe. B. Sideburns shall not be wider than 1 inch and shall not come within or interfere with the respirator seal. 219P.3 Facial Hair A. The following standards are in accordance with the United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 1910.134 (Respiratory Protection Standard) which prohibits the presence of facial hair within the respirator seal. This standard is applicable to disposable, half-mask, and full-face piece respirators. The standard reads as follows:  SUBJECT: Grooming EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/23/13 S.D.P. 219P REVISION DATE: 05/07/20 CATEGORY: SUBCATEGORY: PAGE 2 of 3 Administration 1. “OSHA 1910.134 (g)(1) & (A) & (B), the employer shall not permit respirators with tight-fitting facepieces to be worn by employees who have: Facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face or that interferes with valve function; or Any condition that interferes with the face-to-facepiece seal or valve function.” B. The face shall be clean shaven. A mustache shall be permitted in accordance with section 219P.3.A above and is neatly trimmed. Beards or goatees shall not be permitted in any form. 1. The mustache shall not extend in length beyond the crease of the chin, nor shall it extend laterally in a manner that interferes with the seal of the nose cup of the SCBA facepiece. 2. Facial hair beneath the lower lip is permissible but shall not extend beyond the corners of the mouth or below the individual’s chin crease. 3. No other forms of facial hair are permitted. 219P.4 Cosmetics A. All cosmetics shall be in accordance with proper business attire and shall be conservative in nature. In the event of a disagreement between the officer and employee about what constitutes conservative, the on-duty District Commander shall be consulted for interpretation. 219P.5 Jewelry A. Uniform personnel will not wear jewelry or other items that distracts from a professional uniformed appearance. The wearing of jewelry is not recommended as it may pose a safety hazard to the employee, however; if worn the following shall apply: 1. Necklaces or chains must be worn inside the uniform shirt and at no times be visible. 2. Rings will be limited to one on each hand. Engagement and wedding bands are considered one ring. 3. Uniformed personnel are permitted to wear post type earrings (limited to one per ear). The earring shall be no more than 1/8 inch in diameter and may not protrude more than 1/8 inch or dangle below the earlobe. 4. All other forms of facial or body jewelry (not mentioned above) are prohibited. 219P.6 Tattoos A. No tattoos/body art/brands on the head, face, or scalp. B. All tattoos displaying inappropriate content must be covered while on duty. The decision as to the appropriateness of a tattoo shall be made by the Fire Chief or his designee.  SUBJECT: Grooming EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/23/13 S.D.P. 219P REVISION DATE: 05/07/20 CATEGORY: SUBCATEGORY: PAGE 3 of 3 Administration 219P.7 Intentional Body Modification/Mutilation, Intentional Scarring A. Any intentional body modification/mutilation, or intentional scarring that are excessive or eccentric are prohibited. Some examples are: 1. Split or forked tongue 2. Foreign objects inserted under the skin to create a design or pattern 3. Enlarged or stretched out holes in the ears (other than a normal piercing) 4. Intentional scarring that appears on the neck, face, or scalp