Budget Engagement
Commission
TO: HONORABLE COMMISSIONERS DATE: FEBRUARY 13, 2025
FROM: FIRE DEPARTMENT WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: MEASURE Z – SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUSES (SCBA) AND
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) FOR A COMBINED TOTAL OF $506,284 – SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION
ISSUE:
That the Budget Engagement Commission review and recommend a supplemental appropriation for the purchase of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus es (SCBA) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for a combined total of $506,284.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Budget Engagement Commission recommend that the City Council , with at least five affirmative votes, authorize the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $506,284 from Measure Z available funds to the Fire SCBA Kits expenditure account to purchase Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA) conversion kits and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
BACKGROUND:
SCBA National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Conversion
The NFPA, in collaboration with manufacturers and end -users, develops standards to enhance the safety and protection of first responders. Since 1986, the NFPA has released updates to these standards every five years, aiming to mitigate the inherent risks associated with fire and other emergencies.
In 2018, the NFPA released an update to NFPA 19 81, revising the standards for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) to improve interoperability, safety, and performance. The Universal Emergency Breathing Safety System (UEBSS), introduced as part of this update, incorporates standardized Rectus-type fittings to ensure compatibility between SCBA models from all NFPA - certified manufacturers. The UEBSS is now recommended for all SCBAs, and all new SCBAs must comply with the latest NFPA standards.
The City of Riverside Fire Department currently uses the Scott Air -Pak X3, equipped with an Emergency Breathing Safety System (EBSS). The EBSS is an accessory designed to facilitate “buddy breathing” between two users with compatible SCBAs. To align with the 2018 NFPA 1981 standards, Scott offers an EBSS hose and manifold assembly with Rectus -type fittings for use Measure Z PPE and SCBA funding ● Page 2
with Air -Pak X3 certified to the NFPA 1981, 2013 Edition standard. This solution ensures compatibility with SCBAs certified to the 2018 Edition and equipped with the UEBSS.
PPE
Firefighters are required to wear a variety of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure their safety while carrying out their mission to protect the public. This equipment is used during structure fires, wildland fir es, rescues, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and technical rescues. Due to the demanding nature of these emergencies, PPE is often exposed to extreme conditions, leading to significant wear and tear.
In recent years, supply shortages and inflation have driven up the cost of PPE considerably. The combination of increased replacement costs and frequent wear and tear has left the department unable to maintain an adequate inventory of PPE. This shortage affects the abilit y to properly outfit firefighters and maintain reserve equipment while PPE is being cleaned or repaired.
DISCUSSION:
The RFD requires funding to address two critical safety and operational needs: updating SCBA s systems to meet current NFPA standards and purchasing additional PPE to address shortages.
SCBA Conversion:
The 2018 NFPA 1981 standards introduced the UEBSS with standardized fittings to enhance firefighter safety and interoperability during emergencies. RFD’s current SCBAs need conversion kits to comply with these standards, ensuring compatibility with other manufacturers and improving operational safety during mutual aid responses.
Additional PPE:
RFD is experiencing PPE shortages due to increased wear and tear and rising replacement costs driven by inflation and supply chain disruptions. These shortages compromise firefighter safety and operational readiness. Additional PPE is essential to properly outfit all personnel and maintain reserves for cleaning or repairs.
In addition, recent updates from California Occupational Safety and Health (Cal OSHA) regarding care and maintenance standards have led to early retirement of older turnout equipment, shortening the previous four -year rotation schedule. This change has also contributed to the availability of backstock of PPE.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
Items contributing to the Strategic Priority No. 2 Community Well -Being and Goal No. 2.6 - Strengthen community preparedness for emergencies to ensure effective response and recovery.
This project aligns with the Cross-Cutting Threads of the City’s Strategic Plan as follows:
1. Community Trust – This project demonstrates Riverside's commitment to investing in public safety, reflecting the priorities established in the Measure Z Spending Plan.
2. Equity – The Fire Department is dedicated to delivering equitable fire and life safety services to all Riverside residents. This initiative will ensure that all fire firefighters are Measure Z PPE and SCBA funding ● Page 3
equipped to respond promptly to emergencies.
3. Fiscal Responsibility – Competitive bidding will be conducted per Purchasing Resolution 23812, ensuring that the department secures the best pricing while maintaining transparency.
4. Innovation – The acquisition of PPE and SCBA that meet current industry standards, enhances the department’s a bility to respond effectively to various emergency incidents.
These upgrades ensure firefighter safety, interoperability, and operational readiness while keeping the department aligned with the latest technological advancements in the fire service industry.
5. Sustainability & Resiliency – The acquisition of new PPE and SCBA ensures the department maintains operational readiness and firefighter safety. These investments enhance the department's ability to respond effectively to emergencies while extending the lifecycle of essential equipment, reducing the impact of wear and tear, and ensuring compliance with current industry standards.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total fiscal impact of the supplemental appropriation recommendation totals $506,284. This amount includes $371,284 allocated for SCBAs and $135,000.00 for replacement of Personal Protective Equipment. There are sufficient Measure Z available funds to cover the costs of the one-time item.
Prepared by: Brian Guzzetta, Deputy Fire Chief
Approved by: Steve McKinster, Fire Chief
Certified as to
availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Finance Director/ Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Mike Futrell, City Manager Approved as to form: Jack Liu, Interim City Attorney
Attachment:
1. Presentation
2. Measure Z Spending Plan