Important Information
CAL FIRE’s Medical Assessment Unit is charged with maintaining the medical clearance program. Medical clearance is required in a few different circumstances. It is required as a pre-employment condition for certain State of California civil service classifications (reference the CalHR Classification Specification for your civil service classification if you are unsure of the requirement). Medical evaluation and clearance is required annually for any candidate or employee who may wear a tight-fitting respirator as part of their duties, regardless of frequency of wear. Lastly, medical clearance is required for employees who are nominated to participate in the CAL FIRE Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Regular Basic Course (RBC)* to become a peace officer as well as for any employee who participates on a HazMat team as part of their duties with CAL FIRE.
*Specific medical history forms are required by POST which will be completed separate from this E-EMQ.
Respiratory Protection Program:
The California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) is mandated by CalOSHA General Industry Safety Orders, Title 8, Section 5144
The CAL FIRE Medical Consultant is responsible for medically evaluating CAL FIRE candidates and employees prior to fit testing for tight-fitting respirators. The medical evaluation is based on the CAL FIRE Medical Consultant’s review of the candidate’s or employee’s responses on the E-EMQ and examination results (when applicable) under the guidance of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Guidelines and Departmental policy. Consideration of a candidate’s or employee’s possible working conditions is also a factor in the evaluation.
Tight-fitting respirators include, but are not limited to, N, R, or P disposable respirator, half or full face piece, powered air purifying, supplied air, self-contained breathing apparatus.
