Rancho Cucamonga Subject No.: 1-026 Issue: Fire Protection District Page 1 of 9 Effective Date: August 1, 1994 Manual of Operations Revised Date: January 1, 2018

Prepared by: R. Crane, M. Eagleson Revised b : I. Rojer, M. McCliman, E. Noreen Subject: Approved by: I. Rojer Uniform & Grooming Policy

I. POLICY STATEMENT

A. PURPOSE

This Policy describes the regulation Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District (District) uniform for all personnel, as applicable. It also describes the rules and procedures for the wearing and maintenance of the District uniforms. The goal is to ensure that the professional image for the District is maintained and encouraged through the appropriate personal appearance of employees.

B. SCOPE

This policy applies to all District employees and Fire Explorers.

II. RESPONSIBILITY

All personnel, as applicable, are responsible for the acquisition, use, maintenance, and return of uniform items in accordance with this procedure. Supervisors shall ensure that this policy is followed and complied with.

III. PROCEDURE

While on duty or serving the District, all personnel who are issued uniforms shall wear the District uniform as described in this policy, unless otherwise authorized by the Fire Chief, supervisor, or designee. Subject: Subject: 1-026 Issue:

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Wearing of the Unifo1ms

There are eight (8) types of authorized uniforms.

• Class "A"- Formal Dress Uniform (Safety Personnel, Chief Officers, Fire Marshal) • Class "A"- Formal Dress Uniform Honor Guard • Class "B+" - Semi-Formal Uniform (All Uniformed Personnel) • Class "B" - Field Uniform • Fire Clerk Uniform • Fire Prevention Assistant/ Technician Uniform • Fire Explorer Uniform

Regulation uniform items are defined as those which meet the standards in the exhibit(s) listed under "Appendix A" which covers all uniform specifications.

During regular work operations, and as a routine uniform, the following shall be worn. Special operations, activities, work responsibilities, or while attending training outside the District may permit other clothing attire as authorized by the Fire Chief.

• Chief Officers Class "B" Uniform • Safety Personnel and Fire Shop Personnel Class "B" Uniform • Uniformed Non-Safety Personnel Class "B" Uniform • Fire Clerk Class "B" Uniform • Fire Prevention Assistant /Technician Class "B" Uniform • Explorers Explorer Uniform

All personnel shall comply with all the applicable provisions of this policy anytime engaged in any activity where the employee represents the District that is sponsored, sanctioned or funded by the District.

Members shall wear a complete uniform only. It is not permissible to mix uniform parts with civilian clothing. For example, uniform jackets, pants, or boots shall not be worn with civilian clothing. When traveling to and from their work location, or to functions and events as a representative or participant of the District, members may wear their complete uniform.

Uniforms shall not be worn without the proper uniform components. The District badge or cloth badge shall be worn with the approved uniform in accordance with this policy.

Authorized jackets are not permitted to be worn in lieu of the dress jacket at formal meetings or other formal functions, nor in lieu of the turnout jacket when protective clothing is required.

The wearing of T-shirts as described in this policy is optional, except it is mandatory for all employees to wear a cotton or cotton blend T-shirt under the Nomex uniform shirt. T• shirts shall be the same color as the uniform shirt or of a style that does not show.

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T-shirts may either be without any markings, or with a District approved silk screened/embroidered text and insignia. Plain T-shirts shall not be worn without the uniform shirt worn as the outer garment.

T-Shirts, sweatshirts, polo shirts, jackets, and "Chicago Style" Work Shirts are not provided by the District, but must be purchased by the employee.

When undergarments and socks are worn under Nomex uniforms, only cotton or cotton blend fabric is permitted. Fabrics that readily burn or retain heat shall not be worn under Nomex. Garments that contain materials that conduct heat shall also not be worn, such as underwires.

Pins or emblems are permitted to be worn on uniforms only in accordance with this policy or with written permission from the Fire Chief.

When directed by the Fire Chief, a black elastic band shall be placed around the District badge, covering the center seal. This practice is generally accepted for showing respect for Firefighter or Law Enforcement death. This practice may also be directed for other occasions as directed by the Fire Chief. (death of retirees, civic leaders, State or national events). The Fire Chief will determine the duration of wearing the black band.

If any article or component of the District uniform or item covered within this policy is disputed, the item shall not be worn until the dispute is completely resolved. (A compliant replacement article or component shall be used in place of the disputed item as directed by the Fire Chief.)

The wearing of civilian attire (including golf shirts) shall be optional for activities when authorized by the Fire Chief and shall be in accordance with Policy 1-053 Fire Administration Dress Code. Clothing shall be conservative, professional and neat in appearance. Articles which display text or graphics, which are not the approved graphics, shall not be worn.

Appearance While in Uniform

The visual image conveyed by District employees while wearing the District approved uniforms is a matter of significant importance. The uniforms shall be worn in a modest and professional manner. The uniform shall be worn in a clean and neat appearance. Faded, worn, or damaged articles shall not be worn.

Uniform components that restrict movement or are tight to the skin shall not be worn. Uniform components that are too large or "baggy" in appearance shall not be worn.

When uniforms shirts with long sleeves are worn, the sleeves shall remain buttoned at the wrist at all times.

When worn with the uniform shirt, T-shirt sleeves shall not extend below the uniform shirtsleeve. Long sleeve shirts shall not be worn under a short sleeve uniform shirt.

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Grooming Guidelines All personnel are expected to observe good habits of grooming, neatness and personal hygiene. Personnel must maintain a high standard of dress and personal appearance in order to accomplish the objectives of maintaining personal safety and projecting a professional public image consistent with our mission statement.

1. Standards for Males a. Hair shall be neat, clean, trimmed and present a well-groomed appearance. b. Extreme hairstyles or pony tails are not permitted. c. Hair may be any color that naturally occurs in human hair. Any stripes or spots, excluding any natural occurrence, shall not be permitted. d. Hair shall be worn so that it does not extend below the bottom of the uniform shirt collar standing with the head erect. e. Hair may be combed over the ears, but shall not extend below the bottom of the ear or more than two inches in front of the ear. f. Hair that is styled or combed forward shall not extend below the eyebrows. g. The maximum depth from the scalp shall not exceed one and one-half inches. h. Hair shall meet the specified grooming standards without having to be mechanically restrained. i. In no event shall the length of hair or style impede upon the proper wearing of the uniform hat and/or safety gear including helmet and self• contained breathing apparatus mask.

Facial Hair a. Personnel shall be clean shaven when reporting for duty or representing the District. b. Sideburns must be neatly trimmed and tapered in the same manner as the haircut. Sideburns shall not extend below the bottom of the ear lobe, width shall be even (not flared) and shall end with a clean shaven horizontal line. c. Mustaches may be trimmed in a traditional firefighter style, but not to interfere with the wearing of self-contained breathing apparatus mask. Mustaches may not extend below the jaw-line. d. Beards and goatees of any type are specifically prohibited, to include hair on the cheeks, chin, or below the lower lip. Stubble or short beard of one to a few days growth is also prohibited.

2. Standards for Females a. Hair shall be neat, clean, and present a well-groomed appearance. b. Extreme hairstyles and hair nets are not permitted. c. Hair may be any color that naturally occurs in human hair. Any stripes or spots, excluding any natural occurrence, shall not be permitted. d. For safety personnel, hair shall be worn so that it does not extend below the bottom of the uniform shirt collar standing with the head erect. e. In order to conform to these standards, female employees may wear their hair tight against the back of their head. Only pins, combs, or barrettes that are similar in color to the individual's hair color may be worn.

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f. If hair must be secured (mechanically restrained) to meet these requirements, the device or method used must not interfere with the safe and proper use of helmets, face pieces or other required safety equipment. It must remain restrained under all conditions of work or activity. g. In no event shall the length of hair or style impede upon the proper wearing of the uniform hat and/or safety gear including helmet and self• contained breathing apparatus mask. h. For uniformed, non-safety personnel, hair must be properly restrained for its length and job assignment. For safety purposes, hair that is longer than shoulder length must be worn up. If activated for an incident, hair shall be secured as described above in "d" through "g" prior to responding and for the duration of the assignment. 1. Cosmetics are permitted if they are of a conservative color and an1ount. J. Permanent cosmetic make-up is permitted; however, it may only be applied to the lips, eyebrows, eyeliner, and or cheek. The application of such must look and appear to be as conservative, professional and natural looking according to what any reasonable person would deem as a natural look for makeup application. k. A single earring only may be worn in each lobe when in any Class A or B uniform, provided it is of a "stud" or "small hoop" style.

3. Fingernails for uniformed personnel a. Fingernails are to be kept clean and, for safety reasons, shall be no longer than one-eighth (1/8) of an inch beyond the tip of the finger. If nail polish is worn, it shall be clear, without pigment. ("French Manicure" style of nails/polish is acceptable.)

4. Jewelry for uniformed personnel a. Wearing wrist watches and identification bracelets is permitted if the configurations of the article will not interfere with the use of gloves and turnouts, and is not subject to catching or snagging. b. Necklaces, crosses, pendants and medallions shall not be worn exposed while on duty. Such items may be worn beneath work shirts. c. Rings are permitted if the configuration is not overly large or ornate and will not subject the individual to potential injury. Rings which interfere with the quick donning of safety equipment are not permitted.

5. Piercing For the purpose of this policy, piercing is the act of creating a hole in any part of the body for the purpose of creating a design, form, or figure of art. a. All facial piercing such as nose piercing, tongue piercing, eyebrow piercing, lip piercing, or any other facial piercing jewelry is prohibited, as these are distracting. b. Plug earrings (earrings designed to stretch one's earlobes by enlarging the piercing) are not permitted.

6. Body Art For purpose of this policy, body art is considered to include, but is not limited to, tattoos, scarification and branding.

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a. Tattoo - The act or practice of marking the skin with indelible designs, forms, figures, art, etc. by making punctures in the skin and inserting pigment. b. Scarification - The act of intentional cutting of the skin for the purpose of creating a design, form, or figure of art. c. Branding - The act of intentional burning of the skin for the purpose of creating a design, form, or figure of art. d. Offensive body art - Body art that is obscene, sexually explicit, discriminatory to sex, race, religion, or national origin, extremist, and/or gang related is not acceptable and sltall not be permitted. e. Body art shall not be displayed by District personnel while on duty. "Displayed" does not include body art being visible while changing clothes or showering that would not be visible as described in subsections f, g and h below. f. Body art must be completely covered by the District uniform or District approved business attire. Body art shall not extend below the wrist, nor on the hands, head, face, or neck. Tattoos in the form of a ring are authorized with the limitation of one tattoo on one finger(only) that will not exceed ¼ inch width and is within the content restrictions. Body art shall not be visible by District personnel in the standing position with arms at their side while wearing the long sleeve class “B” Field Uniform. g. Body art shall not be visible while wearing the physical fitness uniform where the public is or may be present. In those instances, the employee shall wear the district approved sweatpants and/or long sleeve t-shirt. Body art shall not be visible during physical fitness for employees /tired after January 1, 2018. The use of the approved sweatpants and/or long sleeve t-shirt physical fitness uniform sltall satisfy this section. h. Exceptions: District personnel employed with the District or before January 1, 2018 are exempt from the "Body Art" prohibitions in this policy for any existing body art that is not "offensive" as defined above, so long as written notification and photographs of the body art were on file with Human Resources prior to January 1, 2018. For body art in private areas of the body, that would not normally be displayed as described in subsections f, g and h above, no documentation shall be required. There shall be no exemptions for body art that is offensive in nature that would be displayed as described in subsections f, g and h above.

1. Employees sltall not obtain any addition to existing or new body art after their date of /tire that is visible from; for example, but not limited to, a District uniform, physical fitness attire or District approved business attire and must adhere to this policy. Employees who violate this prohibition will be required to have the body art removed at his/her own expense and/or be subject to discipline up to and including termination.

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7. Contact Lenses a. Contact lenses may be any color that naturally occurs in the human eye. Colors, designs, shapes, stripes, spots, or any other feature that is not naturally occurring in the human eye, sltall not be permitted. b. Contact lenses must be clear/transparent.

Special Uniforms and Circumstances When the District Uniform May be Modified

When physical injury, disability or handicap interfere with wearing the District uniform as described in this policy, the uniform may be altered to reasonably accommodate the circumstances.

The conditional approval will only be in effect while the physical condition exists. Should the physical condition improve, change or worsen, the conditional approval will be reviewed and amended, as necessary, to reasonably accommodate the employee and protect the visual image of the District.

The use of elastic "Maternity Panels" is a pre-authorized modification to the District uniform, during maternity. The District uniform shall be professionally altered when the elastic "maternity panels" are utilized. Uniform shirt shall be as specified herein or "polo shirt".

In other cases, the employee is required to submit a written request to the Fire Chief to alter the uniform. A written reply will be issued to the employee and supervisor with the conditions of the limited authorization to modify the uniform.

District approved short and long sleeve T-shirts, sweatshirts and "Chicago Style" Work Shirts may be worn as outer garments in lieu of uniform shirts in the following situations:

• In quarters, responding from quarters, and while performing strenuous or dirty activities that could potentially damage the uniform shirt or activities that are impractical to perform in a complete uniform. Examples would be yard or facility maintenance, physical fitness training, manipulative skills training, etc. • Out of quarters during manipulative skills training, physical fitness training or on extended emergency incidents at the discretion of the Incident Commander.

Shift personnel participating in on-duty physical fitness activities are required to wear the physical fitness uniform. The uniform consists of a District approved T-shirt or sweatshirt, solid navy blue or black gym type shorts or navy blue or black sweat pants, white or black socks and an appropriate athletic type shoe.

Personnel will sleep in clothing appropriate to the work environment. Personnel will refrain from leaving their sleeping or shower area without wearing some article of clothing other than - or over - undergarments (i.e., physical training shorts, sweat pants, etc.). The same will apply when traveling between the dorms, showers or locker areas.

When engaged in routine work assignments that may cause damage to the District uniform, authorized coveralls/jumpsuits/BDU shirt and pants may be worn.

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Coveralls/jumpsuits are not authorized as optional wear, other than when necessary to protect uniform garments, and shall not be worn in place of the District uniform. Examples include: vehicle service and maintenance, hazardous materials incidents and working fire scene investigations.

Coveralls worn by personnel while performing maintenance on vehicles or stations shall be non-Nomex, navy blue with long sleeves. The Fire District patch shall be on the left sleeve and a sewn-on badge patch over the left breast pocket.

Haz Mat Team personnel are authorized to wear the navy blue Nomex jumpsuit while at hazardous materials incidents and training. The District patch shall be on the left sleeve, HAZMAT patch on the right sleeve and a sewn-on badge patch over the left breast pocket.

Fire Captain Specialists are authorized to wear the navy blue Nomex jumpsuit or BDU style shirt and pants while conducting investigation of fire scenes and at training exercises where there is a risk of damage to the District uniform. The District patch shall be on the left sleeve and sewn on badge patch over the left breast pocket.

Technical Rescue Team personnel are authorized to wear navy blue, non-fire-resistant "BDU" style pants and shirt while engaged in technical rescue training or operations. Team members wearing the Tech Rescue uniform assigned to incidents before having the opportunity to recover and change into the Class B work uniform shall wear it in lieu of the Class B uniform and follow all PPE policies for the call being responded to. The District patch shall be on the left sleeve.

Tactical Response Cadre personnel are authorized to wear District approved short or long sleeve shirts with non-fire-resistant BDU style pants while engaged in tactical response training or operations.

District personnel assigned to Interagency Management Team incidents are authorized to wear the U.S. Forest Service Nomex yellow shirts and green pants while assigned to the incident. While traveling to and from a team assignment, personnel shall wear the District uniform.

The wearing of hats is optional, and may be worn anytime except: • When it is not a listed component of a specific uniform. Example: The baseball style cap with the Class "A" uniform. • Within an established "fire ground perimeter" or at any incident where head protection is required.

The District authorizes a baseball style hat with the approved District logo embroidered on the front. All embroidery shall comply with District specifications. Hat color shall be the same as the Nomex uniform shirt. Hat must be properly worn forward.

The broad brimmed "sun hat" or Boonie Hat may be worn for sun protection. The District sun hat shall include the approved District logo embroidered on the front. Hat

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color shall be the same as the Nomex uniform shirt.

The approved knit beanie hat with District logo embroidered on the front may be worn during cold weather to protect the head and ears from cold weather and wind chill.

Specialty Assignment Patches

Employees who hold assigned positions to the following specialty classes may wear the specialty patches on the uniform shirt and jacket:

• Paramedic • Hazardous Materials Response Team • Technical Rescue Team • Fire Explorer

An employee who is intermittently assigned to work in a specialty class is not eligible to wear a specialty patch. When an employee transfers from the specialty class, the patch shall be removed.

An employee holding multiple specialty assignments such as Haz Mat Team members and Paramedics shall have the Paramedic rocker patch sewn below the Haz Mat or Teel, Rescue patch.

Separation

With the exception of retirement, employees separating from District employment or volunteer positions must return all District uniforms and all District items issued (including badges) no later than the last day of employment or voluntary service. These items are to be returned to the employee's supervisor.