Attachment_12_-_NPS_Reference_Manual_43.pdf

Reference Manual 43

Uniforms

Associate Director, Park Operations and Education (Date)

Table of Contents

I. Purpose and Scope 1

II. Background 1

III. Authorities 1

IV. Reference Material

SUBPART A: Program Management

1. Managing the Uniform Program 6

Positions and Committees 6

Servicewide Uniform Program Manager 6

Servicewide Uniform Committee 6

Regional Uniform Program Manager 7

Park Uniform Coordinator and Committee 7

Park Program Administrators 7

Uniform Contractor – Customer Service 8

2. The Uniforms 8

Uniform Classes and Components 9

Special Work Apparel & Personal Protective Clothing 13

Out-of-Park Duties: 17

Special Event Uniforms

International Assignments

Attendance at Training

Detail Assignments

3. Wear and Appearance 18

Rules for Wear 18

Name Bar Standards 18

Uniform Wear Standards 18

Specific to a Garment 19

Hats and Accessories 23

Commemorative Pins 26

Other & Options 27

Obsolete Uniform Components 27

Exigent Circumstances and Waivers 27

Burial in Uniform 28

Personal Appearance Standards 28

Conduct and Bearing Standards 31

Regular Duty 31

Public Events 32

4. The Park Uniform Program 35

Requirements and Content 35

SAMPLE Local Standard 36

New Employee Packet 38

5. Accountability 38

Employee Conduct 38

Condition of Employment 38

Uniform Ownership 39

Misconduct 39

SUBPART B: Program Administration 40

1. Uniform Program Website 40

2. Organization Codes 40

3. Annual Program Cycle 40

4. Allowance System 41

5. Uniform Procurement Process 46

6. Direct Purchases 48

Components Covered by Allowance 48

Components not covered by Allowance 49

7. Property Management 50

8. Documents and Reports 50

9. Closeout 50

10. Proposals and Feedback 52

11. Problem Resolution 53

Release Number 1 October 2000

REFERENCE MANUAL 43

I. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

This Reference Manual contains supplementary material to the National Park Service

(NPS), Director’s Order (D.O.) # 43, Uniforms.

II. BACKGROUND

Definition of Terms

Personal Appearance: includes all elements of appearance, grooming, and personal adornment.

Personal Adornments are any items not specifically included in the official uniform item list located in Section 2, of Subpart A of this manual, including, but not limited to:

tattoos, jewelry, pins, buttons, fingernail polish, body piercing, and elective body modifications.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): common definition used in the Occupational

Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and Director’s Order 50.

Ranger Hat: generic term used in this reference manual to refer to the flat-brimmed straw or beaver-felt hat. Sometimes called the “flat hat” or “stetson hat.” Used generically, the term is not meant to reflect job series or other uses of the term “ranger.”

Special Work Apparel: items required to safely and efficiently accomplish specific duties. Includes apparel items in earlier policy documents that were called “special uniforms” or “work apparel.”

Superintendent: used generically to denote the senior manager for any unit or office.

Uniform Coordinator: refers to an individual in a park or office that has a portfolio of uniform duties on behalf of that park or office.

Uniform Program Manager: refers to the designated manager positions in regional offices and the Washington Office (WASO).

Uniform Program Website: the Government-maintained website for uniform allowance authorization, is located at http://amoebawww.den.nps.gov/amoeba/nps_uniform.nsf.

Employees can place orders at www.uniformsolutions.com/lma.

III. AUTHORITIES

The following expanded citations [refer to 5 United States Code (U.S.C.) 5903] and the

Comptroller General's decisions set the limits of the NPS uniform program. Relevant sections of laws are quoted where appropriate, and clarifying comments from congressional reports have been cited where necessary to indicate congressional intent.

http://amoebawww.den.nps.gov/amoeba/nps_uniform.nsf http://www.uniformsolutions.com/lma

Uniform Allowances

Laws

1. Title 5, U.S.C., Section 5901(a) – P.L. 83-763 (1954), as amended by P.L. 89-554

(1966), P.L. 90-83 (1967), and P.L. 101-509 (1990):

"There is authorized to be appropriated annually to each agency of the Government of the United States...on a showing of necessity or desirability, such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subchapter. The head of the agency concerned, out of the funds made available by the appropriation, shall:

1) furnish to each of these employees a uniform at a cost not to exceed $400 a year (or such higher maximum amount as the Office of Personnel Management may establish under Section 5902); or

2) pay to each of these employees an allowance for a uniform not to exceed $400 a year (or such higher maximum amount as the Office of Personnel Management may establish under Section 5902).

The allowance may be paid only at the times and in the amounts authorized by the regulations prescribed under Section 5903 of this title..."

2. Title 5, U.S.C., Section 5901(c) – P.L. 89-554 (1966), as amended by P.L. 90-83

(1967):

"An allowance paid under this section is not wages within the meaning of Section 409 of Title 42 or Chapters 21 and 24 of Title 26."

3. Title 5, U.S.C., Section 5902 - P.L. 83-763 (1954), as amended by P.L. 101-509

(1990):

"The Office of Personnel Management may, from time to time, by regulation adjust the maximum amount for the cost of uniforms and the maximum allowance for uniforms under Section 5901."

4. Title 5, U.S.C., Section 5903 - P.L. 89-554 (1966), as amended by P.L. 101-509

(1990):

"The Office of Personnel Management may prescribe such regulations as it considers necessary for the administration of this subchapter."

Congressional Reports

1. Senate Report No. 1992 (1954), which repeats in substance the House Report on P.L.

83-763: Funds will be paid "as prescribed by agency regulations, to each such

(uniformed) employee for purchase and upkeep of uniforms."

The original report wording permitted use of funds for full payment of uniforms and for their upkeep.

2. Conference Report No. 2665 (1954): Funds will be paid "to each such (uniformed) employee to defray the expense of acquiring (a) uniform...The conference substitute adopts the language of the Senate amendment, except (1) for deletion of a provision therein for use of uniform allowances for upkeep of uniforms and (2) addition of language giving the agency head discretion to furnish such uniforms out of funds appropriated therefor, in lieu of a cash allowance."

The conference report changed the wording to allow expenditure of funds only for defraying uniform costs and disallows their use for maintenance of uniforms.

Administrative and Legal Guidance

1. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-30 (1966): The circular implements the provisions of the Federal Uniform Allowance Act (P.L. 89-554). It also establishes rules for allowances for temporary or substitute employees: “…The amount payable to a temporary or substitute employee who is otherwise eligible for a uniform allowance shall be determined by adjusting the standard for an annual allowance to take account of any reduced requirements which result from the limited period and nature of employment…"

The circular also established that the annual period to which the limitation of the uniform allowance ceiling applies for each employee begins with the date on which the employee first becomes eligible for a uniform or a uniform allowance under the act.

2. Comptroller General Decision B-166452 (1969): The decision stems from a question which was raised regarding the legality of providing an employee who changed uniform classes with the full amount of the new allowance if the two together exceed the

Congressionally specified annual ceiling - $125 at that time, $400 at present. The

Comptroller General held that "…both the statute and (the section of Circular No. A-30 on annual allowances noted above) must be construed as contemplating that the employee will remain subject to substantially the same uniform requirements during the annual period to which the...limitation applies. To hold otherwise would, in our opinion, constitute an unreasonable and illogical construction of the statute and regulations." This has been interpreted by the Solicitor to mean that the annual $400 ceiling cannot be exceeded except in situations where an employee completely changes uniform class, and these have been defined by the agency as changes from dress to another field or vice versa. No other adjustments that exceed the ceiling are permitted, whether for seasonal changes, for changes within a class, or in instances when an employee's adjusted initial allowance and replacement allowance combine to total more than $400.

3. Departmental Manual (DM), Part 344, DM 1 - Financial Management: Establishes standards and procedures for the payment of uniform allowances to employees under relevant laws and guidelines.

4. Departmental Manual, Part 370, DM, Addition to Federal Personnel Manual (FPM):

Establishes Department of the Interior policy on eligibility and standards for granting uniform allowances to employees.

5. NPS Guideline, NPS-43 - Uniform Program Guideline: Establishes NPS policies for the administration of the uniform program and standards for the proper wear of the uniform. Replaced in 2000 by DO #43 and this manual.

Protective Clothing

Laws

1. Title 5, U.S.C., Section 7903 - P.L. 89-554 (1966): “Appropriations available for the procurement of supplies and material or equipment are available for the purchase and maintenance of special clothing and equipment for the protection of personnel in the performance of their assigned tasks."

2. Title 29, U.S.C., Section 668 - P.L. 91-596 (1970); P.L. 97-375 (1982): “It shall be the responsibility of the head of each Federal agency to establish and maintain an effective and comprehensive occupational safety and health program...The head of each agency shall (after consultation with representatives of the employees thereof...acquire, maintain, and require the use of safety equipment, personal protective equipment, and devices reasonably necessary to protect employees..."

Regulations

1. 29 CFR 1910.132 - 1910.136: Establishes the general requirements for personal protective equipment and specific requirements for eye, face, respiratory, head, and foot protection.

Administrative and Legal Guidance

1. Comptroller General Decision B-112031 (1952): "Questions concerning the propriety of furnishing special clothing and equipment to civilian employees have been considered by this Office a number of times and it has been held that where such equipment is essential to the safe and successful accomplishment of the work involved and primarily for the benefit of the Government, payment may be made from appropriations otherwise available therefor; but that on the other hand, if the equipment be solely for the protection of the employee without resulting benefits to the Government, and such as the employee reasonably might be expected to furnish as a part of the official equipment of his position, appropriated funds would not be available for the purchase thereof."

2. Comptroller General Decision B-174629 (1972): (Even though not specifically mentioned in 29 CFR 1910.132a, protective) “…clothing could be administratively determined to be necessary because of a priority safety need established by the operation of the safety management program prescribed under section 19 of the OSHA Act of

1970, and Executive Order 11612. Accordingly, if the clothing and equipment in question has been or is administratively determined to be necessary", then payment may be made from Government funds.

Badge and Arrowhead Insignia

Statutes and Regulations

1. Title 18, U.S.C., Section 701 (1948): "Whoever manufactures, sells, or possesses any badge, identification card, or other insignia, of the design prescribed by the head of any department or agency of the United States for use by any officer or employee thereof, or any colorable imitation thereof, or in any other manner makes or executes any engraving, photograph, print, or impression in the likeness of any such badge, identification card, or other insignia, or any colorable imitation thereof, except as authorized under regulations made pursuant to law, shall be fined not more than $250 or imprisoned not more than six months, or both."

2. 36 CFR, Part 11.1 - 11.3 (under authority of 16 U.S.C., Section 3): “The term

'arrowhead symbol,' as used in this part, refers to the insignia of the National Park Service prescribed as its official symbol...”

"The term 'commercial use' as used in the regulations of this part refers to use of (the symbol) on souvenirs or other items of merchandise presented for sale to the public by private enterprise operating either within or outside of areas of the National park system."

"The Director may permit the reproduction, manufacture, sale, and use of the (symbol), with or without charge, for uses that will contribute to purposes of education and conservation as they relate to the program of the National Park Service. All other uses are prohibited."

"Permission granted under this part by the Director may be rescinded by him at any time upon a finding that the use of the (symbol) is injurious to their integrity or inconsistent with the purposes of the National Park Service in the fields of conservation and recreation, or for disregard of any limitations or terms contained in the permits."

Ornaments

The U.S. Court of Appeals has ruled that a policy that bans on-duty employees from wearing union pins on their uniforms does not violate the free speech rights for union employees.

Uniform Allowance System

Congress specifically authorized uniform allowances by P.L. 83-763, passed in

September of 1954. P.L. 94-458, which passed in October of 1976, authorized a $400 annual ceiling for NPS uniformed employees. Other agencies successfully sought similar legislation in subsequent years. In 1990, Congress raised the annual allowance ceiling to

$400 for all non-military agencies.

IV. REFERENCE MATERIAL

SUBPART A: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

1. MANAGING THE UNIFORM PROGRAM

Positions and Committees

Servicewide Uniform Manager

Coordinates all matters pertaining to uniforms, standards, problems, and related issues.

Prepares and disseminates directives, program updates, instructions, and other communications relating to Servicewide uniform matters.

Prepares and disseminates the Servicewide uniform guideline and all changes thereto.

Evaluates problems, recommendations, and other issues, and advises the

Directorate on appropriate actions.

Serves as the contracting officer's representative for the uniform contract.

Reviews and approves uniform component specifications.

Ensures compliance on matters pertaining to the uniform program and uniform allowance system through established channels.

Appoints special work groups as appropriate, to represent communities of interest based on work activities, climate, or other criteria. These groups, whose tenure will vary according to current projects or issues, will guide the committee on issues pertinent to that community.

Servicewide Uniform Committee

Consists of 12 members plus the Servicewide program manager as Chair.

Membership is made up of the seven regional uniform managers (or designees) and one member from each of the five major advisory groups (or designee) including: ranger activities, interpretation, maintenance, resource management, and administration.

All garments that are worn as part of, or with components of, the NPS uniform are subject to review by this committee, excepting personal protective equipment that is required by law or regulation. On approval, new components and their use are added as amendments to this reference manual.

Provides advice and counsel on the Servicewide uniform program including revisions to policy, the uniform supply contract and changes in apparel items.

The committee reviews and acts upon recommendations for new or revised uniform items.

Additional details on this committee’s roles and responsibilities may be contained in a statement issued by the Chief, Division of Ranger Activities, WASO.

Meets not less than every other year; funding provided by the WASO, Division of

Ranger Activities.

Forwards recommendations to NPS management as directed by the Associate

Director, Park Operations and Education, for approval.

Participates in special work groups as needed. These groups, whose tenure will vary according to current projects or issues, will guide the committee on issues pertinent to that community.

Regional Uniform Manager

An employee in a regional division representing a uniformed field division (i.e., protection, interpretation, maintenance, etc.).

Serves on the Servicewide uniform committee.

Serves as liaison between the field and the Servicewide uniform coordinator on all issues pertaining to the uniform program.

Works with the uniform company contractor to resolve problems with field areas that cannot be remedied at the park level.

Reviews problems and suggestions made by the field and takes appropriate action on them according to procedures outlined in this guideline.

Disseminates program memoranda and other information to all field areas promptly.

Advises and assists superintendents on issues pertaining to compliance with program.

Ensures that parks meet property management responsibilities outlined in this manual.

Park Uniform Coordinator and Uniform Committee

All NPS areas should have a park uniform coordinator who wears the uniform daily.

Parks that have a uniform committee should select representatives from each uniformed division, and operate under a charter from the superintendent. Responsibilities of the

Coordinator and/or the committee may include:

Administers the park’s program including review of park uniform policies and recommend changes to the superintendent.

Resolves internal administrative problems;

Reviews and comments on suggestions for Servicewide program changes;

Serves as the primary information repository for the uniform program and advises the superintendent and staff on those aspects of its contents.

Acts as liaison between the regional coordinator and the park on all matters pertaining to the uniform program other than administrative matters.

Maintains a liaison with the park uniform program administrator and assures that program information is shared and that actions are jointly agreed on.

Park Uniform Program Administrators

NPS areas may have more than one park uniform program administrator when geographic or other circumstances warrant. Since almost all aspects of the uniform program are structured with the organization code as the basic administrative unit, parks with more than one park uniform program administrator should assign additional administrators to specific organizational codes.

Serves as primary information source on the administrative portions of the uniform program and advises the superintendent and staff on those aspects of its substance and contents.

Ensures that all reports, orders, authorizations, and allowances are accurate.

Assures compliance with procedures for acquiring allowances, making orders, and returns, meeting closeout requirements, and conforming to all other administrative aspects.

Assures that uniform allowance authorizations are completed and informational packets for new and seasonal employees are sent expeditiously.

Coordinates uniform program activities with the park uniform program coordinator.

Resolves ordering problems with the uniform contractor.

Maintains a liaison with the park uniform program coordinator and ensures that program information is shared and that actions are jointly agreed on.

Maintains sufficient access to the NPS uniform program website to expedite efficient placement of orders.

Uniform Contractor - Customer Service

Serves as primary points of customer service contact for park employees, coordinators, and administrators.

Does not interpret NPS uniform program policies.

Presents problems that can't be resolved or forwards questions regarding interpretation of NPS policies to the attention of the contractor's Government contracts specialist.

2. THE UNIFORMS

Uniformed Positions

DO #43, Subpart A, Section 5.1.2. requires a “condition of employment to be signed by employees prior to appointment to any uniformed position, regardless of length of NPS service. This statement must be used when an employee enters into a new position (i.e., new position number) that is designated as a uniformed position. Ideally, a position is designated as a uniformed position when:

The vacancy announcement for the position contains a notice that the incumbent is required to wear the uniform in accordance with applicable policies and that the incumbent will be required to sign the condition of employment letter;

The position description states the requirement to wear the NPS uniform; and

The selecting official informs the prospective employee that (s)he is being offered a uniformed position and will be required to sign a condition of employment statement.

The condition statement cannot be used when:

An employee receives a promotion or step increase within the same position

(i.e. same position number).

A manager changes the position from a non-uniformed position to a uniformed position. The incumbent may volunteer to sign the condition statement, however.

Uniform Classes and Components

Uniform classes and components have been revised to delineate among different uniforms according to function and provide discrete work apparel for particular types of work. The intent is to provide managers with a tool to readily identify the appropriate uniform and work apparel for a particular task and to provide uniformed employees with clear guidance on which components should be worn for those tasks.

Service Uniform Public contact positions (standard uniform)

Field Uniform Public contact positions where environmental conditions dictate a more practical uniform

Work Uniform Work projects, backcountry use

[1930’s –1940’s ranger hat]

ITEM

SERVICE

FIELD

WORK

COMMENTS

Accessory, Badge X X

Accessory, Badge Patch X See Wear Standards

Accessory, Belts, NPS Embossed X X X

Accessory, Insignia, “USNPS” X Limited See Wear Standards

Accessory, Name Bar, Brass X X See Wear Standards

Accessory, Name Bar, Cloth X See Wear Standards

Coat, Dress, 11 Oz. Tropical X Summer uniform; always with a tie

Coat, Dress, 16 Oz. Elastique X Winter uniform; always with a tie

Coat, 16 Oz., “Ike” Style X Summer or Winter; always with a tie

Coveralls, 12 Oz., Insulated Limited X Worn temporarily over other uniforms

Coveralls, 8 Oz., Uninsulated Limited X Worn temporarily over other uniforms

Gaiters, Gore-Tex Limited X See wear Standards

Gloves, Cowhide, Thinsulate X X X

Gloves, Deerskin X X X

Hat, Balaclava Limited X Winter uniform & Mountaineering

Hat, Ball cap, Mesh X X Summer Uniform

Hat, Ball cap, Twill X X Winter Uniform

Hat, Cotton, Wide Brim Limited X

Hat, Fur Trooper Style X X X Winter Uniform & Mountaineering

Hat, Gore-Tex Nylon, with Flaps Limited X Winter Uniform & Mountaineering

Hat, Ski cap, Acrylic Knit Limited X Winter Uniform & Mountaineering

Hat, Ski cap, Wool Knit Limited X Winter Uniform & Mountaineering

Hat, Straw, “Ranger Hat” * X X Summer Uniform

Hat, Tan Felt, “Ranger Hat” * X X Winter uniform

Jacket, 8 Oz. Twill ** X X

Jacket, Cotton Duck [new] Limited X

Jacket, Ecospun™ Fleece X X X Could melt in maintenance situations

Jacket, Windbreaker X X X

Overshell, Hip Length ** X X X No Brass on Work Uniform

Overshell, Waist Length ** X X X No Brass on Work Uniform

Raincoat X X X

Shirt, 10 Oz. Tropical Service, SS X X X Summer Uniform

Shirt, 10 Oz., Tropical Service, LS X X X Winter or Summer Uniform

Shirt, 4.25 Oz., Poplin Field, SS Limited X X

Shirt, 5.5 Oz. Twill Work, LS X Winter or Summer Uniform

Shirt, 5.5 Oz., Twill Work, SS X

Shirt, Maternity Smock, LS X X X Winter or Summer Uniform

Shirt, Maternity Smock, SS X X X Summer Uniform Only

Shoe, Backcountry Hiking Boot X

Shoe, Lightweight Hiking Boot X X X

Shoe, Wellington Boot X X X

Shoe, Work Boot X

Shoes, Female, Low Heel Pump X

Shoes, Low Quarter Dress X

Shoes, Rocky Walker™ X X X

Shorts X X

Skirt, 11 Oz., Tropical X Summer Uniform

Skirt, 16 Oz., Elastique X Winter Uniform

Socks, Dress Crew X X X

Socks, Hiking X X X

ITEM

SERVICE

FIELD

WORK

COMMENTS

Socks, Mid-Calf, Boot X X X

Socks, Over-Calf, Boot X X X

Sweater, “Commando” Pullover X X X

Sweater, Turtleneck Limited X X

Tie, Clip-On X X Always with tie tac; see wear standard

Tie, Female, Cross-Over X X

Tie, Four-in-Hand X X Always with tie tac; see wear standard

Trousers, Brush X

Trousers, Jeans Limited X

Trousers, 11 Oz. Tropical X

Trousers, 16 Oz., Elastique X

Trousers, 8 Oz., Twill X X

Trousers, Convertible [new] Limited X

Trousers, Maternity X X X

Trousers, Rain/Wind Limited X X Temporarily over “Service”

Vest, Insulated X X

Notes:

* Always worn with the embossed hatband. Hat covers worn in rain/snow; chin strap optional.

** Liners are only worn as a zipped-in component; never as an outer garment.

“Limited” = use in this uniform category are limited to specified duties, such as bike patrol, water operations, or foul weather.

Service Uniform

Use: Worn by employees in public contact positions and other persons stipulated by regional directors and superintendents. Worn by superintendents, division chiefs, managers, maintenance managers, supervisors of public contact employees, and other non-maintenance uniformed employees.

Occasions for Wear: Routine, daily activities involving a high degree of public contact or supervision of employees in public contact. Examples include: operation of visitor centers, campgrounds, entrance stations, and other visitor facilities; presentation of interpretive programs; and frontcountry patrol by foot, vehicle, or horse.

General Rules for Wear: The ranger hat is worn wherever possible. Ranger hats with covers are normally worn in rain and snow. Hoods, knit hats, and other foul-weather headgear are worn only when circumstances dictate.

Although Field Uniform shirts are approved for this category, tropical short-sleeve shirts are preferred and should be utilized wherever possible.

Field Uniform

Use: Worn by employees engaged in visitor contact activities in situations where the

Service Uniform would be impractical or inappropriate due to climate, terrain, or safety.

Superintendents should require the more formal Service Uniform when circumstances permit. Worn by superintendents, division chiefs, managers, supervisors of uniformed employees, and other non-maintenance, uniformed employees. Maintenance supervisors may or may not fit in this category (e.g., when the foreman position is a field supervisor with substantial hands-on maintenance duties, this uniform should not be authorized for safety reasons).

Occasions for Wear: Routine, daily activities involving a high degree of public contact or supervision of employees in public contact in which the wearer is subject to adverse environmental conditions. Examples include: outdoor activities in foul weather;

interpretive walks on unsurfaced trails; frontcountry patrols in mixed environments (e.g., roads, trails, open ground and boat patrols using hard-hulled craft); horse patrols or resource management activities in areas highly visible to the public.

Work Uniform

Use: Worn by employees engaged in daily or planned, not incidental work projects and backcountry operations when warranted by environmental and working conditions.

Usually includes water operations or protection or resource management duties that have little or no public contact potential.

Authorization for Wear: Authorized for wear by employees engaged primarily in work duties and work projects, all wage-grade employees and persons performing resource management work of a maintenance nature.

Occasions for Wear: Daily wear in all work situations. Routine, low visitor contact work and patrol activities. Examples include: wilderness, backcountry, boundary, ski and boat patrols; overnight-guided hikes; resource management activities in areas generally not visible to the public.

Maternity Uniform

Use: Pregnant employees who are provided a supplement to their regular allowances to acquire needed uniform components wear the maternity uniform. Black maternity pants may be purchased on the open market and worn in lieu of the pants provided in the program when a proper, comfortable fit cannot be obtained.

Occasions for Wear: Routine within-park activities.

Formal Attire

Use: Formal occasions where men would be expected to wear an evening suit or 3-piece suit, women would be expected to wear a cocktail dress, and military personnel would appear in their dress uniform with a white shirt. This option is for management personnel and immediate staff only. At the discretion of the senior manager, personnel can wear this dress when attending a formal dinner, ball, or reception.

Attire: A white dress shirt, purchased with personal funds, may be worn under the NPS

Dress Coat (summer or winter weight), when specified by the senior manager of the event. On these occasions, the Dress Coat is always worn; never taken off. The shirt will have 3 to 3 ½-inch collar points (measured from the attachment at the neck to the point), not buttoned-down. Shirt cuffs should extend no more than 1/8 inch beyond the end of the coat sleeve, when standing with arms at the sides. Footwear will conform to the

Service uniform unless otherwise specified.

Special Work Apparel and Personal Protective Clothing

From time to time, a need arises for specialized clothing or uniforms due to safety concerns or environmental conditions or working conditions. Such uniforms may combine standard components with specialized clothing or equipment not available from the uniform contractor (see DO #43, Section 1, fourth bullet; Section 5.4.1.c and 5.5).

In these instances, the superintendent must identify tasks or procedures that may have the potential for exposing employees to personal injury, unusual environmental conditions, occupational health exposure, or tasks that require special clothing. In such situations, the employee must be provided with and use equipment and/or clothing necessary to perform the task/work in a safe and healthful manner. Prescribed uniform items will be worn with work apparel and/or personal protective clothing or equipment to assure identification with the NPS.

Conditions that warrant special work apparel and personal protective clothing may include:

exposure to environmental hazards or extreme conditions (poisonous plants, ultraviolet radiation exposure, heat, cold, contaminants, others);

duties that require specialized clothing (water, flight, cave, and ski operations, painting, welding, law enforcement duties, fire operations, and some resource management duties); or duties that require PPE clothing or equipment to meet OSHA or other published

PPE standards.

When a determination of need has been completed, the superintendent must:

identify special uniform categories and components required for specific uses;

consult with supervisors and park or Regional safety officers to determine applicable personal safety requirements;

list the uniform components that will be authorized and required under each category;

designate the employees or classes of employees who will wear these components;

purchase the components with park operating funds;

assure compliance with special uniform standards found below;

evaluate special uniform requirements and determine if they will be necessary to continue or modify the special uniform;

assure that safety components meet approved safety standards and adequately protect workers;

assure that employees wear safety components while engaged in associated tasks and ;

ensure compliance with loss control management and property management regulations, guidelines, and directives.

To maintain Servicewide uniformity, care must be taken to approve only those apparel items that are necessary to the employee health and safety and reject those that are desired for team identity or other reasons. For example, orange safety vests, worn over standard uniform components, should be the preferred option for bike patrol, traffic control, and SAR missions, rather than approval of a local jacket.

Acquisition and Use

1. Protective clothing and equipment that is for the protection of employees engaged in hazardous work may be purchased with appropriated funds. Employees are not required to purchase protective clothing and equipment with personal funds or their uniform allowance. Details and explanations of personal protective clothing and equipment can be found in the NPS, DO #50B and RM #50B, Occupational Safety and Health Program.

2. Special uniform items may also be procured with appropriated funds. See

Comptroller General Decision B-112031 for specific authority regarding purchase of such "special clothing" for employees. Protective clothing worn while employed by the

Service in any of the following categories is deemed to be of benefit to the Government.

3. Employees must wear PPE and protective clothing provided by the Service when performing specified tasks.

4. Special clothing shall be worn only when the employee is performing specified tasks.

5. Protective clothing and equipment are property of the Government and are subject to property management guidelines.

The following are EXAMPLES of work apparel as they should be specified at a park to meet special work situations. Approved colors for over-the-counter options should be standardized to keep variations to the absolute minimum. When available and appropriate, forest green should be preferred for upper body garments (other than shirts) and trousers.

Lifeguard Uniform

Only persons assigned to and engaged in lifeguard duties wear this uniform.

The basic uniform will consist of a [color specified] swim suit or trunks (a specified vendor that silk-screens the NPS arrowhead on the trunks/suits should be used);

Cover up garments may either be uniform components from the uniform contractor, or where increased visibility is required, color coordinated open market garments.

Ski and Backcountry Winter Uniform

Only persons assigned to ski patrol, Nordic, snowmobile, snowshoe, and related operations wear this uniform.

The basic uniform will be the Field or Work Uniform, depending on park needs.

The arrowhead patch will be worn on outer garments to increase identification.

Area options consist of:

black ski pants and top (under the uniform shirt);

green, or black snowmachine suit and green, or white helmet, as duties require;

green Filson cruiser coat;

green, gray, or black wool knickers;

ski gloves;

gray, wool knee socks; and ski boots or other designated footwear.

Horse Patrol Uniform

Worn by employees assigned to horseback operations.

The basic uniform will be the Service or Field Uniform, depending on park needs.

Area options consist of:

plain western cordovan riding boots;

equestrian rain slicker;

jodhoppers; and plain leather chaps only when safety is a concern.

Motorcycle or Trailbike Patrol Uniform

Worn by employees assigned to patrol duties using these vehicles.

The basic uniform will be the Service or Field Uniform, depending on park needs.

Area options consist of:

gray, green, or white motorcycle helmet;

helmet face shield or goggles;

riding gloves; and

Wellington-style cordovan boot at least 10 inches high (footwear with extremely pointed toes and/or high heels are expressly prohibited).

Bicycle Patrol Uniform

Worn by employees who are actually performing patrols by bicycle.

The basic uniform will be the Field or Work Uniform, depending on area needs.

Area options consist of:

gray, green, black or white, safety-approved bicycle helmet;

dark-green bike shorts;

Orange safety vest;

a lightweight, flexible nylon belt;

gray, green, or black bicycle gloves;

pant leg straps;

gray or brown socks; and gray or black tennis shoes or lightweight boots.

Water Operations Uniform

Worn by employees who are actually performing water-related or watercraft operations.

The basic uniform will be the Field or Work Uniform. The badge patch may be worn on the left breast of survival suits and/or personal flotation devices.

Area options consist of:

wetsuit; shorts, swimsuit, T-shirt;

flotation jacket or survival suit;

sweat suits;

foul weather gear; and brown, green, or white leather or canvas boat shoes, or other appropriate footgear.

Flight Operations Uniform

Worn by employees involved in special use flight operations (other than firefighting) where law enforcement, visitor, and other contacts are anticipated in immediate connection with the flight.

The basic uniform will be a standard, military-style, green flight-suit constructed of polyamide or aramid cloth with an NPS arrowhead on the left shoulder; gloves, in either of the options described below; and cordovan or black leather boots with uppers that are safely overlapped by the legs of the flight-suit.

Area options consist of:

Military-green flight gloves constructed of fire-resistant fabric (when in the aircraft);

uniform leather gloves (when in the aircraft);

white, SPH-4 or SPH-5 helmet (inside the aircraft or in flight operations);

approved defensive equipment belt (law enforcement);

approved shoulder holster and defensive gear (law enforcement);

leather, military-style name/badge insignia patch on front left breast attached to a Velcro™ patch with approved NPS badge patch (law enforcement and interpretation) over right breast pocket; or green fabric, military-style name strip with black letters sewn over right breast pocket with NPS gold badge over left breast pocket (law enforcement and interpretation);

brown or green waders where allowed by Office of Aircraft Safety, such as in float plane operations where water safety considerations are a significant factor.

Incident Management Team Uniform

Worn by members of incident-management-overhead teams who do not normally wear uniforms, such as finance and logistics personnel, but who need clear identification with the NPS.

This category does not include members of strike teams, who are normally in uniform. On multi-agency teams, normally uniformed employees who are in civilian clothes may wear an NPS ball cap for identification.

The basic uniform will consist of:

uniform ball cap;

team vest identifying the employee's function within the team; and

NPS name bar or name tag.

Out-of-Park Duties

When an out-of-park assignment, such as training, detail assignments, special events, and international travel requires wearing the NPS uniform, all uniformed employees must comply with the receiving area’s uniform standards, including appearance standards.

This is necessary to preserve the integrity of the receiving area’s standards. Employees that are unwilling to comply must turn down the assignment, or specifically request a waiver ahead of time in writing. Failure on the employee’s part to notify the receiving area of deviations from local standards may mean that the employee will have to reimburse the Government for any expenses incurred.

Special Event Uniforms

Uniform consistency within a work discipline (e.g., maintenance, visitor assistance, and crowd control) is required at all public events. The person exercising general oversight for the event will designate which uniform will be worn for the event as far ahead of time as possible. Field supervisors are responsible for assuring maximum uniform consistency among participating employees.

International Travel

NPS employees who represent the Service while visiting national parks in foreign countries are strongly encouraged to wear their uniform when meeting with or attending ceremonies where employees from the host country are in uniform or when the NPS employee is conducting training or attending a conference for or with uniformed employees. Carrying defensive equipment is never appropriate unless specifically requested by the country and authorized by the U.S. State Department. As a general rule, personal appearance, grooming, and adornment must be conservative.

Attendance at Training

For training courses that require wearing the uniform and last 14 days or less, employees are expected to continue to comply with their home unit’s uniform and appearance standards. When uniforms are required for courses of 15 days and more, employees will conform to uniform and appearance standards set by the training institution, if applicable.

During longer training sessions, attendees are more likely to appear in public places a significant amount of time, reflecting on the training institution. Therefore, it is important to comply with local standards, particularly for appearance. Course coordinators are responsible for providing instruction to attendees on proper uniform wear and appearance for longer sessions.

Detail Assignments and Other Temporary Duty

When the NPS uniform is required to be worn, the host manager will inform the incumbent ahead of time about local uniform requirements and incumbents will comply with that standard.

3. WEAR AND APPEARANCE STANDARDS

Rules for Wear

Seasons and Transitions

1. Parks will have defined summer and winter seasons where appropriate. A single uniform is acceptable for year-round wear in areas where climate dictates. Where climatic conditions vary within the park (e.g., due to elevational change), the winter and summer uniforms may be worn year-round. However, effort should be made to insure that work units wear matching uniforms and that summer and winter components are never mixed.

2. Superintendents will designate transition periods when either the summer or winter uniform will be permitted. Concerted effort will be made to assure that all members within an operating unit wear a single standard uniform during the transition period.

3. During winter and summer seasons, superintendents may approve exemptions for the wearing of uniforms from the alternative season where need dictates, as long as there is consistency within the operating unit.

4. Long sleeve shirts may be worn with either summer or winter uniforms to accommodate environmental protection (poisonous plant, sun exposure, etc.) and work protection (for such hazards as welding sparks and barbed wire). The tie is never worn with the summer uniform.

Name Bar Standards

Providing information about the NPS and who we are is an important service to park visitors. This personalizes visitor contacts, allows for greater interaction, and provides an avenue for feedback. Therefore, a name bar (brass on the Service and Field Uniforms;

cloth on the Work Uniform) will always be worn on upper-body outer garments. Every name bar must contain the employee’s full last name and first name or first initial(s).

Name bars never contain titles such as “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” “Dr.,” or “Ph.D.” Cloth name bars cannot accommodate as many characters as the brass name bars and may not, except for shorter names, accommodate the full first name.

Uniform Wear Standards

Certain rules apply to overall appearance. All uniforms and uniform components must meet the following minimal standards:

They must be clean and neat at the beginning of the workday.

They must not be frayed and particular attention should be paid to collar points and cuffs.

They must be free of excessive wear, including worn areas, shiny spots, holes, or missing buttons.

They must be free of offensive odor.

They must be clean and free of spots, stains, soil or any other foreign substance.

They must not be faded. Fading is defined as when a uniform item is noticeably lighter in coloration than a comparable new item.

They must be free from pilling, (i.e., when small balls of material appear on the exterior of worn clothing).

All items should be ordered (or altered to) sizes that prevent excessive tightness or bagginess.

Additionally:

Pants and shirt pockets should be free of bulges. Items in shirt and pants pockets should not stick out, be readily apparent, be more than a ½-inch thick or distract from uniform appearance.

T-shirts must never be visible under shirts (either at the neck or at the sleeves) or worn alone as a uniform shirt. Colored and patterned T-shirts are not permitted.

Service and Field Uniforms are incomplete without badges and name bars.

Each employee will be issued a minimum of two badges and two name bars, one for the uniform shirt, one for jackets and outerwear. Normally, three badges will be issued in order to provide employees with sufficient flexibility in changing uniforms. (also see the section “Name Bar Standards” above)

Sunglasses may be worn with uniforms, but sunglasses that are dark enough to make it difficult or impossible to see the employee's eyes should be worn in visitor contact situations only when absolutely necessary. Mirrored sunglasses are prohibited. Sunglasses rims must be in conservative colors such as gray, black, or brown; bright or neon colors are prohibited.

Wear Standards Specific to a Garment

Dress Coats: Elastique and Tropical Dress Coats and “Ike” Coat always worn with a necktie.

The end of the coat's sleeves should be at the wrist bone. Shirt sleeves should be no more than an 1/8-inch beyond sleeve ends.

Front buttons are buttoned at all times; the “Ike” coat is fully-zipped.

The summer (tropical) coat is worn with summer pants or skirt. The elastique

(winter) coat is worn with winter pants or skirt. Mixing of fabrics is not permitted.

Always worn with “USNPS” collar insignia, badge, and name tag. All items must be on the coat and in the proper position.

Law enforcement equipment may not be worn with the Elastique or Tropical

Dress Coat.

Shirts:

All buttons are to be buttoned, with particular attention placed on the pocket and sleeve-vent buttons. The top button of the long sleeve shirt can be left unfastened only when the shirt is worn with a turtleneck or with the summer uniform. The top button is the only button that is to be left unbuttoned on the short sleeve shirt.

Turtlenecks or ties are never worn with the short sleeve shirt.

Long sleeve shirts are always worn with a tie when in the winter Service Uniform and worn either with a tie or turtleneck in the winter Field Uniform; ties are never worn with the winter Work Uniform.

Sleeves on the long-sleeve shirt must never be rolled when in a situation in which public contact is likely.

There should be no spread between front buttons when sitting; if there is, the shirt is too tight.

Shirts should always be tucked in and “bloused,” where the shirt is gathered at the sides or in back and tucked in so that the front is smooth. A straight line should be maintained through the shirt buttons, belt buckle, and fly.

Pens and pencils must not visibly protrude more than a quarter inch from the tops of pockets. The clip must be under the pocket flap. Nothing should be carried in the pockets that are thicker than ½-inch.

When wearing the Work Uniform, sleeves must be rolled down and buttoned except in situations where safety, soiling, or the work situation necessitates that they be rolled up.

T-shirts must never be visible under shirts at the neck or the sleeves.

Shirts will always be tucked in.

Trousers

Seam creases must be apparent in Service Uniform pants.

All pants are to be hemmed to the proper length.

Bottoms of pants must hang no lower than the heel welt and no higher than 3 inches above the ground.

Pants bottoms should be as close to parallel with the ground as possible and should not be cuffed or rolled up.

Waistbands on pants should not roll outward.

Flaps on pants pockets must cover the pocket. Items placed in pockets should not cause obvious bulges. Nothing should be carried in a pocket that is thicker than

½-inch.

The tab on the rear pocket of the twill pants should be buttoned.

Skirts

Skirts must be free from wrinkles, shiny surfaces, and bagginess.

All skirts are hemmed.

Bottoms of skirts must be no shorter than mid-knee and no longer than 3 inches below the knee.

Waistbands on skirts should not roll outward.

Convertible Trousers and Shorts

Shorts may only be worn with the Field or Work Uniform and in parks where extreme climatic conditions warrant their use.

Shorts are worn either without socks or with solid, plain, gray, rag-wool socks

(with boat shoes) or with solid, plain, gray, rag-wool or brown hiking socks (with hikers).

Detachable legs on the convertible trousers must be the same color shade as the main garment (usually obtained by washing the legs every time the main garment is laundered).

Detachable leg portions on the convertible trousers must be fully zipped on or off;

never partly open.

Always worn with the NPS-embossed belt in the frontcountry and for public contact work

Raincoat

Must be worn either fully-zipped or fully-opened.

May be worn only when it is precipitating.

Older raincoats with orange linings will not to be worn reversed; orange vests acquired as PPE, will be worn instead.

Hip and Waist Length Parkas

Service or Field Uniform parkas are always worn with a badge and a name tag.

Defensive equipment is worn only with the waist-length parka. The storm-flap should be buttoned to the height that the zipper is closed on both parkas.

The waist length parka should be long enough to reach the belt and cover the whole shirt.

Overshell

The side zipper on the overshell should be closed when not in use with defensive equipment. When opened to accommodate such equipment, the snap should be closed at the bottom behind the holster or radio case.

Velcro™ wrist closures must always be closed.

Overshells are always worn with a badge and a name tag.

Hoods

Hoods are only worn on coats in foul weather or when foul weather is imminent.

Hoods and the ranger hat must not be worn together.

Windbreaker

The badge and name tag will be worn on windbreakers with badge and name tag tabs. Name tags must be centered on the name tag tab.

Rain/Wind Pant or Gaiters

Rain/wind pants and gaiters are normally worn fully-zipped, snapped, and strapped but may be worn open when exertion requires venting.

Excess strap on gaiters must be tucked in and not left dangling.

Field and Work Jackets

Pockets and cuffs are to be buttoned on the twill work jacket.

USNPS insignia are worn on the Field jacket (twill fabric) collars when worn with the Field Uniform unless safety concerns dictate otherwise.

Field jackets are always worn with a badge and a nametag when in the Field

Uniform.

Coveralls

Coveralls should be snapped except for the top snap wherever practical.

Coveralls are authorized for…