Bill > H4455

This bill establishes a special legislative commission to study the regulations surrounding cutting, welding, and other "hot work" processes, which are activities capable of starting fires or explosions and are currently governed by the State Fire Code. The commission will be composed of members from the Senate and House of Representatives, the State Fire Marshal, the Boston Fire Commissioner, and five members appointed by the Governor, including representatives from fire fighter unions, building trades councils, and contractors who regularly perform hot work, as well as an individual with expertise in these trades. The commission's mandate is to investigate whether the current State Fire Code adequately protects public and first responder safety by examining licensing and permit requirements, the use of supervised details and firewatchers, the adequacy of fees and penalties, training and certification standards, and other safety-enhancing measures, with a deadline to report its findings and any proposed legislation by June 1, 2017.