Budget Amendment ID: FY2017-S4-1047

EPS 1047

Hot Works Commission

Mr. Donnelly, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Brady, O'Connor and Moore and Ms. L'Italien moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting the following new section:-

"SECTION XX. (1) There shall be a special commission established on welding and hot works regulation. The commission shall investigate and study the current requirements for licenses and permits governing cutting, welding, and other hot work processes involving burning or a similar operation that is capable of initiating fires or explosions to determine if the state fire code adequately protects the safety of the public and first responders. The study shall consider the current conditions required for the issuance of licenses or permits, the use of supervised details and firewatchers, the adequacy of fees to cover inspection and oversight and other municipal costs, the deterrent effect of penalties for violations of rules and regulations and cost recovery assessment for damages resulting from the failure to comply with rules and regulations, the training and certification required to perform the work and any other matters the commission finds that would enhance the safety of the work. The commission shall report its findings, including any proposed legislation, to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on public safety and homeland security and the executive office of public safety and security no later than June 1, 2017.

(2) The commission shall consist of: one member appointed by the Governor who shall have experience and expertise in cutting, welding and hot works trades, one member appointed by the president of the senate, one member appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, one member appointed by the minority leader of the senate, one member appointed by the minority leader of the house, a representative from the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts chosen by its president, a representative from the Massachusetts Building Trades, the State Fire Marshal or designee, the commissioner of the Boston Fire Department or designee and two contractor representatives whose businesses regularly perform hot trades work, one of whom shall be chosen by the president of the Building Trades Employers Association and one of whom shall be chosen by the president of the Massachusetts chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors."