Description

This 3 hour self-paced online course provides workers, supervisors, and Permit Authorizing Individuals (PAIs) with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to safely perform, oversee, or authorize hot work in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The training aligns with the Massachusetts Fire Code (527 CMR 1.00, Chapter 41), NFPA 51B: Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work, and relevant OSHA welding and cutting requirements under 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Q and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart J.

Participants learn how to identify hot work hazards, prepare and control the work area, implement permit and fire-watch procedures, and recognize health, fire, and atmospheric hazards associated with welding and cutting operations. The course also covers Massachusetts-specific requirements for hot work training, fire department permitting, and expectations for PAI authorization.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Define hot work and identify common hot work processes typically found in industrial, construction, commercial, and maintenance environments.
2. Explain Massachusetts requirements associated with hot work under 527 CMR 1.00, Chapter 41, including training expectations and fire department permitting.
3. Describe the purpose and use of NFPA 51B and how it governs hot work permits, fire watches, area preparation, and hazard controls.
4. Identify OSHA welding and cutting safety requirements related to PPE, ventilation, fire prevention, atmospheric testing, and health hazards.
5. Explain the roles and responsibilities of the hot work operator, fire watch, supervisors, and the Permit Authorizing Individual (PAI).
6. Recognize fire behavior, ignition sources, and combustible pathways associated with hot work operations.
7. Describe welding fume hazards and the need for proper ventilation, respiratory protection, and safe work practices.
8. Explain the purpose and use of fire extinguishers in hot work areas and conditions under which employees should or should not attempt to extinguish a fire.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

1. Evaluate a hot work location and determine whether a permit is required under Massachusetts law and NFPA 51B.
2. Apply the 35-foot rule by removing or protecting combustibles, covering openings, and preparing the hot work area in compliance with NFPA 51B and Massachusetts fire code expectations.
3. Complete or verify a hot work permit (employer and/or fire department issued), ensuring all safeguards, equipment checks, and controls are in place before work begins.
4. Assign and support a compliant fire watch, ensuring the individual is trained, equipped, and able to maintain surveillance during and after hot work.
5. Operate safely while welding or cutting, including inspecting equipment, using correct PPE, and following OSHA ventilation and exposure-control requirements.
6. Recognize and mitigate health hazards such as metal fumes, coatings, manganese, hexavalent chromium, and confined space atmospheric risks.
7. Demonstrate proper fire extinguisher use using the PASS method and determine when to fight or evacuate during incipient stages of a fire.
8. Communicate hazards and stop hot work operations when conditions become unsafe, in accordance with employer policy and MA hot work requirements.

Target Audience

This class is suitable for welders, maintenance staff, supervisors, contractors, safety professionals, and anyone performing or overseeing hot work in Massachusetts.

Accommodations for Disabilities: UMTC endeavors to provide an inclusive learning environment for all. If you require special services or arrangements to fully participate in this workshop, please email Stephanie Cottrell or call 413-800-2655 at least 14 days prior to the event. Such services are provided free of charge.