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Introduction
MIT insurance requirements (Factory Mutual FM Global), City of
Cambridge Ordinances, State of Massachusetts Fire Prevention Codes,
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulations
and the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) require the
application of specific safety precautions in the workplace for
cutting and welding (Hot Work) operations.
Hot Work involves cutting, welding, brazing, using open flames
or other similar operation that is capable of causing a fire. Hot
Work, when not managed properly, accounts for major fire losses.
The requirements outlined in the MIT Hot Work Permit Guideline are
intended to minimize the risk of fire, and the potential consequences
to life and MIT property. The permit process calls for review and
prior approval of all Hot Work. Only Authorized Hot Work Supervisors
can issue Hot Work Permits. Authorized Hot Work permit Supervisors
receive training from EHS to fulfill their duties under the program.
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Hot work and fire watch requirements:
What you need to know
“Hot work is a term used to describe cutting, arc welding
or any activity using an open flame a n d thereby causing the potential
for an uncontrolled fire. Because the need for hot work is common,
especially with the many construction projects taking place at M
I T, and the work is inherently risky, the EHS Office’s Safety
Office has developed an MIT Hot Work Program.
How does the new Hot Work Permit process
apply to me?
The Cambridge
Fire Department requires that a fire fighter detail be
assigned to all hot work jobs within the City of
Cambridge. Any contractor who applies for a new
CFD Fire Permit for the purpose of cutting and
welding in an occupied building will be required to
have a fire fighter detail. Contractors
working on an MIT project must first obtain an
MIT Hot Work Permit from an authorized Hot
Work Supervisor. In turn, they must present that
permit to the Cambridge Fire Department when
applying for a Fire Permit.
Who can issue an MIT Hot Work Permit?
Only authorized Hot Work Supervisors can issue Hot
Work Permits. Authorized supervisors receive training
from EHS to fulfill their duties under the program.
What is the process for scheduling a Cambridge Fire
Department Fire Watch Detail?
The Cambridge Fire Department requires at least
24 hours notice for single jobs. Larger jobs, which
may involve scheduling multiple fire watch detail,
will require a week’s notice.
Does “plumbers soldering” require permitting?
Plumber’s soldering conducted by either an outside
contractor or MIT personnel requires only an MIT
Hot Work Permit. A Cambridge Fire Department
detail is not required. Assigning in-house fire watch
personnel is acceptable.
Is a Cambridge Fire Department Fire Watch Detail
required for emergency repair work?
If the work involves cutting or welding, notify the
Cambridge Fire Department. The CFD will make
very effort to send a Fire Watch Detail. In the
event that a CFD Fire Watch Detail is not available
on such short notice, the emergency repair work
can go forward as planned.
Do welding shops/areas at MIT require a Cambridge
Fire Department Fire Watch Detail?
No. The Environment, Health and Safety Office
should have issued an MIT Designated Area Hot
Work Permit to all cutting/welding areas and
shops at MIT. This permit is renewed annually
subject to an inspection. The shop/area must
meet certain conditions to be approved for welding
and cutting.
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