Callahan Construction Managers (Callahan), a Bridgewater-based full-service construction management firm, is participating in the Boston Hot Work Safety Certificate Program implemented by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
In conjunction with Construction Safety Week, May 7-11, Construction Executive interviewed Guy Colonna, NFPA division director, and Tim LeBlanc, director of safety at Callahan Construction Managers on Callahan’s participation in the program.
What is the Boston Hot Work Safety Certificate Program?
Colonna: The Hot Work Safety program was created by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in cooperation with the City of Boston. The definition of “hot work” per the amended Boston Fire Prevention Code includes: welding and allied processes; heat treating; grinding; thawing pipes; powder-driven fasteners; hot riveting; torch-applied roofing; and any similar applications producing or using sparks, flame or heat.
The program forms the basis for creating and managing all hot work activities in a safe and effective manner. The program provides interactive training that teaches the various types of hot work, how to identify common fuel sources and ignition sources, how to cite relevant standards, regulations and ordinances that are applicable to hot work, how to define the duties and responsibilities of each person on the hot work team and how to read and understand a hot work permit.
Who Participated at Callahan?
LeBlanc: All Callahan Project Executives, Project Managers, Assistant Project Managers and Superintendents were required to participate in the Hot Work training class and assessment in order to obtain their certificates.
Why Should Companies Participate in a Hot Work Safety Program?
LeBlanc: Callahan’s all-embracing commitment to hot work safety practices is part of a crucial universal effort that helps all construction workers engaged in hot work operations be properly trained on the specific safety procedures that promote hot work safety on job sites. Callahan is always looking for ways to be proactive when it comes to safety and we are using the NFPA training as another step in our fire prevention planning for projects. We want to lead by example and make sure that every employee on site is prepared and aware of the protocol for hot work safety. With recent events of fire hazards in the construction industry, Callahan is taking serious and necessary steps toward being acclaimed as one of the safest construction management firms in the City of Boston.
Colonna: Hot work contributes to fires throughout the country, and this training addresses the safe practices needed when planning and executing jobs wherever hot work processes are used. In June 2016, an ordinance passed by the Boston City Council established the requirement for attending the hot work safety training and obtaining the Hot Work Safety Certificate. Through amendments to the state fire prevention regulations, this same training and certificate will be required effective July 1, 2018.
Callahan has taken steps to ensure their operations are safe from preventable incidents involving fire as a result of their company-wide completion of the NFPA Safety Certificate Program.
