By Bob Katzen

The senate 40-0, approved and sent to the House legislation that would create a public database of violations of the state’s fire prevention laws and a public notification system to alert workers of violations.

The measure is designed to boost safety for firefighters and people conducting “hot work” including welding, plasma cutting and spark-producing construction. The proposed law has been ten years in the making and was first prompted by the March 2014 deaths of firefighters Edward Walsh and Michael Kennedy who perished while fighting a fire that was caused by welders, working without a city permit, on a building next door to the brownstone in which they died.

“This legislation represents historic regulatory reforms that the Walsh-Kennedy Commission helped institute across the hot works and welding industry in Massachusetts,” said chief sponsor Sen. Nick Collins (D-Boston). “Passing this legislation will ensure that the critical reforms, training, oversight and accountability needed to prevent tragedies like the Back Bay fire, will be the law of the land. We do this in honor of Boston Fire Lieutenant Edward Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy so that their sacrifices are not in vain.”

“The heartbreaking loss of life in the 2014 Back Bay fire is a constant reminder of the importance of firefighter safety,” said Sen. Walter Timilty (D-Milton), Senate Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. “I am honored to have shepherded this crucial bill through the committee. Today, the Senate’s action represents an important step forward in ensuring that our remarkable firefighters have the resources that they need to keep themselves safe and protect our communities.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes