New Hazardous Material Process or Processing
There have been several explosions in Massachusetts in commercial facilities where a hazardous materials process or processing took place. This regulation was developed as a result of these explosions that affected both the public and public safety officials. The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations began work on this regulation after a 2005 explosion in Leominster. A second large explosion took place in Danvers in 2006, and just prior to the implementation of this regulation, a third explosion took place in Middleton in March 2011.
This new regulation (2012) establishes categories of processes and there is a phased implementation of the permit requirement by category. It also establishes emergency response planning for all facilities and post-incident analysis requirements for larger ones. Please read the Frequently Asked Questions and the Commentary Document for a more detailed explanation of the regulation.
June 1, 2013 Deadline for Category 4 Processes Permit Applications
The permit application deadline under 572 CMR 33.00 is June 1, 2013 for Category 4 hazardous material processes. These are defined as processes in a vessel that is greater than 300 gallons that are not covered by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Process Safety Management (PSM) or U.S. Environmental Protection Association (EPA) Risk Management Plan (RMP). Applications must be submitted by June 1, 2013; fire departments do not have to issue the permits by that date.
527 CMR 33 Hazardous Material Process or Processing
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May 1, 2013 Advisory to Fire Chiefs
on implementation, training and resources. -
527 CMR 33.00
– Hazardous Material Process or Processing
Unofficial copy of the regulation. -
Form FP-300
- Application for Permit to Process Hazardous Materials
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Form FP-310
- Fire Inspector’s Checklist 1
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527 CMR 33 FAQ
Frequently asked questions and answers about the regulation. -
527 CMR 33 Commentary
This document explains some of the history behind the creation of the regulation. -
527 CMR 33 Hazardous Material Process or Processing Training
file size 2MB
Powerpoint™ presentation for fire officials on the new regulation