Massachusetts Department of Public Safety

DPS Incident Hotline

Please be advised that the Department of Public Safety (DPS) has instituted a new protocol for the reporting of incidents that require the immediate attention of the DPS. If there is an Emergency involving a DPS regulated activity please contact the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at (508) 820-1444 to report DPS related incident.
This number should be used for all DPS related events, including but not limited to the following: Incident involving:
1. Building collapse/failure
2. Elevators/escalators
3. Boiler or air tank failure/explosion
4. Amusement or tramway incidents
5. Horse carriage incidents
6. Incidents involving hoisting and
excavating equipment.
For all Non-Emergency calls please dial 617-727-3200

DPS License Lookup

All licenses issued, renewed or otherwise updated by the Department of Public Safety, are posted to the DPS Website within 48 hours

Home Improvement Contractor has moved to the Office of Consumer Affairs

As you may know the HIC program has been moved from DPS to the Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA).
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
10 Park Plaza, Suite 5170
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 973-8700
www.mass.gov/oca

Changes To Construction Supervisor Examinations

2009 Accessible Design Awards

This is the time of the year when many are looking for reasons to give thanks, and reflect upon events that occurred over the last year. Upon reflection, the Architectural Access Board (AAB) members and its staff would like to thank and acknowledge the many individuals and groups that participated with the 2009 Accessible Design Awards. Read more...

Construction Supervisor License Continuing Education Requirements

The Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) is pleased to announced that it will consider testimony pertaining to continuing education requirements for licensed construction supervisors during its November, 2009 public hearing. Read more...

Fire and Building Boards Vote on Regulations to Safely Use Houses of Worship as Shelter During Cold Weather Emergencies

State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan and state Department of Public Safety Commissioner Thomas G. Gatzunis announced that the Board of Building Regulations and the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations passed tandem regulations for using houses of worship as temporary shelter during cold weather. Read more....

The Department of Public Safety Amends the Excavation and Trench Safety Regulations (520 CMR 14.00 et. seq.)

The Department of Public Safety and the Division of Occupational Safety have filed emergency amendments to the Excavation and Trench Safety Regulations (520 CMR 14.00). Read more..

Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors

As of April 13, 2009, the law was amended to give the Board of Elevator Regulations and Department of Public Safety jurisdiction over the installation ... read more...

Salem Harbor Incident Report

On July 31, 2008, the Department of Public Safety issued its findings relative to the explosion of the boiler at the Salem Harbor generating station on November 6, 2007. The explosion led to the death of three plant workers. The full report may be accessed by clicking on the link above.

Announcement of the Promulgation of The 7th Edition Basic Building Code

The Department of Public Safety and the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) are pleased to announce the completion of the Seventh Edition Basic Building Code (780 CMR). Read more...

BOILER RECALL ALERT - Viessmann Boilers

In cooperation with Viessmann Manufacturing, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has released a voluntary recall of the Viessmann Vitodens 200 boilers due to a fire hazard. Please see the bulletin on the link listed: Read more...

Continuing Educational Requirements for Individuals Licensed to Operate Boilers under a Special License have Changed

Please be advised that the law regarding license renewal and continuing education requirements for special licenses to operate boilers has been amended. Read more...

New Trench Safety Regulations To Protect The Public Become Law

On November 2, 2007, the Department of Public Safety ("Department"), in conjunction with the Division of Occupational Safety ("DOS"), promulgated regulations that establish standards to prevent unauthorized access to unattended trenches ..more..

Massachusetts State Athletic Commission

Archived Feature Story