- What activities are covered under the hoisting regulations?
- Who must have a hoisting operator's license?
- Can I renew my Hoisting license on the website?
- How old do I have to be to obtain a hoisting license?
- What must I do to get licensed as a Hoisting Operator?
- What if I am denied an examination because I do not posses the minimum qualifications for the license?
- What is on the Hoisting Operator examination?
- Are there any study aids for the hoisting operator examination?
- Is there any exemption from the requirement to produce a copy of my D.O.T. physical?
- Do I need a license to operate hoisting machinery on my own property?
- How do I obtain a hoisting license if I am renting equipment from a rental company?
- How long is my temporary hoisting license valid?
- Do I need a hoisting license to operate hoisting machinery exclusively for agricultural purposes?
- Are there any other exemptions to the licensing requirements?
Answers
Q. What activities are covered under the hoisting regulations?
A: The regulations, appearing in 520 CMR 6.00, apply to any hoisting machinery where the height of the lift exceeds ten feet or the weight of the load exceeds 500 pounds or the capacity of the bucket exceeds 1/4 cubic yard capacity. See 520 CMR 6.01.
Q. Who must have a hoisting operator's license?
A. Anyone who will operate derricks, cableways, machinery used for discharging cargoes, temporary elevator cars used on excavation work or used for hoisting building material, when the motive power to operate such machinery is mechanical and other than steam, must hold a license from the Department. See M.G.L. c. 146, §53.
Q. Can I renew my Hoisting license on the website?
A. No, not at this time.
Q. How old do I have to be to obtain a hoisting license?
A. You must be 18 years of age or older.
Q. What must I do to get licensed as a Hoisting Operator?
A:
1. First, you must posses a valid and current driver's license to operate hoisting machinery.
2. Complete and send to the Department the following:
a. A completed Hoisting License Application available through the Department's website at http://www.mass.gov/dps. This is a two page form requiring information about you and your hoisting experience.
b. One legible copy of your valid driver's license.
c. One 1" x 1.25" photograph of yourself. The photo should be a head, or head and shoulders shot.
d. A copy of your D.O.T. Medical Certificate OR 1998 ANSI B30.5- qualifications for operators or medical examiner's certificate.
e. A completed Medical Examiner's Form, available at http://www.mass.gov/dps/applicat.htm . This is a 4 page form on your health. It must be filled out by a physician.
3. Send a check or money order for $75.00 made out the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This is a non-refundable fee.
4. You must pass an examination issued by this Department.
Q. What if I am denied an examination because I do not posses the minimum qualifications for the license ?
A. You may appeal to the Chief who will appoint three Board members to hear the appeal. See 520 CMR 6.03.
Q. What is on the Hoisting Operator examination?
A. The exam tests practical knowledge of all working parts of the hoisting machinery, safe operating practices, safety inspection of the equipment, hand signals, and the Massachusetts State Statutes and Regulations. You should have a thorough knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws, c.146, §§ 53-55, and §§ 64-67. You should also have a thorough knowledge of the Massachusetts Regulations 520 CMR 6.00 for hoisting machinery. The regulations are printable from the Public Safety website: www.mass.gov/dps. You may also obtain a copy of the laws and regulations at your local library, or at the State House Bookstore. For more information, call (617) 727-2834. Crane operators should also know the American national standard hand signals.
Q. Are there any study aids available for the Hoisting Operator examination?
A. Yes. The Department suggests that applicants review the following information:
1. OSHA Regulations (website: www.osha.gov )
2. Dig Safe (website: www.digsafe.com; telephone: 1-888-dig-safe (344-7233)
3. Owner's Manuals and/or Safety Manuals (website: www.aem.org or www.jjkeller.com )
4. Application for D.O.T. Physical (can be downloaded from our website at www.mass.gov/dps)
5. Bob's Rigging and Crane Handbook (please send your request to purchase to the following address):
Bob De Benedictis, Inc.
6410 South Atlantic Avenue
New Smyma Beach, FL 32169
6. The Mobile Crane Manual (please send your request to purchase to the following address):
Construction Safety Association of Ontario
21 Voyage Court South
Entobicoke, Ontario M9W 5M7 Canada
Or call: 1-800-781-2726
Q. Is there any exemption from the requirement to produce a copy of my D.O.T. physical?
A. No. No one is exempt. You must provide a copy of your D.O.T physical.
Q. Do I need a license to operate hoisting machinery on my own property?
A. Yes. Provided the rental company has an approved program, the hoisting machinery regulations allow individuals renting hoisting machinery to obtain a temporary license from the rental company, receive one (1) hour of training from the company and allow a fourteen (14) consecutive day rental period . See 520 6.05(11).
Q. How do I obtain a hoisting license if I am renting equipment from a rental company?
A. Provided the rental company has an approved program, homeowners may rent hoisting machinery from a rental company for a period of time not to exceed fourteen (14) consecutive days. The rental company must provide one (1) hour of training for each type of equipment rented, and renters must be trained in the "proper and safe operation" of the equipment. After the training, the rental company must issue a temporary license to operate the rented equipment. See 520 CMR 6.05 (11).
Q. How long is my temporary hoisting license valid?
A. The temporary license and rental of equipment cannot exceed 14 days. See 520 CMR 6.05(11).
Q. Do I need a hoisting license to operate hoisting machinery exclusively for agricultural purposes?
A. No. M.G.L. c. 146, § 53 provides an exemption for hoisting machinery used exclusively for agricultural purposes.
Q. Are there any other exemptions to the licensing requirements?
A. Aside from the agricultural exemption (see above), Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 146, Section 53 allows for two additional exemptions: (1) for public utility companies that have "self propelled truck mounted cranes, derricks and similar hoisting equipment which is used for the maintenance and construction of the equipment of such company and which has at least one supervisory employee who holds a license issued by the department and is designated as the responsible person in charge of hoisting equipment." (2) for any other company which has equipment such as cranes, derricks and similar hoisting equipment used only upon utility company property. These exemptions apply only if such companies have an in service training program for employees approved by the department and "the company issues each trained and certified employee a company license."