Children are very impressionable, and many adults have made career decisions based on something that fascinated them when they were younger. When most young people are asked about what they would choose to be when they grow up, many would reply to the doctor, lawyer, or some other white collar profession. It is not uncommon for children or adults to be mesmerized by the equipment that they see on construction sites. Young adults know, or are under the assumption, that operators of such equipment must make a lot of money. This has enticed them to choose a career for themselves. It is awesome to see the power of these pieces of equipment, especially the cranes that are responsible for lifting,moving, and placing large pieces of material into a specific space. Being this type of operator takes precision as well as knowledge. There is no room for mistakes or uncertainties. To be an operator of this type of equipment takes being able to handle large machinery, and having a license to do so. Being licensed ensures that the person behind the machine has the knowledge, know how, and the skill to operate it. One piece of machinery that draws a lot of attention is the hoisting machine.
A hoist is a device or machine that is used to lift or lower loads by means of a lift wheel or drum with a rope or a chain wrapped around it. It can be operated manually, electrically, or pneumatically driven with a wire rope, fiber, or chain, as the medium for lifting. The best example of this is the working of an elevator which uses the hoist mechanism for raising and lowering the car. This type of machinery is often seen very often on highway construction sites, and sites where large buildings are being constructed. Wherever they are seen, they make people do a double take. This is especially true if the person is considering a career choice in this field. In the state of Massachusetts the criteria for being a hoisting operator is very clearly stated. The first and foremost thing to do is to be sure that this is the career choice that you want to pursue. Making a career decision should be given a large amount of consideration. The final analysis should be whether or not you want to work in the construction industry of Massachusetts, and if this particular job is right for you. Once that has been decided, you must choose the type hoisting machine that you want to operate.
In this state, there are several types of hoisting machinery to be licensed for, and each pertains to different types of construction equipment. These include licenses for at least 15 various types of equipment. You have to know the equipment in order to know which license you want to apply for. You may be under the mistaken impression that one license will fit all, but that is not the case. This takes some study of the equipment in order to make a good educated choice. The state of Massachusetts has all of the different types of licenses listed for applicant information. It is a rule that you must obtain a hoisting license to lift a load higher than 10 feet, to lift a load that weighs 500 pounds or more, or to lift a bucket that has a capacity that exceeds .25 cubic yards. As you can see, it is necessary to have some formal education in operating a hoisting machine. Knowledge is the most intricate part of being successful as a licensed hoist operator.
Some of the topics that will be covered in the educational training of a hoist operator is the Understanding of Load Charts, the Understanding of Capacity Schedules, Proper Hand Signaling, Vocal Signals, Dangers, Inspections, and State and Federal Laws and Regulations. The website hosted by the State of Massachusetts recommends that some study materials requirements be adhered to, and they are Dig Safe Information, OSHA Regulations, and Owner’s Safety Manuals. After all of these requirements have been met it is time for the application process for obtaining a license. The application can be placed online, and you will need several things to get started. You will need a photocopy of your valid driver’s license, a driver permit, or State of Massachusetts Identification. You will also need a medical certificate from the Department of Transportation, an Intrastate Medical Waiver, or an ANSI Operator Qualification. Finally, to complete the application you will need a two inch square picture of yourself, or give the state permission to use your picture in the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles database, and then have a check or money order for $75.00.
The last step in obtaining your hoisting license in the state of Massachusetts is to pass the state administered test. These tests are usually administered on the last week of the month in which your application was processed. You will not be required to take any mandatory courses before taking the test. Once you have received your hoisting license, it is required that you complete four hours of continuing education in the field that you are specialized in every two years. This is how your license will be renewed. Typically, this coursework can be done online. Many people have followed their childhood ambition of becoming an operator of one of those large pieces of construction equipment that they found so awesome when they were growing up. Many people are making a very comfortable living in this field. The construction industry grows more and more with every passing year. More buildings are going up, and more highways are under construction than ever before. A hoist machine operator is one of the most essential parts of a construction job site, and to do it well takes learning about the machine itself, and the state laws that govern them. Make plans to obtain a hoist license in the state of Massachusetts, and become part of an elite group.
