Under section 53 it regards individuals who wish to handle any cableways, derricks, temporary elevator excavation cars that are also used for hoisting, any machinery designed for cargo discharging are powered mechanically and not by steam. This includes equipment that is able to hoist at least 10 ft. high, as well as lifting 500 lbs. or more are required to obtain a hoisting license from DPS.
Classifications of Hoisting License Holders
If you plan to become a licensed hoister in Massachusetts, you should be aware of the different categories that are available. Officially, these are known individually as a “restriction” that a hoister is classified as. These restrictions include the following:
• 1A – License holder becomes qualified to perform operations using a variety of equipment like a lattice crane and derrick.
• 1B – License holder becomes qualified to perform operations using a telescoping boom with cable.
• 1C – License holder becomes qualified to perform operations using a telescoping boom without a cable.
• 1D – License holder becomes qualified to perform operations using a forklife and the safety surrounding it.
• 2A – License holder becomes qualified to perform operations using an excavator.
• 2B – License holder becomes qualified to perform operations using backhoes and front-end loaders.
• 2C – License holder becomes qualified to perform operations using unloaders and front-end loaders.
• 2D – License holder becomes qualified to perform operations using hoisting machinery that is compact.
• 3A – License holder becomes qualified to perform operations using equipment that is powered by electrical or air.
• 4A – License holder is unrestricted.
• 4B – License holder becomes qualified to perform oil rig operations.
• 4C – License holder becomes qualified to perform operations using pipeline side booms.
• 4D – License holder becomes qualified to perform operations using a concrete pump
• 4E – License holder becomes qualified to perform operations using a catch basin cleaner.
• 4F – License holder becomes qualified to perform operations using a sign hanger.
• 4G – License holder becomes qualified to perform operations using a mower.
Requirements to Submit an Application
• Candidate needs to be 18 or older.
• Candidate is required to show proof of identity as issued by the motor vehicles department.
• Candidate is required to complete the application for hoisting.
• Candidate is required to provide a passport photo headshot.
• Candidate is required to provide one of the following: a physical certificate obtained by the DOT, Intrastate Medical Waiver, or a ANSI/ASME B30.5-204 Qualifications for Operators.
• A money order or check for $75.00 must accompany the application.
• Exam for hoisting is required and is given through the Public Safety Department.
Preparing for Examination
After an application is submitted and has been approved, an exam date will be scheduled one month after initial application. However, applicants should understand that processing may take longer due to unforeseen circumstances.
All individuals who have submitted an application and have been accepted will be given a notice of examination with the place and time two weeks in advance.
Exams are provided every weekday on a yearly basis up until the 7th of December.
The Exam for Hoisting Operator
Before sitting for the examination it’s good to know what you’ll be tested on first. With that, you’ll be glad to know that it will test how much knowledge you have concerning all of the machinery, the general Massachusetts laws concerning hoisting, safety, signals, and best practices. If you need to freshen up on the current general laws, you can find them accessible at any library.
The hoisting exam itself has fewer than 50 multiple choice questions and a passing score consists of 70% or above.
Massachusetts also suggests that every applicant become familiar with the regulations covering OSHA, safety, and the owner’s manual for each of the specific equipment operated.
Make sure that you are totally prepared for the exam because if you don’t pass, then you will have to wait two months before you can retest.
Rules Governing Equipment Rental
Every rental company has to be classified as “Short-Term”. The rental company also needs to have one employee that is trained and has been designated as the rental companies “facilitator” by DPS. The designated facilitator will be the point of contact for the rental program.
Every employee of a company that rents equipment is also required to have an equipment license prior to operating any of the equipment.
Individuals who wish to rent equipment have to licensed and trained with the equipment that they wish to rent, regardless of where the equipment will be operated from.
Permits for operating on a short-term basis can be received from rental companies that offer the service. Individuals may only hold one permit every 45 days.
License Revocation
The state of Massachusetts considers a hoisting license to be a privilege. This means that the license is both revocable and can be suspended because of the following reasons:
• Drinking alcohol while operating equipment
• Negligence
• Inability to act according to set guidelines or laws.
• Tax evasion
• Falsifying application information in order to obtain a license
Appeals for revocations and suspensions may be made through DPS inside of a week of suspension or revocation.
Required CE (Continuing Education)
All individuals holding a current hoisting license in Massachusetts are required to maintain continuing education credits for every two years that the license remains active as well as prior to the renewal date.
In order for the continuing education to be acceptable, it must be provided through an approved provider recognized by the DPS.
The amount of CE hours is dependent upon which restriction your license has.
• For 1D, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, and 4G restrictions, license holders must obtain a total of 1 hour which covers industry and regulatory standards and 1 hour of CE that covers the specific equipment.
• For the remaining restrictions, they must obtain 2 hours for every training type so that 4 hours total is reached.
Following training that is completed satisfactorily, the CE provider will award a certificate of completion as proof. Mass hoisting license renewal is another process that ensures your license is current. Mass hoisting license renewal refresher courses must be taken to ensure you pass the renewal tests. Mass hoisting license renewal refresher courses are essential, and offered online and in person (when it’s safe to resume doing so) through Eagle Hoisting. Now more than ever Mass hoisting license renewal refreshers are critical, as many hoisters are essential workers, helping build new hospitals. For more info on Mass hoisting license renewal refresher courses, please contact us today. We’re here to help you stay ahead of the game.
