Crane-Specific Regulations (MGL & CMR)
2 hours
Learning Objectives
- •State the minimum age, exam passing score, and application fee for a 1A license
- •Identify the scope of equipment covered under the 1A restriction
- •Explain the relationship between MGL Chapter 146 and 230 CMR 6.00 for crane operations
- •List the key exemptions under MGL §53 that do not require a hoisting license
Topics Covered
- •MGL Chapter 146 §53 — who must hold a hoisting license in Massachusetts
- •Minimum age requirement: 18 years old for any hoisting license
- •Exam passing score: 70% minimum; 60-day wait after a failed attempt
- •$75 non-refundable application fee per restriction class
- •License valid for 2 years; renewal requires 2 hours of continuing education per 230 CMR 6.04
- •1A scope: all friction-clutch machines, all derricks, and automatically covers 1B/1C/1D/4B–4G equipment
- •230 CMR 6.00: the implementing regulation that adds technical operating requirements to MGL Chapter 146
- •Exemptions: agricultural operators, public utilities with approved training programs, industrial forklifts on company property, public schools and approved apprenticeship programs
- •Application and licensing through the MA Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL) / Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI)
- •Employer responsibility: MGL §66 places liability on both the operator and the employer who directs the work
Resources
Self-Check Questions
Question 1: What is the minimum passing score on the Massachusetts 1A hoisting engineer exam?
- A. 60%
- B. 65%
- C. 70%(correct)
- D. 75%
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The passing score is 70% for all Massachusetts hoisting engineer exams. Score below 70% and you must wait 60 days before retesting — use that time to focus on the topics where you scored poorly.
Question 2: A holder of a Massachusetts 1A hoisting license is automatically authorized to operate which of the following?
- A. Only friction-clutch cranes and lattice-boom crawler cranes
- B. Friction-clutch machines and all equipment in classes 1B, 1C, 1D, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, and 4G(correct)
- C. Any hoisting equipment in the Commonwealth without restriction
- D. All cranes rated over 5 tons regardless of drive type
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The 1A is the broadest crane restriction. Under 230 CMR 6.00, a 1A holder may operate all friction-clutch machines, all derricks, and every equipment class listed in 1B through 1D and 4B through 4G. It does not, however, automatically authorize unrelated restriction classes like 2A or 3A.
Question 3: What is the non-refundable application fee for each restriction class when applying for a Massachusetts hoisting engineer license?
- A. $25
- B. $50
- C. $75(correct)
- D. $100
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The application fee is $75 per restriction class and is non-refundable even if you fail the exam or your application is denied. Because the 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are separate restriction classes, applying for multiple restrictions requires separate fees.
Question 4: How long must you wait before retaking the 1A hoisting exam after a failed attempt?
- A. 7 days
- B. 30 days
- C. 60 days(correct)
- D. 90 days
Show Explanation
Explanation:
A 60-day waiting period applies after any failed hoisting engineer exam attempt. This applies to all restriction classes including 1A. Plan your study schedule so that you are prepared before your first attempt.
Question 5: Under MGL §53, which of the following operators does NOT need a Massachusetts hoisting license?
- A. A crane operator lifting steel at a commercial construction site
- B. A farmhand using a friction-drum crane exclusively on agricultural land(correct)
- C. A utility contractor hoisting equipment from a bucket truck on a public road
- D. A demolition worker operating a crane to place explosive charges
Show Explanation
Explanation:
Agricultural operators using hoisting equipment exclusively for farming purposes are explicitly exempt under MGL §53. All other options involve construction or utility work on public or commercial sites, which require a valid license.
Question 6: Under 230 CMR 6.04, what continuing education is required at each 1A license renewal?
- A. No CE is required for crane operators
- B. 1 hour covering crane-specific OSHA regulations
- C. 2 hours covering MGL Chapter 146, 230 CMR 6.00, and OSHA/ANSI standards(correct)
- D. 4 hours of practical crane operation refresher training
Show Explanation
Explanation:
230 CMR 6.04 requires all hoisting license holders to complete 2 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle. The CE must cover M.G.L. c. 146, 230 CMR 6.00, and relevant OSHA and ANSI B30 standards. Only certificates from approved CE providers are accepted.