MGL §§ 64–67 + 230 CMR 6.00 Overview
2 hours
Learning Objectives
- •Explain the role of 230 CMR 6.00 relative to MGL Chapter 146
- •Summarize the safety and employer obligations imposed by MGL §§ 64–67
- •List the 230 CMR 6.00 operating rules that apply to both 2A and 1C equipment
- •State the SAE hand signal standard required by 230 CMR 6.00
Topics Covered
- •MGL §64 — general safety requirements for hoisting machinery
- •MGL §65 — operator must not exceed rated capacity under any circumstance
- •MGL §66 — employer responsibility to verify operator licenses
- •MGL §67 — accident reporting requirements
- •230 CMR 6.00 — implementing regulation: minimum safety standards for hoisting machinery in MA
- •SAE J1307 hand signals required for both excavating (2A) and crane/loader (1C) operations
- •Only the approved signaler may direct operator movements
- •No persons within the full working radius during boom/bucket/load operation
- •No unauthorized personnel on the machine; operator plus one apprentice under direct supervision
- •Operators must follow all manufacturer specifications
Resources
Self-Check Questions
Question 1: Which statement best describes the relationship between MGL Chapter 146 and 230 CMR 6.00?
- A. MGL Chapter 146 is federal law; 230 CMR 6.00 is state law
- B. MGL Chapter 146 is the statute passed by the legislature; 230 CMR 6.00 is the implementing regulation(correct)
- C. They are two different names for the same regulation
- D. 230 CMR 6.00 supersedes MGL Chapter 146 in all cases
Show Explanation
Explanation:
MGL (Massachusetts General Law) is statute — passed by the legislature and signed by the governor. 230 CMR 6.00 is a regulation that implements and expands MGL Chapter 146 with specific technical and operational requirements for hoisting machinery.
Question 2: Under 230 CMR 6.00, who is the ONLY person authorized to direct the movements of a 2A excavator or 1C boom truck operator on a job site?
- A. The general contractor's site superintendent
- B. Any crew member present at the job site
- C. The approved signaler assigned to the machine(correct)
- D. Either the operator or the site safety officer
Show Explanation
Explanation:
230 CMR 6.00 requires that only the approved signaler direct the operator. Taking direction from anyone else — even a supervisor — violates the regulation. The single exception is a universal Emergency Stop, which any person may give.
Question 3: Under MGL §66, who bears legal responsibility for ensuring a hoisting operator holds a valid 2A/1C license?
- A. The operator alone
- B. Both the operator and the employer(correct)
- C. The general contractor only
- D. OPSI, which verifies licenses on every job site
Show Explanation
Explanation:
MGL §66 places responsibility on both the licensed operator to maintain a valid license AND the employer who directs the work. An employer who knowingly uses an unlicensed operator faces separate penalties.
Question 4: Which SAE standard specifies the hand signals required by 230 CMR 6.00 for both 2A and 1C equipment?
- A. SAE J386-1969
- B. SAE J1307(correct)
- C. SAE J320a
- D. SAE J237
Show Explanation
Explanation:
SAE J1307 is the standard hand signal set required by 230 CMR 6.00 for hoisting and excavating machinery in Massachusetts. SAE J386 covers seat belts, J320a covers ROPS, and J237 covers braking performance.
Question 5: Beyond the licensed operator, who else may be on a 2A/1C machine during operation under 230 CMR 6.00?
- A. No additional personnel — operator only
- B. One apprentice under the direct supervision of the operator(correct)
- C. Two helpers if the site superintendent approves
- D. As many as can safely fit in the cab
Show Explanation
Explanation:
230 CMR 6.00 permits one apprentice in addition to the licensed operator, but only under direct supervision. Unauthorized passengers on the machine at any time violate the regulation.
Question 6: Under MGL §65, what is the operator's obligation regarding the rated capacity of a 1C loader-backhoe or boom truck?
- A. Capacity may be exceeded by 10% for short-duration lifts
- B. The operator must never exceed rated capacity under any circumstance(correct)
- C. Capacity limits apply only to crane lifts, not loader work
- D. The employer, not the operator, is responsible for capacity decisions
Show Explanation
Explanation:
MGL §65 requires that the operator never exceed the equipment's rated capacity under any circumstance. Exceeding rated capacity is both a statutory violation and a direct cause of tip-overs and structural failures.
A deeper, regulation-by-regulation companion page for this lesson.