Regulations
2 hours
Learning Objectives
- •Identify the Massachusetts statutes and regulations that govern pile driving, derrick, and cableway operations
- •State the minimum age, exam passing score, and application fee for the 3A license
- •Explain how 230 CMR 6.00 extends and implements MGL Chapter 146 for 3A equipment
- •Describe the federal OSHA standards that apply to pile driving and derrick work in Massachusetts
Topics Covered
- •MGL Chapter 146 — the foundational hoisting licensing statute
- •MGL §53 — who must hold a hoisting license; 3A equipment is covered
- •Minimum age: 18 years old; exam passing score: 70%
- •$75 non-refundable application fee per restriction class
- •60-day waiting period after a failed attempt
- •License duration: 2-year cycle; renewal before expiration
- •230 CMR 6.00 — MA implementing regulation; sets operating and inspection minimums for pile drivers, derricks, and cableways
- •OSHA 29 CFR 1926.603 — federal standard specific to pile driving equipment
- •OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC — Cranes and Derricks in Construction (§1926.1436 covers derricks)
- •Relationship between MA state regulations and federal OSHA: whichever is more protective controls
- •Application through the MA Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL)
Resources
Self-Check Questions
Question 1: What is the minimum passing score on the Massachusetts 3A hoisting engineer exam?
- A. 60%
- B. 65%
- C. 70%(correct)
- D. 75%
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The passing score for all Massachusetts hoisting engineer exams is 70%. Score below that and you must wait 60 days before retesting — use that time to focus on your weak areas.
Question 2: Which regulation specifically governs pile driving equipment safety at the federal level?
- A. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart N (Helicopters)
- B. 29 CFR 1926.603 (Pile driving equipment)(correct)
- C. 29 CFR 1910.180 (Crawler and locomotive cranes)
- D. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart R (Steel Erection)
Show Explanation
Explanation:
29 CFR 1926.603 is the specific OSHA standard for pile driving equipment. It covers boiler and pressure vessel requirements, hose safety chains, stop blocks, leads, and operator signaling rules.
Question 3: Which federal regulation covers derrick operations in construction?
- A. 29 CFR 1926.550 (Cranes, old standard)
- B. 29 CFR 1926.1436 within Subpart CC(correct)
- C. 29 CFR 1910.179 (Overhead and gantry cranes)
- D. 29 CFR 1926.603 (Pile driving equipment)
Show Explanation
Explanation:
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1436 (within Subpart CC — Cranes and Derricks in Construction) is the current standard for derricks. The old 1926.550 was superseded. Exam questions may test whether candidates know which subpart applies.
Question 4: How long is a Massachusetts 3A hoisting engineer license valid before renewal is required?
- A. 1 year
- B. 2 years(correct)
- C. 3 years
- D. 5 years
Show Explanation
Explanation:
All Massachusetts hoisting licenses are valid for 2 years. Renewal must occur before expiration — there is no official grace period under current MA law.
Question 5: When MA 230 CMR 6.00 and a federal OSHA standard apply to the same operation and they conflict, which takes precedence?
- A. Federal OSHA always prevails because federal law supersedes state law
- B. State 230 CMR 6.00 always prevails because it is more specific
- C. Whichever standard is more protective of employees applies(correct)
- D. The operator chooses which standard to follow
Show Explanation
Explanation:
Under the OSH Act, states with approved plans may enforce standards at least as protective as OSHA. In Massachusetts, where both apply, the more protective standard controls. This principle is important for exam questions that present conflicting requirements.
Question 6: What is the non-refundable application fee for the 3A restriction class?
- A. $25
- B. $50
- C. $75(correct)
- D. $100
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The fee is $75 per restriction class and is non-refundable even if the exam is failed or the application is denied. Applicants for multiple restrictions pay $75 for each class.