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520 CMR 6.00 Scope

2 hours

Learning Objectives

  • •Explain the purpose and scope of 520 CMR 6.00 and how it governs compact hoisting machinery in Massachusetts
  • •State the gross vehicle weight threshold that defines compact hoisting machinery and distinguishes it from heavier equipment classes
  • •Identify the types of construction activities that trigger 520 CMR 6.00 licensing requirements for compact equipment
  • •Describe the temporary permit system for short-term rental of compact hoisting machinery and its key limitations

Topics Covered

  • •520 CMR 6.00 administered by the MA Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI)
  • •Scope: applies to hoisting machinery used on construction, demolition, alteration, maintenance, and material-handling operations on public or private property
  • •Agricultural exemption: equipment used exclusively for agricultural purposes is excluded
  • •Compact hoisting machinery defined: gross vehicle weight (GVW) not exceeding 10,000 lbs, excluding Class 1, Class 3, and Class 4 machinery
  • •Equipment thresholds: must be capable of lifting ≥ 500 lbs OR ≥ 10 ft, or have bucket capacity > ¼ cubic yard to require licensing
  • •Temporary (short-term rental) permit: GVW limit reduced to 8,000 lbs; non-renewable; issued by a Department-approved rental entity for no more than 14 consecutive days
  • •Temporary permit holders must be ≥ 18 years old with a valid driver's license and complete training from the rental entity facilitator
  • •Relationship between 520 CMR 6.00 and MGL Chapter 146: the statute (Chapter 146) authorizes licensing; 520 CMR 6.00 implements the technical requirements
  • •Operator compliance with all applicable ANSI/ASME standards and OSHA 29 CFR 1926 required

Resources

520 CMR 6.00 — Hoisting Machinery (law.cornell.edu)

regulation

Required

520 CMR § 6.01 — General Provisions, Scope, Definitions

regulation

Required

MGL Chapter 146 — Hoisting Machinery Licensing Statute

regulation

Required

MA Hoisting Licensing and Exams (mass.gov)

reference

Self-Check Questions

Question 1: Under 520 CMR 6.00, what is the maximum gross vehicle weight for equipment to qualify as "compact hoisting machinery" requiring a compact hoisting license?

  1. A. 5,000 lbs
  2. B. 8,000 lbs
  3. C. 10,000 lbs(correct)
  4. D. 15,000 lbs
Show Explanation

Explanation:

Compact hoisting machinery is defined in 520 CMR 6.00 as equipment with a GVW not exceeding 10,000 lbs (excluding Class 1, 3, and 4 machinery). The 8,000 lb figure applies only to the more restricted short-term rental temporary permit.

Question 2: A homeowner rents a mini-excavator for a weekend landscaping project. Under 520 CMR 6.00, which permit allows them to legally operate it without a full hoisting license?

  1. A. No permit is needed on private residential property
  2. B. A temporary (short-term rental) permit, if the machine GVW does not exceed 8,000 lbs(correct)
  3. C. A temporary permit is available for any GVW up to 10,000 lbs
  4. D. Any person 21 or older may operate compact equipment without a permit
Show Explanation

Explanation:

520 CMR 6.00 provides a non-renewable temporary permit for compact hoisting machinery rented from a Department-approved entity, capped at 8,000 lbs GVW, for up to 14 consecutive days. The applicant must be 18+ with a valid driver's license and complete the rental entity's training.

Question 3: Which of the following activities would bring a mini-excavator operator under the scope of 520 CMR 6.00?

  1. A. Digging irrigation ditches on a family farm
  2. B. Excavating a utility trench on a public street(correct)
  3. C. Moving hay bales in a barn using a compact loader
  4. D. Operating a walk-behind tiller on agricultural land
Show Explanation

Explanation:

Construction and utility work on public property is squarely within 520 CMR 6.00's scope. Agricultural operations on farm property are explicitly exempt. Walk-behind tillers typically do not meet the lifting/bucket capacity thresholds.

Question 4: What is the maximum duration for a temporary permit to operate rented compact hoisting machinery under 520 CMR 6.00?

  1. A. 7 consecutive days
  2. B. 14 consecutive days(correct)
  3. C. 30 days per calendar year
  4. D. 60 days with an extension
Show Explanation

Explanation:

The temporary permit is non-renewable and valid for no more than 14 consecutive days. It is issued by the Department-approved short-term rental entity, not by the operator's own application to OPSI.

Question 5: Under 520 CMR 6.00, which statute authorizes the state to require hoisting machinery operators to obtain a license?

  1. A. OSHA 29 CFR 1926
  2. B. MGL Chapter 146(correct)
  3. C. ANSI B30.5
  4. D. 520 CMR 14.00
Show Explanation

Explanation:

MGL Chapter 146 is the Massachusetts General Law statute that establishes the licensing requirement. 520 CMR 6.00 is the implementing regulation that adds technical standards and operational rules under the authority granted by Chapter 146.

Question 6: A compact track loader has a GVW of 9,500 lbs, a rated bucket capacity of ½ cubic yard, and can lift loads of up to 2,800 lbs to a height of 11 feet. Does this machine require a license to operate under 520 CMR 6.00?

  1. A. No — it is under the 10,000 lb GVW threshold
  2. B. Yes — it exceeds the bucket capacity threshold and the lift height threshold(correct)
  3. C. Only if operated on public property
  4. D. No — compact loaders are exempt if the operator holds a driver's license
Show Explanation

Explanation:

The machine exceeds multiple thresholds that trigger licensing: bucket capacity > ¼ cubic yard, lift height > 10 ft, and load capacity > 500 lbs. Meeting ANY one of these thresholds requires a license regardless of whether the equipment is labeled "compact."

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