Massachusetts has had for a number of years a requirement that operators of hoisting equipment have a Hoisting Engineer’s License. While enforcement in the past has been lax in the marine industry, it would now appear to have more “teeth” with the OSHA Local Emphasis Program - see separate article.

To briefly outline the requirements for a license, all applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid and current Mass. drivers license. They will be required to pass a written examination and, in some cases, a practical examination for a specific type of equipment (possibly travelifts will come under this). The applicant must also meet the criteria for a Dept. of Transportation medical examination or 1998 ANSI B30.5 qualifications for operators. (What ever that is - check your local doctor)

Fork lifts come under the Lift Trucks Category and a Class 1 - Hoisting License is required. A Class 4 - Specialty License may be needed for travelifts at the discretion of the inspecting engineer.

To obtain a license, applications may be picked up at any Dept. of Public Safety Office (see white pages under Comm. Of Mass., Dept. of Public Safety). The hoisting application is then returned with a $60. check or money order made out to the Dept. of Public Safety. Their Boston phone number is (617) 727-3200; however, a recent call was referred to their Taunton office at (508) 821-9375. Better yet, check out the full requirements on the Internet at www.state.ma.us/dps