The Massachusetts Department of Public Safety (DPS) has released Administrative Ruling 2014-03, which provides an exemption from the Mass. Class 1 (1D-General industrial warehouse forklift equipment) hoisting license requirements and in-service training requirements for “qualifying companies”. The date of the ruling is November 14, 2014.

What is a “Qualifying Company”?

For a definitive interpretation of whether or not your company is a “qualifying company”, your best bet is to call the DPS (617) 727-3200. However, here is some basic information to get you started.

The DPS has exempted companies where there is no public exposure to the operation of industrial lift trucks and forklifts from the hoisting license requirements. When trying to determine if there is public exposure at your worksite you want to consider the physical security of the environment where the forklifts are being operated. Is it in a locked warehouse that is not open to the public, including visitors and delivery persons? If you are in an outdoor operation is there a secured fence around it? Additionally the forklifts must only be operated on property owned by the company. Again, if you have any questions as to whether or not you are operating a forklift with any public exposure please call the DPS.

Also, full exemption only applies to companies using industrial lift trucks and forklifts that previously required licensing under the Mass. Class 1 (1D- General industrial warehouse forklift equipment) hoisting operator’s license. The full exemption cannot be applied to hoisting and excavating machinery for any other hoisting class, however a partial exemption may be applied to any company that falls within the definition under M.G.L. c. 146 Section 53(e) (2) and operates industrial lift trucks and forklifts in addition to other hoisting equipment exclusively on company property without any public exposure to the operation of the forklifts. Operators of all other hoisting equipment will still be subject to the hoisting license and in-service training requirements.

Non-Exempt Hoisting Classes

Class 1 – Hoisting

Class 2 – Excavating

Class 3 – Tower/Electric & Air

Class 4 –

Specialty

1A- Derricks/ Lattice Cranes

2A- Excavators

3A- Air or electric powered

4A- Unlimited Specialty Series

1B- Telescoping Boom w/ cables cranes

2B- Front end loader/ backhoes

 

4B- Drill Rigs

1C- Telescoping booms w/o cables, forklifts

2C- Front end loaders/ uniloaders

 

4C- Pipeline side booms

 

2D – Compact hoisting machinery

 

4D- Concrete pumps

 

 

 

4E- Catch basin cleaner

 

 

 

4F- Sign hanging equipment

 

 

 

4G- Specialty lawn mower

 

 

Hoisting Apprentice

HA- Hoisting Apprentice