COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS | HOISTING LICENSE
2A - STUDY QUESTIONS
UNIT 1: DEFINITIONS & RULES
Q1: What is hoisting machinery?
A1: Equipment that lifts, lowers, or moves loads. Examples: excavators, backhoes, loaders,
cranes. Must have a rated capacity over one ton.
Q2: What is compact hoisting machinery?
A2: Smaller machines rated for two tons or less. Examples: mini excavators, skid-steer loaders.
Made for working in tight spaces.
Q3: What is a manufacturer approved attachment?
A3: Any tool or part (like a bucket or fork) that the company that made the machine says is safe
to use on that machine.
Q4: What is an "incident" that must be reported?
A4: Any of these events:
- Someone dies
- Someone goes to the hospital
- Property damage over $1,000
- Brakes or other important parts break
- Machine hits power lines
- Machine tips over
Q5: How much property damage requires a report?
A5: Over $1,000 in damage must be reported.
Q6: What is 520 CMR 6.00?
A6: The Massachusetts regulation that sets safety rules for hoisting machines. It covers
licenses, inspections, and reporting.
Q7: What laws cover hoisting licenses?
A7: 520 CMR 6.00 and M.G.L. Chapter 146, Sections 53-54A.
Q8: Who enforces these rules?
A8: The Massachusetts Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Q9: When do you need a license to run a machine?
A9: You need a license if the machine:
- Lifts or moves loads
, - Can lift more than one ton
- Uses an engine (not hand-powered)
Q10: What is a company license?
A10: A company can have one license instead of each worker having their own, but:
- Workers must still have their own licenses
- Company must keep inspection records
- Company must have a safety supervisor
UNIT 2: SAFETY & INSPECTIONS
Q11: What do you check during a daily inspection?
A11: Check:
- Fluids (oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, fuel)
- Tires or tracks
- Brakes
- Steering
- Horn and backup alarm
- Lights
- Hydraulic hoses (for leaks)
- All controls
- Seatbelt and rollover protection
- Gauges
- Bucket or other attachments
- Outriggers
- Cables and chains
- Operator's manual
Q12: Where do you keep inspection records?
A12: In the machine cab or with the machine at all times.
Q13: What is a walk-around check?
A13: Walking all the way around the machine before starting to look for:
- Leaks
- Damaged tires or tracks
- Loose or damaged parts
- Dirty windows or mirrors
- Anything that looks wrong
Q14: What if a gauge shows something wrong?
A14: Shut down the machine right away. Tag it "DO NOT OPERATE." Tell your supervisor. Don't
use it until it's fixed.
2A - STUDY QUESTIONS
UNIT 1: DEFINITIONS & RULES
Q1: What is hoisting machinery?
A1: Equipment that lifts, lowers, or moves loads. Examples: excavators, backhoes, loaders,
cranes. Must have a rated capacity over one ton.
Q2: What is compact hoisting machinery?
A2: Smaller machines rated for two tons or less. Examples: mini excavators, skid-steer loaders.
Made for working in tight spaces.
Q3: What is a manufacturer approved attachment?
A3: Any tool or part (like a bucket or fork) that the company that made the machine says is safe
to use on that machine.
Q4: What is an "incident" that must be reported?
A4: Any of these events:
- Someone dies
- Someone goes to the hospital
- Property damage over $1,000
- Brakes or other important parts break
- Machine hits power lines
- Machine tips over
Q5: How much property damage requires a report?
A5: Over $1,000 in damage must be reported.
Q6: What is 520 CMR 6.00?
A6: The Massachusetts regulation that sets safety rules for hoisting machines. It covers
licenses, inspections, and reporting.
Q7: What laws cover hoisting licenses?
A7: 520 CMR 6.00 and M.G.L. Chapter 146, Sections 53-54A.
Q8: Who enforces these rules?
A8: The Massachusetts Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Q9: When do you need a license to run a machine?
A9: You need a license if the machine:
- Lifts or moves loads
, - Can lift more than one ton
- Uses an engine (not hand-powered)
Q10: What is a company license?
A10: A company can have one license instead of each worker having their own, but:
- Workers must still have their own licenses
- Company must keep inspection records
- Company must have a safety supervisor
UNIT 2: SAFETY & INSPECTIONS
Q11: What do you check during a daily inspection?
A11: Check:
- Fluids (oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, fuel)
- Tires or tracks
- Brakes
- Steering
- Horn and backup alarm
- Lights
- Hydraulic hoses (for leaks)
- All controls
- Seatbelt and rollover protection
- Gauges
- Bucket or other attachments
- Outriggers
- Cables and chains
- Operator's manual
Q12: Where do you keep inspection records?
A12: In the machine cab or with the machine at all times.
Q13: What is a walk-around check?
A13: Walking all the way around the machine before starting to look for:
- Leaks
- Damaged tires or tracks
- Loose or damaged parts
- Dirty windows or mirrors
- Anything that looks wrong
Q14: What if a gauge shows something wrong?
A14: Shut down the machine right away. Tag it "DO NOT OPERATE." Tell your supervisor. Don't
use it until it's fixed.
