Operating Procedures for Hoisting Machinery

(1) Hoisting machinery shall be operated in compliance with 230 CMR 6.08 and OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910 and Standard 29 CFR 1926. In the event there is a conflict between 230 CMR 6.08 and the cited OSHA standards, the provisions which establish the higher standard for the promotion and protection of safety and welfare shall prevail. (2) All hoisting machinery shall be operated in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. In the event the manufacturer does not exist, a Massachusetts registered professional engineer shall review and approve, in writing, the actions and reasons for said specifications. The manufacturer or the professional engineer shall demonstrate to the Office upon request, from standards or from the maintenance manual, that the specifications will not compromise the integrity of the hoisting machinery and public safety. Prior to operation, the operator shall perform the following: (a) Maintenance. Maintenance, repair and refueling shall be done when the machine is inoperable and secure. (b) Required Inspections. Visual inspection shall be made daily of wire ropes, bearings, gears, friction clutches, brakes, chain drives and other parts subject to wear on all hoisting machinery to ensure against development of unsafe conditions. A daily log sheet in accordance with 29 CFR 1926 and 29 CFR 1910 inspectional methods shall be available to the Office during the useful life of the machine. (c) Additional Requirements. 1. A written and signed record of all inspections shall be kept with the hoisting machinery and made available at the site for examination by the Office that conforms to the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.1412. 2. Prior to starting any hoisting machinery, the operator must make a complete walk- around of the equipment to verify people are clear of the equipment, and that it is in a safe condition. 3. The operator shall not engage in any practice that will divert their attention while engaged in operating the hoisting machinery. 4. At no time shall the operator of hoisting machinery operate or be required to operate the hoisting machinery beyond its rated capacity without the manufacturer's written approval which shall include a new chart showing the new limitations. Other than assembly/disassembly, the use of the load moment indicator override key or the entering of false crane set-up criteria to increase rated capacity is strictly forbidden. 5. The operator shall operate hoisting machinery only when fully attentive. The operator shall not operate the equipment erratically and/or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When an operator is physically or mentally unfit, the operator shall not operate hoisting machinery. 6. Prior to operating hoisting machinery with a rotating superstructure, safety procedures such as but not limited to the erection of barricades, warning lines or other procedures shall be used to prevent entry into the swinging superstructure's radius. 7. All controls shall be tested by the operator prior to operating the hoisting machinery. If any controls are found to be bypassed or otherwise functioning improperly, repairs shall be made in accordance with manufacturer's requirements prior to the operation of the hoisting machinery. 8. Operators shall ensure all safety equipment, including seat belts and other manufacturer installed devices, are in proper working order before utilizing hoisting equipment. All such safety equipment must be utilized when operating hoisting equipment. 9. Operators shall respond only to signals given by a signal person except in emergency situations. 10. If a warning signal is available to the operator, it shall be sounded each time before traveling, and intermittently during travel particularly when approaching people. 11. The operator shall be responsible for those operations under their direct control. When there is any doubt as to the safety of any action, the operator shall have the authority to stop and refuse to handle loads until safety has been assured. 12. The operator is responsible for securing any unattended hoisting machinery in accordance with applicable manufacturer's specifications. 13. If power fails during operation of any hoisting machinery, the operator shall secure the machine prior to leaving the equipment. When practical, suspended loads shall be landed under brake control. 14. At no time shall persons work under a boom or a load suspended thereon except in the case of tower cranes. 15. All manufacturer's load charts and operation manuals shall be kept in the hoisting machinery. 16. All applicable power line clearances shall be maintained. 17. Hoisting machinery equipped with outriggers/stabilizers shall be used, with adequate blocking, according to manufacturer's specifications or surface conditions. 18. Prior to any excavation, the operator shall meet all “Dig Safe” obligations in accordance with M.G.L. c. 82, §§ 40 through 40E and 220 CMR 99.00. Additionally, an operator must notify any other utility not covered by M.G.L. c. 82, §§ 40 through 40E and 220 CMR 99.00: Procedures for the Determination and Enforcement of Violations of M.G.L. c. 82, §§ 40 through 40E ("Dig Safe"). The operator shall obtain a Dig Safe permit number, start date, and time. 19. All manufacturer approved attachment records shall be made readily available at the request of the Inspector. 20. Hoisting licenses and a U.S. state, U.S. territory, or federal government issued valid identification, driver’s license or learner’s permit (for apprentices only) shall be carried on the person of the operator during all times the operator is operating hoisting machinery and shall be furnished for inspection by the operator at the request of an Inspector, the Chief, or the Commissioner.