Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 520 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY › Title 520 CMR 6.00 - Hoisting Machinery › Section 6.09 - Special Requirements for Cranes, Derricks, Pile Drivers, Excavating Machines, Fork Lifts, and Hoists

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The operator shall not operate the hoisting machinery unless the following requirements are met:
(1)
Special Requirements for Cranes
.
(a)
Loading
. Material moving, handling or hoisting machinery shall be loaded in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Manufacturers' load-rating plates or applicable load charts shall be kept in the cab of the crane in clear view of the operator. Rating plates or load charts for boom cranes shall clearly indicate the safe load for maximum and minimum positions of the boom and for at least two intermediate positions. The procedures applicable to the operation of the equipment, including instructions, recommended operating speeds, special hazard warnings, and operator's manual, must be readily available in the cab at all times for use by the operator. Where rated capacities are available in the cab only in electronic form: In the event of a failure which makes the rated capacities inaccessible, the operator must immediately cease operations or follow safe shut-down procedures until the rated capacities (in electronic or other form) are available.
(b)
Boom Stops
. Devices to prevent the boom from falling over backward shall be provided on cranes. Cable boom stops by themselves shall not be considered as adequate for this purpose.
(c)
Speed Controls and Stops
. Hoisting machinery operating on rails, tracks or trolleys shall be equipped with speed controls and shall have positive stops or limiting devices to prevent overrunning safe limits.
(d)
Equipment Modifications
. Any modification made to hoisting machinery shall maintain at least the same factor of safety as the original designed equipment. A record of the differences between the unmodified machinery and the modified machinery shall be maintained by the owner of the machinery and furnished to the Department upon request. All modifications shall be done with the manufacturer's written approval. If the manufacturer's written approval cannot be obtained, the owner shall have a professional engineer create and certify a procedure which shall be added to the permanent record of the equipment.
(e)
Protection of Operator
. The operator of material handling and moving equipment when exposed to overhead hazards or the elements shall be protected with a cab or equivalent covering affording adequate protection but which shall not cut off his vision of the load movements. All windows in cabs shall be of safety glass, or equivalent, that introduces no visible distortion that will interfere with the safe operation of the machine.
(f)
Required Presence
. Operators of material moving, handling or hoisting machinery shall remain at the controls while the load is suspended, except in cases where loss of power occurs in which case operators shall act pursuant to 520 CMR 6.08(13). The operator of the machine shall not leave the machine while the master clutch is engaged.
(g)
Erection or Dismantling
. Crane erection or dismantling shall be performed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and 29 CFR 1926, under the supervision of his or her representative or other persons experienced in erection and/or dismantling of this type of equipment. The attachments used with cranes shall not exceed the capacity, rating or scope recommended by the manufacturer.
(h)
Factor of Safety
. All parts of the crane and supports shall be designed, constructed and maintained to withstand all stresses resulting from intended use with a safety factor of not less than 2.0.
(i)
Capacity Schedule/Load Charts
. Each crane model shall contain a schedule of load capacities in the operator's station at all times.
(j)
Tower Crane Foundations
. Tower crane foundations must be designed by the manufacturer or a registered professional engineer.
(k)
Wind Speed
. Wind speed must not exceed manufacturer's recommendations for continued work operations.
(l)
Tower Crane Safety Devices
. All required safety devices for tower cranes must be installed and properly functioning.
(m)
Tower Crane Operational Aids
. All required operational aids for tower cranes must be installed and functioning properly or approved temporary alternative measures in place.