Do I need a Temporary Hoisting License in Massachusetts and how do I get one?
Do I need a Hoisting License in Massachusetts?
Will you be using equipment that:
- Can lift higher than 10 feet -or-
- Can lift greater than 500 pounds -or-
- Can hold more than 1/4 cubic yard capacity
in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts?
If the answer to any one of these is yes, you need either a Hoisting Engineers License or a Temporary Hoisting Permit.
Under Massachusetts Law (230 CMR 6.00) a Massachusetts Hoisting License is required to operate any equipment "with a minimum capability of hoisting the load higher than ten feet or has the capability of lifting loads greater than 500 pounds or if the capacity of the bucket exceeds 1/4 cubic yard capacity"
This law is in effect at every rental center in the state. It requires us to ensure anyone renting our regulated equipment complies with the law. This means we have to check that the operator has a valid Hoisting Engineers License or a valid Temporary Hoisting Permit.
Some common equipment that this regulation governs includes:
- Skid Steers (aka Bobcats)
- Tracked Loaders
- Mini Excavators
- Back-hoes
How do I get a Temporary Hoisting Permit?
Getting a Temporary Hoisting Permit is a quick and painless process. We are a State Approved Short Term Rental Entity and can issue Temporary Hoisting Permits for our customers.
Getting a Temporary Hoisting Permit involves taking a 45 minute on-line course. When that is completed you come in for 15 minutes (or more if needed) of hands-on training.
Typical cost is $25 per license classification. For the record, ETS Equipment Rental gets no portion of this money.
A few things you should know about Temporary Hoisting Permit:
- Temporary permits are only available for compact hoisting machinery up to 10,000 lbs gross vehicle weight, such as our skid steers, compact excavators and small loaders, as defined by Massachusetts regulations.
- A Temporary Hoisting Permit is only good for the classifications you get it for (Loader, Excavator and/or Backhoe). If you are going to need to rent more than one machine, you must get all classifications at the same time.
- A Temporary Permit is valid only at ETS. Under state rules, the first temporary permit you receive in a calendar year is valid for 28 days, and any additional permits are valid for 14 days. You cannot receive more than one temporary permit in any 45-day period.
- Getting a Temporary Permit involves completing an online course and then coming to ETS for hands-on training and a short written exam. As a state-approved short-term rental entity, our training covers Massachusetts hoisting regulations, OSHA safety, Dig Safe requirements, and safe operation of the specific compact machine you are renting.
- Temporary permits cannot be renewed. If you need to rent compact hoisting machinery more than 45 days after your permit expires, state law requires you to repeat the training and exam to receive a new permit.
- You can take the on-line course anytime in advance (even months!) and the permit will be activated (and your 14 days will start) when you come in for the hands-on training.
- To get a Temporary Hoisting Permit you must be over 18 and have a valid drivers license to operate a motor vehicle.
- When operating the equipment you must have your drivers license and Temporary Hoisting Permit on your person.
To take the on-line course, click here and when it asks for the Rental Facility ID Number enter 0178387
Take the Online Course
Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions.
