Brothers and Sisters,

As we enter the spring season, I hope this News Magazine finds you and your family happy and healthy. I know we are all looking forward to putting winter behind us and starting a prosperous spring construction season. I would like to congratulate my dear friend and mentor Dave Dobson on his upcoming retirement. I oiled for Dave and he taught me so much about Local 4 and life in general that I am eternally grateful. We are very lucky to have Chris Carey stepping in for him as Worcester area Business Representative. I started the apprenticeship with Chris and he was a leader from day one. He will do great work for our members in that area. I would also like to congratulate another classmate James Marenghi on his appointment as Organizer. Jim is very dedicated to Local 4 and will make an excellent addition to Business Manager McLaughlin’s already amazing team. Good Luck, Jim!!

We have been getting a lot of calls lately about what machines a member’s Hoisting License covers. I am going to take this time to go over some of the many certifications and licenses which are required in our business. It is the individual member’s responsibility to make sure he or she has the appropriate license, and/or certification, for their assigned machine. If a Business Representative gives you an assignment, they are doing so assuming you hold a current license on that piece of equipment. If you do not, you must let them know immediately. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse!!

In Massachusetts, the 520 CMR 6.00 covers hoisting equipment. Any equipment that is capable of lifting 500 lbs, lifting a load higher than 10 feet, or the capacity of the bucket exceeds ¼ cubic yards of the material requires a hoisting license. They are classified as such:

Class 1 Hoisting

1A Lattice Boom Cranes and Derricks. All equipment listed in class 1B,1C, and 1D.

1B Telescoping Boom Cranes. All equipment listed in class 1C and 1D.

1C Telehandlers. All equipment listed in class 1D.

1D Industrial Warehouse Forklift

Class 2 Excavating

2A Excavators. All equipment listed in class 2B, 2C and 2D.

2B Combination loader/backhoe. All equipment listed in 2C and 2D.

2C Front end loaders. All equipment listed in 2D.

2D Compact excavation equipment. Equipment with a g.v.w. less than 10,000 lbs.

Class 3 Electric and Pneumatic

3A Electric and air-powered equipment.

Class 4 Specialty

4B Drill rigs 4C Pipeline Side booms

4D Concrete Pumps 4E Catch Basin Cleaner

4F Sign Hanging Equipment 4G Specialty Side Boom

All Cranes used in construction require the operator to hold the appropriate third-party certification (NCCCO) for that crane type. Any telehandler equipped with a winch requires a NCCCO. Telehandlers and Industrial fork trucks also require an operator forklift operator certificate. We have study material and prep classes for all these licenses and certificates down at the Training Center. If you are looking to upgrade a license, please don’t hesitate to reach out! Have a safe spring!!

Fraternally yours,

Thomas McEvoy
Co-Safety Officer