Manlift use in Mass

[VTNorm]

I haven't called a MA rental yard yet because I have access to a contractors lift here in VT for short money, but I'm getting some conflicting info about use of a lift in MA. It's a residential project, soffitt and trim repair on a typical colonial, being told that I might need a hydraulic license to rent or just operate a lift in MA. Anybody with firsthand knowledge? It's in a small town in western MA.

Thanks, -Norm

[DonMirabito]

Norm,
Check your email...

Don

[Ted S.]

I have a certification for a lift, it was given to me after a short lesson sponsored by United Rental. They wanted me to take the course before renting. It is called a certification card. My course consisted of me rising up in the lift, booming over to my bosses office window and flipping him off. Of course in a light humor kind of way.

That said I have rented many lifts since the late 80's and never had the card. Good thing I took the course, did you guys know you need a harness to ride in those things? Silly me.

[steves]

If it's a boom lift that you drive from the basket you need to be trained (no proof of that training is required) if you know enough to say you've been trained that's good enough for them, Tell them I trained you.
If it's a forklift with platform where someone other than the man in the air is driving you will need a license.
As was said you do need to be harnessed in to the basket.

[Otis P. Driftwood]

Here's a link to the rules and regulations in MA regarding hoisting....

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eopsterm...ing&csid=Eeops

[J.Buesking]

I've been through the classes a couple times. It's pretty straight forward. As far as I know it's a nationwide OSHA regulation to have the training and card.

I've never been carded when renting one though. The paperwork just say's that operator's must be trained.

The class is pretty common sense. Check the fluids every morning. Don't put more weight that it's max cap. Watch for overhead stuff like powerlines.

[Bob scott]

As was said, if you're renting it's up to the rental yard to give you training. You don't need a hydralics licence to use a rented one although I think there's a limit as to how long you can rent it for if you're unlicenced. If you own one they want you licenced.

Bob

[J.Buesking]

No but OSHA requires a Equipment Operator Card no matter who owns it. I deal with this day in day out.

[Bob scott]

No but OSHA requires a Equipment Operator Card no matter who owns it. I deal with this day in day out.

I don't know what that is. I am answering Norms question about a MA state hydraulics licence.

Bob

[VTNorm]

Thanks for the info. I read the regs (thanks for the link) and like Bob said there is a limit to how long you can rent in MA - 14 continuous days - and you do have to take the rental yard quicky course. But, I'm bringing a contractor owned lift from VT (btw - there's no training/licensing requirement to rent in VT)...not sure how to work the training thing or if I just fly under the radar for a couple of weeks....private home (vacation), cul de sac, working solo, maybe everyone will be out chasing RRP violators instead.

-Norm

[rrsgary]

Slate job?

[VTNorm]

No, rip & replace rotted trim and soffit.

-Norm

[hdrider_chgo]

I assume we are talking about aerial lifts. A man lift is an entirely different device, at least as we know it here. (What we call a man lift is a continuous belt that you grab onto and ride up in place of an elevator).

All aerial lift usage is covered by OSHA in all states (unless state regulation are stricter). If you don't have employees, OSHA does not apply. However, aerial lifts are quite dangerous, and are a leading cause of death at jobsites. For example, full body harnesses are required in boom lifts, because a common cause of death is being catapulted from the lift during movement. Therefore, training is recommended if not required.

OSHA requires training for aerial lifts. (Aerial lift regulations can be found in 1926.453). The carpenters union skill advancement program and similar programs here provides a full 8-hour course including the safety rules, and then maneuvering several different types of lifts through an obstacle course, and reaching difficult access points. Certification cards with photo ID are issued.

[VTNorm]

I've heard the terms 'manlift', 'aerial lift', 'personnel lift' and 'boom lift' (or 'boom truck') used interchangeably around here but, yes, I'm talking 'aerial lift' in your vernacular.

Here, I've walked into the rental yard, showed them a credit card and rented tow-behind electric powered 35 footers up to self-propelled 60 footers. No questions asked. In venturing into MA I realize there are different and more stringent regs and that's the info I was looking for.

-Norm

[Randy Bush]

I own 2 40 ft aerial lifts best investment I ever made. They are much safer and faster then ladders and planks. Best of all no workers com to pay on they. with some of the new houses I work on I would not do the job if had to use ladders. I rarely uses ladders over 8ft on a job. Being I have no employees I don't have to worry about OSHA , but I am still very careful using them. In my work of exterior remodeling they work great.

Randy