3.2 Operating Procedures Under 230 CMR 6.08: Inspections, Attention, Signals & Stop Authority
Key Takeaways
When 230 CMR 6.08 and the OSHA standards conflict, the provision that sets the higher standard for safety prevails (230 CMR 6.08(1)).
Wire ropes, bearings, gears, friction clutches, brakes, chain drives and other wear parts must be visually inspected daily, with a daily log sheet kept for the machine's useful life (230 CMR 6.08(2)(b)).
Except during assembly or disassembly, using the load moment indicator override key or entering false set-up data to increase rated capacity is strictly forbidden (230 CMR 6.08(2)(c)4).
When there is any doubt about the safety of an action, the operator has the authority to stop and refuse to handle loads until safety is assured (230 CMR 6.08(2)(c)11).
No person may work under a boom or a suspended load except in the case of tower cranes (230 CMR 6.08(2)(c)14).
The higher standard wins (230 CMR 6.08(1))
Hoisting machinery must be operated in compliance with 230 CMR 6.08 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910 and 1926. If they conflict, the provision that establishes the higher standard for the promotion and protection of safety and welfare prevails. A Massachusetts operator follows whichever rule is more protective. A state license does not relax any OSHA requirement, and meeting OSHA does not excuse a stricter state rule.
Manufacturer specifications first (230 CMR 6.08(2))
All hoisting machinery must be operated in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. If the manufacturer no longer exists, a Massachusetts registered professional engineer must review and approve the specifications in writing. The manufacturer or engineer must be able to show the Office that the specifications will not compromise the machine or public safety.
Before operating, the operator handles:
- (a) Maintenance: maintenance, repair and refueling are done only when the machine is inoperable and secure.
- (b) Required inspections: a daily visual inspection of wire ropes, bearings, gears, friction clutches, brakes, chain drives and other wear parts. A daily log sheet, following 29 CFR 1926 and 1910 inspection methods, must be available to the Office during the useful life of the machine.
The 230 CMR 6.08(2)(c) checklist
| No. | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1 | A written and signed record of all inspections is kept with the machinery and available at the site, conforming to 29 CFR 1926.1412 |
| 2 | A complete walk-around before starting, to verify people are clear and the machine is safe |
| 3 | No practice that diverts the operator's attention while operating |
| 4 | Never operate, or be required to operate, beyond rated capacity without the manufacturer's written approval, which includes a new chart showing the new limits. Apart from assembly and disassembly, using the load moment indicator override key or entering false crane set-up data to raise capacity is strictly forbidden |
| 5 | Operate only when fully attentive; never erratically or under the influence of alcohol or drugs; never when physically or mentally unfit |
| 6 | For machines with a rotating superstructure, use barricades, warning lines or other means to keep people out of the swing radius |
| 7 | Test all controls before operating; bypassed or faulty controls are repaired per the manufacturer before use |
| 8 | All safety equipment, including seat belts and other manufacturer devices, works and is used |
| 9 | Respond only to signals from a signal person, except in emergencies |
| 10 | If a warning signal is available, sound it before traveling and intermittently while traveling, especially near people |
| 11 | The operator is responsible for operations under their direct control. When there is any doubt about safety, the operator has authority to stop and refuse to handle loads until safety is assured |
| 12 | Secure unattended machinery per the manufacturer's specifications |
| 13 | If power fails, secure the machine before leaving it; when practical, land suspended loads under brake control |
| 14 | No one works under a boom or a suspended load, except with tower cranes |
| 15 | All load charts and operation manuals are kept in the machine |
| 16 | All applicable power line clearances are maintained |
| 17 | Use outriggers or stabilizers with adequate blocking, per the manufacturer's specifications or surface conditions |
| 18 | Before any excavation, meet all Dig Safe obligations (MGL c. 82 §§ 40–40E and 220 CMR 99.00), notify any utility not covered by Dig Safe, and obtain the Dig Safe permit number, start date and time |
| 19 | Make manufacturer-approved attachment records available to the Inspector |
| 20 | Carry the hoisting license and government-issued identification (a learner's permit for apprentices only) while operating, and show them on request |
How OSHA Subpart CC adds to these duties
Several OSHA rules, which apply on Massachusetts construction sites alongside 230 CMR, expand the checklist items:
- Leaving the controls (29 CFR 1926.1417(e)). The operator must not leave the controls while a load is suspended, unless all of these apply: the operator stays adjacent to the equipment with no other duties; the load must be held longer than normal lifting; a competent person decides it is safe and restrains the boom, telescope, load, swing and outrigger functions; and barricades or caution lines keep everyone out of the fall zone. 230 CMR 6.09(1)(f) separately requires operators to stay at the controls while a load is suspended, except when power is lost.
- Stop signals (1926.1417(y)). The operator must obey a stop or emergency stop signal from anyone.
- Authority to stop (1926.1418). When there is a safety concern, the operator may stop and refuse to handle loads until a qualified person determines that safety has been assured.
- Distractions (1926.1417(d)). Examples include cell phone use other than for signal communications.
- Before starting (1926.1417(g)). Verify that all controls are in the proper starting position and that all personnel are clear.
- Rated capacity (1926.1417(o)). The equipment must not be operated beyond its rated capacity, and the operator must not be required to do so.
Emergency procedures the regulation expects you to know
230 CMR 6.02(3) lists emergency procedures as an exam knowledge area. In 6.08 they come down to a few actions:
| Situation | Required response |
|---|---|
| Engine or power fails with a load in the air | Secure the machine before leaving; land the load under brake control when practical (6.08(2)(c)13) |
| A control is bypassed or malfunctioning | Do not operate until repaired per the manufacturer (6.08(2)(c)7) |
| Someone gives an emergency stop | Stop; signals normally come only from the signal person, but emergencies are the exception (6.08(2)(c)9; OSHA 1926.1417(y)) |
| Anyone doubts the lift is safe | Stop and refuse until safety is assured (6.08(2)(c)11; 1926.1418) |
| A person walks under the load | Stop; no one may be under a boom or load except with tower cranes (6.08(2)(c)14) |
Incident reporting after an accident is covered in Section 3.4, and power line contact in Section 7.1.
Scenario practice
The override key. A 1B operator's load moment indicator lockout stops a pick at 104% of chart. The foreman tells the operator to use the override key "just for this one." That violates 230 CMR 6.08(2)(c)4. Override is allowed only during assembly and disassembly, and exceeding capacity needs the manufacturer's written approval with a new chart. It also violates OSHA 1926.1417(o). The operator should refuse under 6.08(2)(c)11.
The radio call. A ground worker who is not the designated signal person waves the operator to swing left. Under 6.08(2)(c)9 the operator responds only to the signal person. The exception is an emergency stop, which is obeyed from anyone.
The lunch break. An operator wants to leave a bundle of rebar hanging at 20 feet while eating lunch in the trailer. That fails 230 CMR 6.09(1)(f) and OSHA 1926.1417(e), because the operator would not be adjacent and is taking on another activity. Land the load first, then secure the machine per the manufacturer.
A foreman asks a crane operator to use the load moment indicator override key to finish a pick that exceeds chart capacity. Under 230 CMR 6.08(2)(c)4, when is use of the override key allowed?
Whenever the load is less than 110% of chart
During assembly and disassembly only
Whenever a licensed 1A operator is at the controls
Whenever a signal person is present
When 230 CMR 6.08 and a cited OSHA standard set different requirements, which rule must a Massachusetts hoisting operator follow?
The OSHA standard, because federal law always preempts state rules
Whichever rule the employer selects
The 230 CMR rule, because state law always overrides federal law
The provision that establishes the higher standard for safety
Under 230 CMR 6.08(2)(c), what must the operator do when power fails during operation with a load suspended?
Secure the machine before leaving it and, when practical, land the suspended load under brake control
Leave the cab immediately and call the OPSI incident hotline
Release the brakes so the load lowers to the ground on its own
Wait in the cab until the manufacturer's technician arrives
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.