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Hoist Machine Operator License Guide
Hoisting Machine Operator - License Guide
Effective November 7, 2024, New York City will implement updated regulations requiring specialized licensing for operators of articulating boom cranes, mini cranes, and rotating telehandlers. These changes aim to enhance safety and ensure that operators are adequately trained and certified. This guide outlines the various classes of Hoisting Machine Operator (HMO) licenses, including the new limited licenses, providing detailed information on requirements, certifications, and the application process. Whether you are an aspiring operator or an industry professional, understanding these requirements is essential for compliance and operational efficiency
Operating hoisting machinery in New York City demands specialized licensing to ensure safety and adherence to local regulations. The New York City Department of Buildings classifies these licenses into several categories: Class A, Class B, and Class C1, C2, C3, and limited licenses. Each category has distinct qualifications, experience requirements, and certifications tailored to the type and capacity of the equipment being operated.
This guide provides an overview of who needs each type of license and the specific criteria operators must meet to obtain them. Whether handling mobile cranes, large telescopic boom cranes, or smaller hoisting machines, understanding these requirements is crucial for maintaining safe and efficient construction practices in the densely populated urban environment of NYC.
Types of Hoisting Machine Operator Licenses:
Class A Hoisting Machine Operator License
Class B Hoisting Machine Operator License
Class C1 License
Class C2 License
Class C3 License
Limited Hoisting Machine Operator Licenses
Here is a breakdown of who needs to obtain Class A, Class B, and Class C, and Limited Hoisting Machine Operator licenses in New York City:
Class A Hoisting Machine Operator License:
NYC DOB Class A HMO License Information
Who Needs It: Operators of cranes with a boom length under 200 feet.
Experience Requirements:
Three years of experience in NYC.
Two years with mobile cranes over 50 tons or tower cranes.
100 crane setups.
Certification Requirements:
NCCCO certifications for telescopic boom cranes (swing cab and fixed cab), lattice boom truck crane, and lattice boom crawler crane.
40-hour Hoisting Machine Operator course.
Additional certification for tower cranes.
Class B Hoisting Machine Operator License:
NYC DOB Class B HMO License Information
Who Needs It: Operators of all cranes, regardless of boom length.
Experience Requirements:
Must hold a Class A license.
Two years under a Class B licensed operator.
Certification Requirements:
NCCCO certifications for large and small telescopic boom cranes, lattice boom truck crane, lattice boom crawler crane, and tower crane.
Class C Hoisting Machine Operator Licenses:
NYC DOB Class C HMO License Information
Who Needs It: Operators of smaller hoisting machines under 50 tons
.
Experience Requirements:
Two years of experience operating hoisting machines under the supervision of a licensed operator, with at least one year in NYC or a comparable urban area.
Certification Requirements:
Pass the appropriate National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) written and practical examinations for the type of machinery.
Candidate handbooks and application information can be found on the NCCCO website (www.nccco.org).
Class C1 License:
Who Needs It: Operators of smaller hoisting machines.
Experience Requirements: Two years, with one year in NYC.
Certification Requirements: NCCCO certification for mobile cranes with large telescopic boom cranes (swing cab) and/or small telescopic boom cranes (fixed cab).
Class C2 License:
Who Needs It: Operators of boom trucks with fixed cabs.
Experience Requirements: Similar to Class C1, focusing on boom truck operations.
Certification Requirements: NCCCO certification for boom trucks with fixed cabs.
Class C3 License:
Who Needs It: Operators of smaller specialized hoisting machines.
Experience Requirements: As above, focused on specific machinery.
Certification Requirements: NCCCO certification for boom truck (fixed cab)
Limited Hoisting Machine Operator Licenses:
Overview:
Operators of articulating boom cranes, mini cranes, and rotating telehandlers will need a limited HMO license.
Who Needs It: Operators of articulating boom cranes, mini cranes, and rotating telehandlers.
Exemptions: Not required for industrial/commercial plants, yards, ships, or equipment under 1 ton.
Experience Requirements: 1,500 hours from January 1, 2019, to November 6, 2024.
Certification Requirements:
NCCCO certifications for articulating boom cranes (ABC, ABW, ABL), mini cranes (TSS), or rotating telehandlers (THR).
Prior to November 7, 2024: 8-hour NYC DOB approved HMO course.
After November 7, 2024: 40-hour NYC DOB approved HMO course.
Medical physical within 90 days prior to application.
Application Process:
Applications must be submitted via DOB NOW: Licensing.
Individuals who submit applications before November 7, 2024, can continue to operate the hoisting machine while their application is pending.
After November 7, 2024, those without a license or a pending application must be supervised by a licensed HMO.
Additional Points:
Physical Fitness: All license classes require physical fitness certification and substance abuse tests.
Training: Completion of a 8-hour Hoist Machine Operator training course or the 40-hour hoist machine operator course is mandatory for all license classes.
Driver’s License: A valid, unrestricted driver’s license is required for all classes.
References:
NYC Department of Buildings Hoisting Machine Operators
Hoisting Machine Operator License | City of New York
1 RCNY §104-09 Hoisting Machine Operators
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is a Hoisting Machine Operator (HMO) license? A: An HMO license is required to operate cranes and other hoisting machinery in New York City. The license ensures that operators are qualified and experienced to handle such equipment safely.
Q2: What are the different classes of HMO licenses in NYC? A: There are three classes of HMO licenses in NYC: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each class corresponds to different types of cranes and hoisting machines, with specific qualifications and experience requirements.
Q3: Who needs a Class A HMO license? A: A Class A HMO license is required for operators of cranes with a boom length under 200 feet. This includes mobile cranes and tower cranes with a capacity over 50 tons.
Q4: Who needs a Class B HMO license? A: A Class B HMO license is needed for operators of all cranes, regardless of boom length. This license covers a wider range of cranes and requires additional experience and certifications.
Q5: Who needs a Class C HMO license? A: A Class C HMO license is for operators of smaller hoisting machines under 50 tons. This license requires specific certifications for different types of smaller cranes and hoisting machines.
Q6: What are the experience requirements for a Class A HMO license? A: Applicants must have three years of experience operating hoisting machines in NYC under the supervision of a licensed Class A or B operator, with at least two years operating mobile cranes over 50 tons or tower cranes.
Q7: What are the experience requirements for a Class B HMO license? A: Applicants must already hold a Class A license and have at least two years of experience under a Class B licensed operator on equipment requiring a Class B license.
Q8: What are the experience requirements for a Class C HMO license? A: Applicants need two years of experience operating hoisting machines under supervision, with at least one year in NYC or a comparable urban area.
Q9: What is an outrigger setup and why is it important? A: An outrigger setup involves extending and positioning the outriggers of a crane to ensure stability during lifting operations. Proper outrigger setup is crucial for preventing tipping and ensuring the safe operation of the crane.
Q10: What certifications are required for HMO licenses? A: Certifications must be from accredited programs by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Specific certifications depend on the class of license and the type of machinery to be operated.
Q11: How do I renew my HMO license? A: Renewal requires maintaining physical fitness and certification, possessing a valid driver’s license, and completing an 8-hour refresher course. Renewal applications must be submitted online with the necessary documentation.
Q12: What training is required for HMO licenses? A: All HMO license classes require the completion of a 40-hour Hoist Machine Operator training course covering NYC-specific regulations and hazards related to hoisting machine operations.
Q13: Where can I find more information about HMO licenses? A: Detailed information can be found on the NYC Department of Buildings website and the specific guidelines provided in 1 RCNY §104-09.
Q14: Who needs a limited HMO license? A: Operators of articulating boom cranes, mini cranes, and rotating telehandlers in NYC.
Q15: What is the deadline for application submission? A: Applications must be submitted via DOB NOW: Licensing before November 7, 2024.
Q16: Can I continue to operate while my application is pending? A: Yes, if your application is submitted before November 7, 2024, you can continue to operate while it is pending.
Q17: What happens if I don't have a license by November 7, 2024? A: You must be supervised by a licensed HMO with a DOB-issued license to operate the equipment.
Q18: What are the experience requirements? A: 1,500 hours of operating the respective equipment in NYC between January 1, 2019, and November 6, 2024.
Q19: What are the certification requirements? A: NCCCO certifications for articulating boom cranes (ABC, ABW, ABL), mini cranes (TSS), or rotating telehandlers (THR).
Q20: Are there training requirements? A: Yes, prior to November 7, 2024, an 8-hour NYC DOB approved HMO course is required. After November 7, 2024, a 40-hour course will be required.
Q21: Where can I find more information? A: More information on submitting applications will be available at nyc.gov/buildings before November 7, 2024. Review the recent amendments to 1 RCNY 104-09 for detailed qualifications and requirements.
Q21: Which DOB course ? A: More information on submitting applications will be available at nyc.gov/buildings before November 7, 2024. Review the recent amendments to 1 RCNY 104-09 for detailed qualifications and requirements.
Q22. Which NYC DOB course do I need to take? A: Prior to November 7, 2024, you need to complete an 8-hour NYC DOB approved HMO course. After November 7, 2024, a 40-hour NYC DOB approved HMO course will be required.