General Foremen's Roundtable Recap - March 19, 2014

The General Foreman’s Roundtable held on March 19, 2014, at the NEPPA Training Center in Littleton, Massachusetts, started off with an in-depth presentation by Mass DOT representatives that covered Work Zone Safety requirements. The discussion was focused around the requirements of Mass DOT for all municipalities working on State Highways. The subject of "Permits" was also covered with a great deal of information that is needed to set up safe work zones. It was also mentioned that even on local streets and highways; the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices is to be adhered to when setting up all the necessary cones and signs.

The next session on the agenda was a presentation by the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Safety that centered on the new requirements of the Mass. Hoisting License regulations. It was presented that there are four distinct classes of Hoisting Licenses:

•Category 1 is "Hoisting" with 1A through 1D as individual specific classes of machinery as listed in 520 CMR 6.00. A "1A" license covers all classes below it as well as those listed in Class 1A. A "1B" license also covers 1C and 1D, etc.

•Class 2 covers "Excavating" with Class 2A through 2D for specific machinery listed in 520 CMR 6.0. The most common license used by NEPPA members is 2A that covers backhoes.

•Class 3 covers Tower Electric/Air with 3A as the only license in this class that covers self-erecting cranes.

Of special interest, Class 4B covers "Drilling Rig" which includes any boom truck that uses an auger to drill a hole into the ground. The "continuing education" requirements were discussed and NEPPA is rigorously pursuing approval of a class for 1B and 2A "continuing education" training. It was also stated that the department is renewing its’ interest in conducting inspections. A one-hour window to report accidents involving hoisting equipment was emphasized.

After lunch, Jody Stockwell along with Pam Hamilton presented a short discussion on the new Stuart Irby venture into rubber glove testing. The facility will be located in West Boylston and should open in May.

The very full day finished with a preview of a new NEPPA program being developed to be offered soon called "Qualified Employee." Stay tuned as this is required training that each utility must provide to each employee that will be expected to work on live parts.

NEPPA plans on hosting the next GF Roundtable on Oct. 1, 2014, and is always interested in topics that are relevant to all its members. If you have any items or ideas that may be of interest to the group, please contact Steve Socoby at the NEPPA office for inclusion in one of the upcoming meetings. He can be reached at ssocoby@neppa.org or 978.540.2200.