Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board (HMOAB)
To provide public and worker safety, the 1998 Hawaii State Legislature created the Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board (HMOAB) to adopt Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) for the certification of hoisting machine operators. This was done by adding Sections 19 and 20 to the Occupational Safety and Health Law, Chapter 396 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS). The HMOAB developed and adopted Chapter 12-48 (HAR), Hoisting Machine Operators, which became effective on December 6, 2002. Under these rules, certification is required for operators using equipment covered by American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B30.5 Mobile and Locomotive Cranes, having a lifting capacity of more than one ton and that are used to perform construction work as defined by Section 12-50-2 HAR. The rules require operators to show that they have the experience, training, qualifications and certification to safely operate these hoisting machines. Enforcement of this requirement is covered in Section 12-110-50 HAR.
HMOAB Mission
The Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board operates as an ‘attached agency’ within the State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and administered through the Hawai’i Occupational Safety and Health Division. HMOAB is charged with assuring construction tower and crane operators across the Islands operate hoisting machines in a safe and lawful manner on behalf of the citizens of Hawai’i.
History, Purpose and Administrative Governance
After its establishment with Act 165 in 1998 by the Hawai’i State Legislature, members of the Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board met for the first time in May 1999 and promulgated Administrative Rules, Chapter 12-48 on December 6, 2002, under which it operates today.
The Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board, an attached agency of the State of Hawai’i Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR), exists to verify and certify Island operators of all construction crane and tower machines having a lifting capacity of one ton or more. [1926.1427(a)3]
This power comes from definitions in Section 12-50-2 of the Hawai’i Administrative Rules (HAR). With Sections 19 and 20 of the State Occupational Safety and Health Law and Chapter 396 of HAR, the Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board requires all operators using equipment covered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B30.5 (mobile and locomotive cranes) to be medically qualified, pass written and practical training examinations, and possess practical experience in order to safely operate hoisting machines in the State. These requirements ensure a minimum competency level of operators, assure employers that potential workers comply with relevant state and federal standards, and provide safeguards for the public that buildings are constructed and maintained using best available practices. Enforcement is covered in section 12-110-50 of the Hawai’i Administrative Rules.
Under the abovementioned Hawai’i Administrative Rules, prospective and renewing hoisting machine operators are required to submit an application for certification (found online at the DLIR website), a current digital photograph of their head and shoulders, and pay the requisite fee of one hundred dollars ($100.) per year of desired State certification (up to five years). New applicants must also supply a one-time, non-refundable application fee of fifty dollars ($50.). Replacement or reissued cards are supplied to current operators without cost.
Currently, HMOAB operates with a five-member advisory board, made up of representatives from organized labor and construction management firms, and are appointed by the Governor for four-year, staggered terms. The Board meets in open session (excepting December) in the DLIR conference room on the third Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Administrative and financial business for the agency is completed by an Executive Director, who serves at the direction of the Board.
MAIL IN APPLICATIONS ONLY!
Fill out the Application for Certification (Revised July 2016) and mail in your completed form with check payable to “DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.” A current JPEG picture of yourself (for your certification card) must also be sent to [email protected].
