Date: September 12, 2024

Slinging loads from a fork is dangerous and illegal. 

Operators of heavy equipment, including but not limited to articulating boom cranes and telehandlers, are reminded that suspended loads must be attached to a: 

1. Hook; or 
2. Secure connection point, such as a lifting eye, that is provided or authorized by the manufacturer of the hoisting machine or hoisting equipment. 

No load shall be slung over, wrapped around, tied to, or otherwise draped from a boom, fork, cradle, lifting arm, bucket, platform, basket, or similar accouterment. 

For more information, please review 1 RCNY 3316-01(d)(8) of the Rules of the City of New York. 

Date: September 12, 2024

Recent rule changes effect the operation of fixed (non-rotating) telehandlers. 

Certified Operator Required 

Beginning November 7, 2024, the operator of a fixed telehandler must possess a NCCCO certification for the operation of a telehandler when the fixed telehandler is: 

1. Used to move a suspended load; or 
2. Configured with a hook attachment, jib attachment, concrete bucket attachment, or a vacuum or magnetic lifting attachment. 

Licensed Operator Required 

When a fixed telehandler is equipped with a hoisting mechanism (that is, a hoist drum and rope reeving system used for lifting and lowering loads), the operator must be licensed as a New York City Class A, Class B, Class C (formally C-1), Limited Boom Truck (formally C-2), or Limited Telehandler Hosting Machine Operator. 

When the boom of the fixed telehandler – including jibs and other extensions to the boom – exceeds 200 ft in length, or when the manufacturer’s rated capacity of the fixed telehandler exceeds 50 tons, the operator must be licensed as a New York City Class A or Class B Hosting Machine Operator. Beginning November 7, 2024, this provision will apply regardless of if the fixed telehandler is equipped with a hoisting mechanism or not. 

Exemptions 

Even when a fixed telehandler is configured or operated in such a way that it meets one of the certification or licensing requirements above, a NCCCO certification or HMO license is not required for: 

• Work that occurs in an industrial or commercial plant or yard, or on a ship or barge. 
• Excavation equipment, high reach demolition equipment, tree trimming equipment, and aerial work platforms – this includes fixed telehandlers when configured as an excavator, demolition grappler, tree trimmer, or aerial work platform. 
• Fixed telehandlers that have a manufacturer’s rated capacity of 1 ton or less. 

See NYC Administrative Code §28-405.1, NYC Building Code Sections 3316.1 and 3319.1 and 1 RCNY 3319-01(i)(1) for exemption details. The above-mentioned exemptions will only apply when the device and operation complies with all the parameters of the exemption. 

Forks 

The lifting of loads on the forks of a fixed telehandler does not require the operator to possess a NCCCO certification or HMO license, provided: 

1. The boom of the fixed telehandler, including jibs and attachments, does not exceed 200 ft in length; and 
2. The manufacturer’s rated capacity of the fixed telehandler does not exceed 50 tons; and 
3. The fixed telehandler is not equipped with a hoisting mechanism; and 
4. The load is not suspended from the telehandler. See the service notice regarding the prohibition against lifting loads suspended from a fork. 

For more information, please review the recent amendments to 1 RCNY 104-09 of the Rules of the City of New York. 

Date: July 8, 2024

Effective December 11, 2024, the definition of a ‘major building’ in Section 202 of Chapter 2 of the NYC Building Code will change from an existing or proposed building 10 or more stories or 125 feet or more in height, to an existing or proposed building 7 or more stories or 75 feet or more in height. Current additional triggers for an existing or proposed building with a building footprint of 100,000 square feet or more regardless of height, or an existing or proposed building designated by the Commissioner of the Department of Buildings as a major building due to unique hazards associated with the construction or demolition of the structure, will not change. 

The new definition of major building will apply to initial permits issued and initial permit requests submitted on or after December 11, 2024. The new definition will not apply to permits issued and permit requests submitted before December 11, 2024. 

Façade Work 

The new definition of major building does not impact façade work. The site safety trigger for façade work will continue to apply only to buildings more than 14 stories or 200 feet in height. 

DOB NOW 

Beginning December 11, 2024, the site safety requirements will apply to any job on a major building that meets the new definition of a major building. Any job filed before December 11, 2024, for which an initial General Construction (GC), Structural (ST), Foundation (FO), Support of Excavation (SE), or Earthwork (EA) permit has not been requested or issued as of December 11, 2024, will be required to comply with the site safety requirements. 

Review the October 27, 2022 Service Notice for the site safety requirements for major building projects. For a full description of site safety requirements, review Building Code Chapter 33 and Article 110 of Title 28 of the NYC Administrative Code. 

For further assistance, submit an inquiry at nyc.gov/dobhelp. 

Date: June 20, 2024

Issuance and Cannot be Renewed or Reissued

Holders of Limited Gas Work Qualifications will be required to apply for and obtain a Full Gas Work Qualification to continue performing gas work in New York City after the expiration of their Limited Gas Work Qualifications. Full Gas Work Qualifications do not expire. 

Per the NYC Administrative Code Section 28-423.1, gas work can only be performed in New York City by: 

• • a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP); or 
• • a person working under the direct and continuing supervision of an LMP if the person holds a Full Gas Work Qualification or holds a Limited Gas Work Qualification and is performing the work under the direct supervision of a person who holds a Full Gas Work Qualification or an LMP. 

How to Obtain Full Gas Work Qualification 

1. Review the Full Gas Work Qualification requirements on the Gas Work Qualification page on the part Department’s website. Full Gas Work Qualification requires a minimum of 5 years of full-time experience performing gas work under the direct and continuing supervision of an LMP, where at least 1 year of experience was in New York City. 

2. Schedule a Gas Work Qualification Examination by completing an LIC41: Written Examination Application form and selecting Gas Work Qualification. Accepted applicants will receive an email from the exam administrator in 2 to 3 weeks with instructions on how to schedule the exam. 

3. Pay the $585 exam fee in-person by money order at the Central Cashier (280 Broadway, 1st Floor) 

4. Drop-off or mail the completed LIC41 with receipt of payment to: 

NYC Department of Buildings 

Attention: Licensing & Exams Unit 

280 Broadway, 1st Floor 

New York, NY 10007 

5. Once you have passed the exam, use a NYC.ID account to login to DOB NOW: Licensing and select +New License. If you need to create an account, visit nyc.gov/dobnowtips. Complete the application and upload the required documents, including the Gas Work Qualification Exam Score Report. 

Additional Information 

The NYC Construction Codes can be found on the Codes page at nyc.gov/buildings. 

DOB NOW Inquiries & Support 

To submit an inquiry about DOB NOW, visit the DOB NOW Help Form at nyc.gov/dobnowhelp. 

Date: August 29, 2024

 All Limited Gas Work Qualifications issued before January 1, 2020, will expire on December 31, 2024, regardless of the issuance date. The Department of Buildings is extending the expiration date of Limited Gas Work Qualifications issued before January 1, 2020, to provide a full 5-year term to those who obtained the qualifications before the date they were required by Local Law 150 of 2016. The Limited Gas Work Qualifications cannot be renewed or reissued after expiration. 

The Department will not issue new cards with the new expiration date. Holders of Limited Gas Work Qualifications issued before January 1, 2020, will receive an email from the Department confirming that their Limited Gas Work Qualifications expire on December 31, 2024. Carry a printout of this email and have it available to provide upon request to verify the new expiration date. 

DOB NOW Inquiries & Support 

To submit an inquiry about DOB NOW, visit the DOB NOW Help Form at nyc.gov/dobnowhelp. 

Date: July 24, 2024

Hoisting Machine Operator License will be Required to Operate an Articulating Boom Crane, Mini Crane, or Rotating Telehandler in New York City

Beginning November 7, 2024, an HMO license issued by the Department of Buildings will be required to operate an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler in New York City. New classes of limited HMO licenses for operators of articulating boom cranes, mini cranes, and rotating telehandlers have been created.

The new licensing requirements will apply to the use of an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler to deliver materials to a construction site or move materials around a construction site. This includes the lifting of material with a fork, cradle, jib, or similar device.

Exemptions

An HMO license will not be required for:

• Work that occurs in an industrial or commercial plant or yard, or on a ship or barge.
• Excavation equipment, high reach demolition equipment, tree trimming equipment, and aerial work platforms – this includes rotating telehandlers when configured as an excavator, demolition grappler, tree trimmer, or aerial work platform.
• Articulating boom cranes, mini cranes, or rotating telehandlers that have a manufacturer’s rated

capacity of 1 ton or less.

See NYC Administrative Code §28-405.1, NYC Building Code Sections 3316.1 and 3319.1 and 1 RCNY 3319-01(i)(1) for exemption details. The exemption will only apply when the device and operation are in compliance with all the parameters of the exemption.

Apply for a Limited HMO License

Applications for an HMO license are launching in DOB NOW: Licensing later this year and a Service Notice will be posted with details. This launch will include the new limited HMO licenses for an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler. Until the launch in DOB NOW: Licensing, Class A, B, and C HMO license applications can continue to be submitted in DOB NOW: BIS Options.

Qualifications

To qualify for a limited HMO license for an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler, the applicant is required to:

• Have operated an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler, respectively, for at least 1,500 hours in New York City between January 1, 2019, and November 6, 2024, excluding work in industrial or commercial plants or yards.

James S. Oddo, Commissioner                                                                                                                                                                      

–    Applicants will attest to their experience in a new Limited HMO License Experience Affidavit. Applicants for a limited HMO license for articulating boom cranes, mini cranes, or telehandlers submitted before November 7, 2024, will not be required to submit the longer HMO Experience Verification Form used by other HMO license applicants. Applications that indicate fewer than 1,500 hours of qualifying experience for the type of license sought will be rejected. If applying for more than one license type, a separate license application must be submitted for each license type.

• Possess an appropriate NCCCO certification (ABC, ABW, or ABL for an articulating boom crane license; TSS for a mini crane license; or THR for a rotating telehandler license)
• Have completed a NYC DOB approved HMO course that is at least 8-hours in length within 2 years prior to submitting the license application
• Have passed a medical physical within 90 days prior to submitting the license application.

DOB strongly encourages potential applicants to begin preparing their paperwork, including the Limited HMO License Experience Affidavit, and obtaining the necessary certifications and training, in advance of the application going live in DOB NOW: Licensing.

Applicants will be Allowed to Continue to Operate On and After November 7, 2024

Individuals who submit an application for a limited HMO license for an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler before November 7, 2024, in DOB NOW: Licensing will be permitted to continue to operate the hoisting machine for which they submitted a license application while their license application is pending.

Supervision On and After November 7, 2024

Beginning on November 7, 2024, individuals who do not possess an appropriate DOB-issued HMO license, or who do not have a pending application in DOB NOW submitted before November 7, 2024, will only be allowed to operate an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler if they are supervised by a licensed HMO with a DOB-issued license in accordance with the provisions of 1 RCNY 104-23.

Additional Information

Review the recent amendments to 1 RCNY 104-09 for more information about the qualifications and requirements for a new HMO license for articulating boom cranes, mini cranes, or rotating telehandlers.

Information about how and when to submit an application for an HMO license in DOB NOW will be available at nyc.gov/buildings before November 7, 2024.

Date: July 24, 2024

Beginning November 7, 2024, an HMO license issued by the Department of Buildings will be required to operate an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler in New York City. New classes of limited HMO licenses for operators of articulating boom cranes, mini cranes, and rotating telehandlers have been created.

The new licensing requirements will apply to the use of an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler to deliver materials to a construction site or move materials around a construction site. This includes the lifting of material with a fork, cradle, jib, or similar device.

Exemptions

An HMO license will not be required for:

• Work that occurs in an industrial or commercial plant or yard, or on a ship or barge.
• Excavation equipment, high reach demolition equipment, tree trimming equipment, and aerial work platforms – this includes rotating telehandlers when configured as an excavator, demolition grappler, tree trimmer, or aerial work platform.
• Articulating boom cranes, mini cranes, or rotating telehandlers that have a manufacturer’s rated

capacity of 1 ton or less.

See NYC Administrative Code §28-405.1, NYC Building Code Sections 3316.1 and 3319.1 and 1 RCNY 3319-01(i)(1) for exemption details. The exemption will only apply when the device and operation are in compliance with all the parameters of the exemption.

Apply for a Limited HMO License

Applications for an HMO license are launching in DOB NOW: Licensing later this year and a Service Notice will be posted with details. This launch will include the new limited HMO licenses for an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler. Until the launch in DOB NOW: Licensing, Class A, B, and C HMO license applications can continue to be submitted in DOB NOW: BIS Options.

Qualifications

To qualify for a limited HMO license for an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler, the applicant is required to:

• Have operated an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler, respectively, for at least 1,500 hours in New York City between January 1, 2019, and November 6, 2024, excluding work in industrial or commercial plants or yards.

James S. Oddo, Commissioner           

–    Applicants will attest to their experience in a new Limited HMO License Experience Affidavit. Applicants for a limited HMO license for articulating boom cranes, mini cranes, or telehandlers submitted before November 7, 2024, will not be required to submit the longer HMO Experience Verification Form used by other HMO license applicants. Applications that indicate fewer than 1,500 hours of qualifying experience for the type of license sought will be rejected. If applying for more than one license type, a separate license application must be submitted for each license type.

• Possess an appropriate NCCCO certification (ABC, ABW, or ABL for an articulating boom crane license; TSS for a mini crane license; or THR for a rotating telehandler license)
• Have completed a NYC DOB approved HMO course that is at least 8-hours in length within 2 years prior to submitting the license application
• Have passed a medical physical within 90 days prior to submitting the license application.

DOB strongly encourages potential applicants to begin preparing their paperwork, including the Limited HMO License Experience Affidavit, and obtaining the necessary certifications and training, in advance of the application going live in DOB NOW: Licensing.

Applicants will be Allowed to Continue to Operate On and After November 7, 2024

Individuals who submit an application for a limited HMO license for an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler before November 7, 2024, in DOB NOW: Licensing will be permitted to continue to operate the hoisting machine for which they submitted a license application while their license application is pending.

Supervision On and After November 7, 2024

Beginning on November 7, 2024, individuals who do not possess an appropriate DOB-issued HMO license, or who do not have a pending application in DOB NOW submitted before November 7, 2024, will only be allowed to operate an articulating boom crane, mini crane, or rotating telehandler if they are supervised by a licensed HMO with a DOB-issued license in accordance with the provisions of 1 RCNY 104-23.

Additional Information

Review the recent amendments to 1 RCNY 104-09 for more information about the qualifications and requirements for a new HMO license for articulating boom cranes, mini cranes, or rotating telehandlers.

Information about how and when to submit an application for an HMO license in DOB NOW will be available at nyc.gov/buildings before November 7, 2024.

Date :August 2, 2024

Effective August 1, 2024, the Gas Work Qualification written exam will be administered as an open-book exam. The Examination Content Outline section of the Gas Work Candidate Information Bulletin will be provided in electronic format within the exam platform at the testing center. No reference materials will be permitted in the testing center.

Review the June 20, 2024 Service Notice and the Gas Work Qualification page on the

Department’s website for more information about Gas Work Qualifications.

Date: October 27, 2022

The site safety requirements in the 2022 Construction Codes will apply to major building* site safety projects that have not submitted site safety plans to the Department of Buildings before November 7, 2022.

* A major building is an existing or proposed building 10 or more stories or 125 feet or more in height, or an existing or proposed building with a building footprint of 100,000 square feet or more regardless of height.

Site Safety Personnel Required Under 2022 Construction Codes

For further assistance, submit an inquiry at www.nyc.gov/dobhelp.