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:
- Used to move a suspended load; or
- 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:
- The boom of the fixed telehandler, including jibs and attachments, does not exceed 200 ft in length; and
- The manufacturer’s rated capacity of the fixed telehandler does not exceed 50 tons; and
- The fixed telehandler is not equipped with a hoisting mechanism; and
- 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.
