Massachusetts § 18D - Ropes, hooks and cranes; use and operation; longshore and waterfront operations
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 18D — Ropes, hooks and cranes; use and operation; longshore and waterfront operations, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18D. Ropes, hooks and cranes; use and operation; longshore and waterfront operations
Section 18D. All chains, wire ropes and fiber ropes shall be of sufficient strength to safely lift or otherwise handle the loads.
The use of deformed hooks or rings shall be discontinued.
All hooks, slings, bridles and fittings shall be of the correct size for the work to be done, and shall have sufficient strength to sustain the loads imposed upon them. Wire bridles shall have a covering of marlin, rubber hose or other suitable material for the protection of the employee's hands at the splice.
A crane, derrick, hoist or winch shall not be loaded beyond the rated capacity or safe working load, whichever is smaller.
The load shall be attached to the hook by means of slings or other suitable effective means, which shall be properly rigged to insure the safe handling of the load. Slings shall be free of kinks or twists before use.
No employee shall be required to or shall ride on loads, slings, hooks, buckets or skip boxes, except under conditions or exception covered by other orders of the division.
Operator shall never leave crane, hoist, derrick or winch while load is suspended unless the load is suspended over water or a barricaded area, or is blocked up or otherwise supported from below during repair or emergency.
Only qualified employees shall give signals. No one should give signals except employees who are specifically designated and authorized to do so by the employer. Operators shall not accept signals except from those specifically designated and authorized to give same.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 18D
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 18D cover?
Section 18D ("Ropes, hooks and cranes; use and operation; longshore and waterfront operations") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 18D?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 18D" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 18D apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.