Massachusetts HVAC & Mechanical Licensing Law

Massachusetts Code · 6 sections

The following is the full text of Massachusetts’s hvac & mechanical licensing law statutes as published in the Massachusetts Code. For the official version, see the Massachusetts Legislature.

M.G.L. ch. 112, s. 81E

Section 81E. The board shall examine applicants for registration as professional engineers and as professional land surveyors and applicants desiring to take written or oral examinations to evidence qualification for registration as professional engineers or professional land surveyors. It shall make such rules and regulations as are necessary or proper for the conduct of its duties. The board may adopt and shall use an official seal. If any person, firm, co-partnership, corporation or joint stock association refuses to obey any decision, rule or order, or any part thereof, issued by the board pursuant to its powers, the attorney general of the commonwealth shall, upon request of the board, file a petition in equity for the enforcement of such decision, rule or order in the superior court for Suffolk county or for the county in which such person, firm, co-partnership, corporation or joint stock association resides or has a place of business. After due hearing, with such notice as the court may direct, the court shall order the enforcement of such decision, rule or order, or any part thereof, to the extent that such decision, rule or order, or any part thereof, has been legally and properly made by the board. The board, for the purposes of registration of professional engineers, shall recognize all the fundamental branches of engineering which shall include, without limiting the generality thereof by specific enumeration, the following fields:— aeronautical, chemical, civil, electrical, heating and ventilating, and air conditioning, industrial, mechanical, metallurgical, mining, safety, fire protection, sanitary and structural.

M.G.L. ch. 112, s. 81R

Section 81R. Nothing in said sections shall be construed to prevent or to affect:— (a) the practice of any other legally recognized profession including the practice of architecture as defined in this chapter and the practice of any trade, including, in connection with the practice of the electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration and all other trades, the preparation of plans, specifications or shop drawings by any person, firm, partnership, corporation or association practicing any such trade, for work to be installed or being installed by the same person, firm, partnership, corporation or association preparing such plans, specifications or shop drawings; (b) a person not a resident of and having no established place of business in the commonwealth from practicing or offering to practice therein the profession of engineering or land surveying, when such practice does not exceed in the aggregate more than thirty days in any calendar year; provided, such person is legally qualified by registration to practice the said profession in his own state or country in which the requirements and qualifications for obtaining a certificate of registration are not lower than those specified in said sections; (c) a person not a resident of and having no established place of business in the commonwealth or who has recently become a resident thereof, from practicing or offering to practice engineering or land surveying therein for more than thirty days in any calendar year, if he shall have filed with the board an application for a certificate of registration and shall have paid the fee required by said sections; provided, that such person is legally qualified by registration to practice engineering or land surveying in his own state or country in which the requirements and qualifications for obtaining a certificate of registration are not lower than those specified in said sections. Such practice shall continue only for such time as the board requires for the consideration of the application for registration; (d) the work of an employee or a subordinate of a person holding a certificate of registration under said sections, an employee of a person practicing lawfully under clause (b) or (c) of this section, or an employee of a firm, co-partnership, corporation or joint stock association engaging lawfully under clause (f) of this section; provided, such work does not include final designs or decisions and is done under the direct responsibility, checking and supervision of a person holding a certificate of registration under said sections or a person practicing lawfully under clause (b) or (c) of this section; (e) the practice of officers and employees of the government of the United States while engaged within the commonwealth in the practice of engineering or land surveying for said government; (f) the practice of engineering or land surveying in the commonwealth by a firm, co-partnership, corporation or joint stock association; provided, that the person in charge of such practice by such firm, co-partnership, corporation or joint stock association is a professional engineer or land surveyor, holding a certificate of registration under said sections; (g) the performance of engineering work or services by employees of a corporation engaged in manufacturing, research or development operations, which work or services are performed in connection with the research or development activities of, or the manufacture, sale, installation, maintenance, repair or service of the products of, such corporation, or of its parents, affiliates or subsidiaries; provided, that such research or development activities which are not related to the manufacture, sale, installation, maintenance, repair or service of the products of such corporation, or of its parents, affiliates or subsidiaries, are not primarily in connection with the construction of fixed works which are to be made available for use by the general public; (h) the practice of landscape architects, city planners and regional planners, in so far as their work consists in the consultations and preparation of master plans of parks, land areas, sites, organized groups of buildings or communities, or the preparation of detailed plans and the supervision of planting, grading, paving, and such structural features as fences, steps, walls, minor pools, garden structures and minor utilities normally included as part of their work; (i) sales personnel from recommending applications to specific uses of products for which they act as sales representatives; (j) the performance of engineering work or services by any person employed by an insurance company or by its agents, its affiliates or subsidiaries, or the performance of engineering work or services for insurance inspection and actuarial bureaus, provided such work or services in either case are incidental to the operation of an insurance company; (k) the work of an owner or managing agent of a building or any employee of such owner or agent making alterations or repairs to such building or supervising the same, or of a person engaged by such owner or agent to perform work of any other legally recognized trade exempted under clause (a) of this section; (l) the performance of engineering work and services by a person, firm or corporation subject to the jurisdiction of the department of public utilities or the department of telecommunications and cable which work and services are performed as part of their employment and for the benefit of such person, firm, or corporation; provided, however, that this subsection shall not apply to engineering work or services that could pose a material risk to public safety, as determined by the department of public utilities, performed by or on behalf of a gas company, as defined in section 1 of chapter 164, that distributes and sells gas within the commonwealth; or (m) the performance of engineering work and services by employees of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority which work and services are performed as part of their employment and for the benefit of the said authority.

M.G.L. ch. 142, s. 1

Section 1. In this chapter the following words shall have the following meanings:— ''Certificate'', a certificate of registration issued in accordance with section three of chapter five hundred and thirty-six of the acts of nineteen hundred and nine, section two of chapter five hundred and ninety-seven of the acts of nineteen hundred and ten or chapter five hundred and eighteen of the acts of nineteen hundred and twelve. ''Certificate of a plumbing corporation or certificate of a plumbing partnership'', a certificate of registration issued to a master plumber authorizing him to conduct the plumbing business as a corporation or as a partner in a partnership, as the case may be. ''Certificate of a gas fitting corporation or certificate of a gas fitting partnership'', a certificate of registration issued to a master gas fitter authorizing him to conduct the gas fitting business as a corporation or as a partner in a partnership, as the case may be. ''Examiners'', the board of state examiners of plumbers and gas fitters appointed under section thirty-six of chapter thirteen. ''Gas fitting'', any work which includes the installation, alteration, and replacement of a piping system beyond the gas meter outlet or regulator through which is conveyed or intended to be conveyed fuel gas of any kind for power, refrigeration, heating or illuminating purposes including the connection therewith and testing of gas fixtures, ranges, refrigerators, stoves, water heaters, house heating boilers, and any other gas using appliances, and the maintenance in good and safe condition of said systems, and the making of necessary repairs and changes. ''Journeyman gas fitter'', a person who himself does any work in gas fitting, subject to inspection under any law, rule or regulation. ''Journeyman plumber'', a person who himself does any work in plumbing and gas fitting, subject to inspection under any law, rule or regulation. ''Master gas fitter'', a gas fitter, having a regular place of business and who, by himself or journeyman gas fitters in his employ, performs gas fitting work, subject to inspection and in compliance of any law, rule or regulation pertaining to same. ''Master plumber'', a plumber having a regular place of business and who, by himself or journeyman plumbers in his employ, performs plumbing and gas fitting work, subject to inspection and in compliance with any law, rule, or regulation pertaining to same. ''Plumbing'', the work and practice, materials and fixtures used in the installation, removal, maintenance, extension, and alteration of a plumbing system; of all piping, fixtures, fixed appliances, and appurtenances in connection with any of the following: sanitary drainage, storm drainage facilities, special wastes, the venting system and the public or private water-supply systems, within or adjacent to any building, structure, or conveyance; to their connection with any point of public disposal or other acceptable terminal within the property line. ''Apprentice gas fitter'', a person who is learning and working at the business of gas fitting under the direct supervision of a master plumber, master gas fitter, journeyman plumber or journeyman gas fitter. ''Apprentice plumber'', a person who is learning and working at the business of plumbing under the direct supervision of a master plumber or journeyman plumber. ''Registered'', registered in accordance with section three of chapter five hundred and thirty-six of the acts of nineteen hundred and nine, section two of chapter five hundred and ninety-seven of the acts of nineteen hundred and ten or chapter five hundred and eighteen of the acts of nineteen hundred and twelve. ''Undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer'', a person who does any work in installing undiluted liquefied petroleum gas systems and appliances. ''Limited undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer'', a person who does any work in installing, connecting and moving from place to place undiluted liquefied petroleum gas salamanders, space heaters and related equipment used in buildings under construction.

M.G.L. ch. 142, s. 19

Section 19. No hot water tank shall be installed and connected unless it is protected with safety devices as follows:— A. A hot water tank in which water is to be heated or stored under pressure greater than fifteen pounds per square inch shall be equipped with a suitable pressure relief valve installed in a tapping in the tank or in the cold water supply line, or the hot water outlet line, with no shut-off valve between the relief valve and the tank. The pressure relief valve shall be set by the manufacturer to operate at a pressure not more than the maximum working pressure stamped on the tank or jacket or casing, and shall be so constructed that said setting cannot be exceeded by normal means of adjustment. B. A hot water tank to which a heating device or appliance capable of delivering water to the tank at a temperature greater than two hundred and twelve degrees Fahrenheit is connected shall be equipped with a suitable temperature relief valve so adjusted and installed as to prevent development of, or accumulation of, water which is at a temperature in excess of two hundred and twelve degrees Fahrenheit. Said temperature relief valve shall be installed in a tapping directly in or on the tank, within twelve inches of the top of a vertical tank, or within six inches of the top of a horizontal tank, with no fittings between the valve and the tank, except that a bushing may be used to reduce the tapping to fit the valve, or the valve shall be installed in the hot water outlet pipe as close to the top of the tank as possible. In no case shall the heat sensitive member of the temperature relief valve be more than five inches away from the top of the tank. The discharge outlet of the temperature relief valve shall be connected by means of a non-ferrous pipe or tubing not less than three eighths inch inside diameter, with no shut-off, to an open plumbing fixture, or to within twelve inches of the basement floor. A thermostatically controlled hot water tank may be protected by an automatic fuel shut-off device in addition to the thermostat. Such shut-off device shall be installed in the same location and perform the same function as said temperature relief valve. C. All parts of temperature and pressure relief valves which are in contact with water shall be made of non-ferrous metals or materials having suitable corrosion resisting properties. All pipe and fittings between relief valves and the hot water tank shall be of non-ferrous metals. D. Relief valves shall be marked by the manufacturer, by stamping or casting in the metal of the valve, or on a metal tag permanently attached to the valve, as follows:— 1. Manufacturer's name or registered trade mark. 2. The type or style, or the type and style, of the valve. 3. The pressure setting of the valve in pounds per square inch. 4. The temperature setting in degrees Fahrenheit. 5. Temperature relieving capacity in B.T.U. per hour. Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph B of this section, the protective devices specified therein shall not be required in the case of that portion of tankless water heaters which contain water to be heated or stored under the provisions of section seventeen. Said portion of tankless water heaters shall be equipped with a pressure relief valve and an automatic tempering device, set to deliver water not exceeding one hundred and eighty degrees Fahrenheit and located between said tankless water heater and any hot water supply pipe which it serves. All pipes and fittings between the tankless water heater and the pressure relief valve and the tempering device shall be of non-ferrous metals. All parts of the tempering device which are in contact with the water shall be of non-ferrous metals or other materials having suitable corrosion-resisting properties. Said tempering device shall be marked by the manufacturer by casting or stamping in the metal of the device, or on a metal tag permanently attached to the device, as follows:— 1. Manufacturer's name or registered trade name. 2. The type or style, or the type and style, of the device. 3. The temperature settings, in degrees Fahrenheit, plainly marked. E. Temperature and pressure relief valves and other devices referred to in this section shall be subject to the approval of the inspectors of plumbing or other proper authorities. F. All pipes and fittings in the circulating system between a hot water tank and the heating device or appliance shall be non-ferrous, and of ample size so as to make it possible to heat seventy-five per cent of the available water in the tank without raising the temperature of any part of the water above two hundred and twelve degrees Fahrenheit. G. No hot water tank shall be installed without being equipped with an approved device located so as to prevent any partial vacuum therein.

M.G.L. ch. 142, s. 4

Section 4. The examiners may make rules as they consider proper for the performance of their duties and shall promulgate rules and regulations governing the qualifications of applicants for examination. They shall examine each applicant desiring to engage in the business of a master plumber or a journeyman plumber, as to his practical knowledge of plumbing, house drainage, plumbing ventilation, and gas fitting. They shall examine each applicant desiring to engage in the business of a master gas fitter or a journeyman gas fitter as to his practical knowledge pertaining to gas fitting, natural and manufactured gas and the installation of undiluted liquefied petroleum. They shall examine each person who applies to be licensed as an undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer, and each person who applies to be licensed as a limited undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer. They shall subject each applicant to a practical test satisfactory to the examiner, who, if satisfied of his competence, shall issue to him a license as applied for. They shall hold frequent examinations in the city of Boston, and also at such other convenient places within the commonwealth as they deem necessary. Public notice shall be given of all examinations. Every application for examination shall be in the handwriting of the applicant who shall be notified by the examiners of the time and place of examination. The examiners may, without payment of any fee, issue a probationary license in force for six months to a person who, having worked as an apprentice, or under a verbal agreement for instruction, for not less than three years, presents an application therefor with the signed endorsement of his employer agreeing to be responsible for all work done under the license and to have the licensee, at the expiration of the license, present himself for examination as a journeyman. They shall grant a credit of five per cent to the examination standing of each applicant who is a veteran, as defined in clause Forty-third of section seven of chapter four. The examiners shall promulgate regulations to determine the allowable education and work hour credits for veterans and military personnel.

M.G.L. ch. 143, s. 3

Section 3. The chief administrative officer of each city or town shall employ and designate an inspector of buildings or building commissioner as well as such other local inspectors as are reasonably necessary to assist the inspector of buildings or building commissioner to administer and enforce the state building code as well as section thirteen A of chapter twenty-two and the rules and regulations made under the authority thereof. The building commissioner or inspector of buildings shall be the administrative chief in a city or town responsible for administering and enforcing the state building code as well as section thirteen A of chapter twenty-two and the rules and regulations made under the authority thereof. Any additional persons employed by a city or town to assist the building commissioner or inspector of buildings in the performance of his duties shall be called local inspectors. The local inspector shall also be responsible for enforcing the state building code as well as section thirteen A of chapter twenty-two and the rules and regulations made under the authority thereof. The inspector of buildings or building commissioner shall report directly and be solely responsible to the person or public body that appointed him. Two or more cities or towns may combine and share expenses in the appointment of any building commissioner or inspector of buildings and local inspectors. If the board of selectmen of two or more towns so vote, such towns may enter into an agreement with the county commissioners of the county wherein such towns are located relative to the appointment and compensation of a building commissioner or inspector of buildings and local inspectors. The county commissioners shall apportion the budget approved for the building commissioner or inspector of buildings and local inspectors in accordance with said agreement. Said apportionment shall forthwith be certified by said commissioners to the board of selectmen of each member town and the amounts so certified shall be appropriated and paid to the county treasurer in accordance with provisions of said agreement. Each inspector of buildings or building commissioner shall have had at least five years of experience in the supervision of building construction or design or in the alternative a four year undergraduate degree in a field related to building construction or design or any combination of education and experience which would confer equivalent knowledge and ability, as determined by the board. In addition, such person shall have had a general knowledge of the quality and strength of building materials; a general knowledge of the accepted requirements for building construction, fire prevention, light, ventilation, safe exits and the requirements of section thirteen A of chapter twenty-two and the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto pertaining to accessible design standards; and a general knowledge of other equipment and materials essential for safety, comfort, and convenience of the occupants of a building or structure. Each local inspector shall have had at least five years of experience in the supervision of building construction or design or in the alternative a two year associate degree in a field related to building construction or design or any combination of education and experience which would confer equivalent knowledge and ability, as determined by the board. In addition, such persons shall have a general knowledge of the quality and strength of building materials; a general knowledge of the accepted requirements for building construction, fire prevention, light, ventilation and safe exits; and a general knowledge of other equipment and materials essential for safety, comfort, and convenience of the occupants of a building or structure, and the energy requirements imposed by clause (p) of section 94. In the event that a city or town shall be without a local inspector, the board may, with the approval of the commissioner, direct an inspector to temporarily fulfill the duties of the local inspector for a period not to exceed thirty days. In such an event the inspector shall have all the powers of a local inspector. Each city or town shall reimburse the commonwealth for the actual cost of such services provided. The clerk of each city and town shall annually, not later than April first, transmit to the board in writing the name and official address of each inspector of buildings or building commissioner and each local inspector in such city or town. Every inspector of buildings, building commissioner or local inspector shall be certified by the board of building regulations and standards in accordance with regulations promulgated by said board.

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)