Dogging in Construction – 11 things you must know

Dogging work in the construction, manufacturing and mining industries is very common.

However, many aspects of Dogging work are misunderstood. Here are the top 11 questions and answers in relation to Dogging work.

What is dogging?

Dogging work comprises any one the these 2 main Dogging activities, which are:

  • The usage of slinging techniques to sling a load, including the selection and inspection of lifting gear
  • Communicating with and the direction of a crane operator when a load is being moved and not in the operators view.

How do I get a Dogman’s licence?

To get a dogging high risk work licence you need to complete training and assessment with a Registered Training Organisation.

The nationally accredited Unit of Competency you must complete to get a dogging high risk work licence in Australia is CPCCLDG3001A Licence to perform dogging.

What is a Dogging Licence?

A Dogging licence is one class of a total of 29 High Risk Work Licence classes as defined by Safe Work Australia and Occupational Health and Safety act in each state of Australia. Work safe also has a list of the 29 High Risk Work Licence classes on their website.

The DG endorsement will appear on your High Risk Work Licence if you have successfully completed a Digging High Risk Work Licence course.

What is a DG ticket?

There are two very different types of DG licences in Australia.

A DG licence can be known as a Dangerous Goods Licence to transport Dangerous Goods and also there is a Worksafe High Risk Work Licence which can be endorsed with the class DG which indicates the licence holder has a Dogging High Risk Work Licence.

How much does a Dogman earn?

Payscale.com.au lists the average hourly rate for Dogman in Australia as $32.97 per hour or an annualised salary of $65,148.

However personal experience has taught me that an experienced Dogman can earn substantially more than this.

How long does it take to do a Dogging course?

A Licence to Perform Dogging High Risk Work Licence course takes 5 days to complete.

How old do I need to be to get a Dogging license?

SafeWork Australia and WorkSafe Victoria require you to be 18 years old and have valid photo ID (such as a passport, Australian drivers licence, or keypass card).

How long is a Dogging licence valid for?

All High Risk Work Licences, including forklift, are valid for 5 years.

Your High Risk Work Licence will have an expiry date. You need to ensure that you apply for a renewal of your Dogging High Risk Work Licence prior to expiry. WorkSafe will send you a letter which will be used to renew your dogging licence at an Australian Post outlet.

If you have changed address since your last issue of or renewal of your Dogging High Risk Work Licence and have not advised Worksafe of your address change, you will not receive the letter you need to renew your licence. In this instance you will need to contact WorkSafe directly to arrange renewal or apply online at myworksafe.vic.gov.au.

Are there any prerequisites to get your Dogging Licence?

In addition to being 18 years old, trainees must also have adequate English language skills to safely complete tasks relating to Dogging work operation. Such as being able to:

  • Read and correctly interpret safe work method statements, load information and lifting equipment specifications
  • Complete paperwork such as risk assessments and logbook entries
  • Calculate the weight of loads based on dimensions and materials
  • Determine the lifting capacity of slings in various configurations
  • Speak English clearly
  • Explain, describe and verify sometimes complex needs and issues
  • Direct crane operators in the movement of loads

If a trainee is concerned that they may not have the required capabilities to complete our dogging licence course, please contact WAM Training on 1800-143-343 for advice.

Can a Dogger tag lifting equipment?

As per the definition of Dogging Work from the Occupational health and safety regulations 2017 (Vic.), the primary role of a dogman is the application of slinging techniques, including the selection or inspection of lifting gear, to sling a load.

Therefore a Dogman is qualified to inspect and tag slings.

What is the difference between Dogging & Rigging?

A Dogman is responsible for usage of slinging techniques and the selection and inspection of slings in addition to communicating with and the direction of a crane operator when a load is being moved and not in the operators view.

Being a qualified Dogger is a prerequisite to becoming a basic rigger.

A basic rigger in addition to being able to perform Dogging work, can also perform the following activities:

  • Use mechanical loadshifting equipment & associated equipment
  • Move, place or secure a load which can include plant, equipment or members of a building structure; and
  • Confirm the stability of members of a structure or building; or
  • Setting up or dismantling of cranes and hoists (Excluding the setting up of cranes or hoists which requires positioning of integral stabilisers or outriggers)Once you achieve a basic riggers licence you then have the options to complete an Intermediate Rigger and Advanced Rigger licences.

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