Dogging Licence Course
Overview
This Dogging Licence Course is suitable for anyone who needs to attain a Dogging High Risk Work Licence (required to select and inspect slings, exercise judgement in slinging methods and to direct crane operators when loads are outside of view).
Why complete this Dogging Licence Course?
Section 21 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic.) requires that employers provide an adequate level of information, instruction, training and supervision to employees to enable them to work safely. Part 3.6 and Schedule 3 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Vic.) outlines the requirement to hold a High Risk Work Licence if conducting dogging work, which is defined as one or both of the following:
- the application of slinging techniques, including the selection or inspection of lifting gear, to sling a load
- the directing of a crane or hoist operator in the movement of a load when the load is out of the operator’s view
Further, slinging techniques are defined as “those slinging techniques that require the exercise of judgment in relation to the suitability and condition of lifting gear, and the method of slinging, by consideration of the nature of the load, its mass and its centre of gravity”.
If the work you do fits into the above categories, we strongly recommend completing a Dogging Licence Course.
- Selecting lifting equipment
- Inspecting lifting equipment (I.e. prior to use)
- Slinging methods using a range of lifting equipment, including flexible steel wire rope, chains and synthetic slings
- Directing crane operators using verbal, hand and whistle signals
- Victorian residents only
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Experience working around machinery is preferred
Available Dates
Upcoming Workshops
| Course Dates | Time | Available Spaces | Cost | Individual Bookings | Business Bookings |
| 19, 22 - 25 January 2024 | 07:45 am - 04:00 pm | 2 | $1,500.00 | ||
| 29 January - 2 February 2024 | 07:45 am - 04:00 pm | 7 | $1,500.00 | ||
| 5 - 9 February 2024 | 07:45 am - 04:00 pm | 6 | $1,500.00 | ||
| 12 - 16 February 2024 | 07:45 am - 04:00 pm | 8 | $1,500.00 | ||
| 19 - 23 February 2024 | 07:45 am - 04:00 pm | 9 | $1,500.00 | ||
| 26 February - 1 March 2024 | 07:45 am - 04:00 pm | 9 | $1,500.00 | ||
| 4 - 8 March 2024 | 07:45 am - 04:00 pm | 9 | $1,500.00 | ||
| 11 - 15 March 2024 | 07:45 am - 04:00 pm | 9 | $1,500.00 | ||
| 18 - 22 March 2024 | 07:45 am - 04:00 pm | 9 | $1,500.00 | ||
| 22, 25 - 28 March 2024 | 07:45 am - 04:00 pm | 9 | $1,500.00 | ||
| 8 - 12 April 2024 | 07:45 am - 04:00 pm | 9 | $1,500.00 | ||
| 15 - 19 April 2024 | 07:45 am - 04:00 pm | 9 | $1,500.00 | ||
| 29 April - 3 May 2024 | 07:45 am - 04:00 pm | 9 | $1,500.00 |
Course Details
Language, Literacy and Numeracy Requirements
For the Dogging Licence Course, trainees must 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.
What is the Dogging Licence Course outcome?
Upon successful completion of our Dogging Licence Course, trainees will be issued with a WorkSafe Notice of Assessment (which can then be used to apply for a High Risk Work Licence via the myWorkSafe Portal) and a Statement of Attainment.
Additional Dogging Licence Course Information
- A maximum of 9 trainees can attend this course
- Trainees should wear safety shoes (and hi-vis clothing if they can)
- This course is delivered over 5 days face-to-face with a blend of classroom-based and practical activities
- A Pre-Course Worksheet will be provided which must be completed prior to the course
- For identification, trainees should bring a driver’s licence or passport
What does the Dogging Licence Course assessment involve?
Informal Assessment (Formative Assessment)
WorkSafe Victoria requires Trainees to complete informal (formative) assessments before they are allowed to sit the formal (summative) assessments. That is to say that our Trainers need to have determined that the Trainee is ‘ready’ to sit the licence tests. We do this using three worksheets which must be correctly completed prior to the licence tests. If the worksheets aren’t completed correctly (I.e. the Trainer determines that the Trainee isn’t ready for the licence tests), then the formal (summative) assessments will need to be postponed. In some cases, this will attract additional charges – Therefore, thorough preparation prior to course commencement is critical.
Formal (Summative) Assessment
Trainees will then be formally assessed in three stages:
- Theory Assessment (71 short-answer questions)
- Maths Assessment (6 maths questions involving calculating load weights and determining the lifting capacity of slings in various configurations
- Practical Assessment (Hazard identification, sling selection and inspection and the directing of a crane operator via radio, hand and whistle signals
The formal assessments for the Dogging Licence Course are closed-book and no notes are permitted to be used. Also, if a Trainee is unable to complete the worksheets, additional one-on-one training may be required and can be provided as indicated below. Verbal assessments may be conducted for the Theory Assessment only. If required, verbal assessments may be postponed to a mutually agreeable date and time as they must be conducted one-on-one.
Re-Assessment
In the event that re-assessment is required, the following rates apply:
- Theory – $100
- Maths – $75
- Practical – $300
- Practical Training – $150 per hour if required
If you have any questions about our Dogging Licence Course, please contact WAM Training on 1800 143 343.
Do I need a DG licence if I’m following a lifting procedure?
Any time that judgement is exercised with regards to sling inspection or the slinging method a DG Licence will be required. WorkSafe Victoria has advised WAM that the use of inspection checklists would still require judgement to be exercised. Also, any time that a person is directing a crane operator to shift a load where that load is outside of the view of the operator, a DG Licence will be required.
I have my DG licence, what machines can I operate?
A DG Licence does not allow the operation of any machinery.
I don't live in Victoria - Why can't I enrol into this course?
If you complete this course but you do not live in Victoria, WorkSafe Victoria may refuse to grant your High Risk Work Licence (even if you’ve passed the course).
What if I don't complete my homework?
Trainees who haven’t completed their compulsory homework will not be permitted to attend the course and their course fees will be forfeited.
Simona –
Couldn’t have better trainers than the 2 assigned to our course. Having genuine, caring and highly knowledgeable people provided me with confidence and support. Coming from a desk job, and be able to complete the course would not have been possible without those 3 legends.
Thank you
Ben –
Great bunch of trainers. All have their own twist but all prepare you adequately for the exams and prac.
Thanks
David K –
Very well managed training centre, great facilities. Impressed with the whole program.
David –
All the fellas had great knowledge of the course and answered all questions asked by the class. First day was intimidating but throughout the week it became quiet clear the seriousness of the course and how much the trainers wanted us to successfully complete the course.
Rachael –
It has been awesome to have such down-to-earth trainers for this course. This really helped the experience feel welcoming! The group size and hands on experiences were great!
Rebecca –
Having no Prior experience in the industry this course was quite daunting, however the trainers were exceptional and I have learned a lot in a short amount of time.
The course content was extensive and we received more than enough time to practice new skills.
I would highly recommend this course to others.
James –
The trainer and crane operator where extremely knowledgeable. The course was well designed and gave all the required detail and information.
The course was bordering on being too much information in the time allocated but the trainers paced it well.
Sarah –
Fantastic course, supportive teachers, plenty of time to process info and ask questions. Teachers are friendly and helpful. Time to relax and laugh during learning. A great experience!
Kendra –
Thank you for your knowledge.
All staff have been excellent to work with.
Jamie –
Really Informative course and great trainers
Micah –
Course was delivered really well, a good balance of theory and prac.
Best trainers I’ve come across, all were happy to help as well and have a laugh with the students.
Tim –
Enjoyable well presented course. One of the best I’ve ever done.
Keep doing what you guys are doing – no complaints here. Will be recommending to my network!
Jacob –
Dave had a great teaching method and kept everything simplified but informative in covering all the important aspects of the course.
Dave and Tyrone were also very effective in the practical side of the course.
Raeid –
Dave and Tyrone are great instructors. Very informative and helpful.
Class/group environment was also great and easy going.
Well Spread out program.
Danny –
Dave pushes you hard to learn more than you need to, so come test time you are overprepared.
Like the Roman Army training with heavier swords than they will actually use in battle.
Rosario –
Steve and Tyrone have a natural ability to share their knowledge and made me feel encouraged throughout the course.
Ben –
Loved the course, all staff were excellent from the admin girls to Steve and Tyrone.
Will defiantly be back if needed and would encourage anyone in future to complete their training here.
Mario –
The examples of different ways to retain information for the assessment – like acronyms, was very good and helped in remembering a lot during the assessment. The sequence and trainer instruction was very good and helped in completing all assessments.
Anonymous –
Excellent course and delivery. Well versed instructor who could convey content well.
Michael –
Dave & Steve very informative. Relatable no nonsense attitude. I thoroughly enjoyed my training week.
Ryan –
My trainer went above and beyond to resolve issues with my other HRWL tickets. Having his knowledge and reach within the working community allowed everyone to walk away confident and understanding the risks that are out there.
Luke –
Justin was friendly and easy to understand. I feel that as a result of his competence I am now able to successfully preform dogging work.
Ben –
Staff from entry to exit, they treat people with respect, free fruit basket to grab, men and women alike were professionals and polite. The trainers were clear and helpful, tried to make course less boring. Brings in lunch orders by staff, seen female students doing the courses which was cool and not one-sided. All in all, I got two tickets from them and the staff were not simply there for a paycheck. For the employers, your workers, if they have ears and half of a brain of a 10 year old with a calculator, they can pass.
Andre –
Completed a doggers course at the Laverton Branch. The facility’s are fantastic and modern, very clean and tidy with ample parking. Justin and Tyrone were great to work alongside, very welcoming helpful and professional. The rest of the WAM team were very friendly, always saying hello and asking how things were going. Highly recommend, I will be returning to WAM for any future training needs.
Tau –
I have attended several courses during the COVID-19 crisis In order to upgrade skills with accredited licenses. Thanks to all the staff members for their professionalism and dedication to making this achieve-able and always positive in broaching any issues.
Scott –
Did the dogging course here and at first it was overwhelming when they showed the week’s schedule but they have it set up in a way that you learn everything at a comfortable pace and I came out of the course feeling very knowledgeable on dogging. Have also done working safely at heights and traffic management with them and they are very thorough and professional.