Who Needs A Dogman Licence?
Everyone who is engaging in some sort of dogging work is required to have a dogman ticket.
Slinging a load requires more than just hooking up the relevant chains or cables. To safely sling a load, it requires an understanding of the suitability of the lifting gear, as well as what method of slinging is required. Further consideration of the nature of the load, such as its mass and centre of gravity, is also a factor. The Dogman course teaches you the basics to get the load move safely.
There are limited times when someone who hasn’t undergone a dogging course or have a High Risk Work Licence (DG) will be able to safely sling a load.
For someone who does not hold a Dogman licence or High Risk Work Licence to engage in basic dogging, then following conditions must be met:
- The weight of the load to be lifted must be predetermined by a competent person (e.g. marked on the load).
- The sling and slinging techniques for the load must be predetermined by a competent person.
- The condition of lifting gear must be predetermined by a competent person.
- The lifting points must be predetermined by a competent person and marked on the load.
- The load must be lifted within the view of the operator at all times.
- The lifting procedures must have been documented and signed-off by a competent person.
A person with a High Risk Work Dogging (DG) Licence must be used if these circumstances are not met. As you can see the conditions are onerous and rightly so as human life is at stake, so you must get licenced practical persons to do the job.
Do I Need To Renew My Dogging Licence
Your dogging licence in theory can last forever. However, just like a driver’s licence, it requires renewing.
A dogman licence must be renewed every 5 years. In order to renew a dogman licence and continue being a dogger, you must ensure you pay the prescribed fee to WorkSafe Australia.
What To Do After A Dogman Course
Firstly, you receive your dogman licence. This will look similar to a drivers licence, and here is a photo of an actual licence below (the person’s details have been blanked out for privacy).
Once you have your dogman ticket, you are qualified to make judgment calls when it comes to slinging a load, as well as direct hoist and crane operators with moving loads they cannot see. With your dogman licence, you are able to begin working on constructions sites as a dogman.
Alternatively, you can further your general rigging education by undertaking a basic rigging course. This option can offer more potential rigging courses and a career in dogging and rigging generally.
Dogging Or Dogman?
There is some confusion sometimes when it comes to what a dogman is in relation to dogging or a dogger.
The simple explanation is that a dogman, colloquially known as a dogger, is the person. The actual task – the slinging techniques or guiding of loads mentioned above – is called dogging work.
