Dogging is a high-skill training course for guiding crane operations and safe lifting. It is a delicate practice that needs to be done by a trained worker.
To be a dogger, a person who can carry out this skill, you need to have a license. You will then be able to perform safe slinging techniques and guide a working crane operator who can’t see the loads. Carrying out a dogging course will provide training in the correct lifting process and keep workers and the environment safe. This post will tell you everything about the course and knowledge to be a great dogger.
Prerequisites to be a dogger
This course is doable for people over 18 years old. You must be able to read, speak and correctly interpret the English language and all technical words related to safety, load, and equipment. As a dogger, your job includes calculating weight, lift and distance. Therefore you need to understand mathematical formulas and calculations. Your ability to express yourself clearly is important so your team understands you, especially when difficult situations or potential dangers arise.
An ID, such as a passport or driver’s licence, is also required.
Get a registered course
You need to choose training with a registered training organisation with High-Risk Work HRW and follow the Occupational Health and Safety OH&S legislation. That will ensure that you get proper training and are able to perform your job safely. To be certified, you must follow a five-day training, which includes theory and practical knowledge.
Your licence will be valid for five years; you will need a renewal after this time. This can also be an opportunity to learn about new technologies and knowledge. The organisation will send you a reminder, and you can do it online.
The course content must include:
- Selecting the lifting equipment
The first thing to learn is how to distinguish and choose the right equipment needed by considering the nature of the load, its mass and the centre of gravity.
- Inspecting lifting equipment
Before lifting, the attachment of the lifting gear must be safe. You will learn how to ensure the safety of this by checking the chains, hooks and slings. It must all be well attached and hooked to avoid miscarriage of the load and potential accidents.
That will aid your decision on the correct slinging method, considering all the factors.
- Safe directing of crane operators
Communication in the team is the key to ensuring safe operations of the slinging load. When your crane operator can not see the shipment, you need to communicate to him the exact instructions in a language that you both understand. This will include hand signals and radio communication so you can direct each movement needed to move the load.
Cost and earning
The course to become a certified dogger is priced at around $12500, including the course fee and the high-risk licence application fee. It can vary depending on the organisation’s location or reputation.
A dogger will be paid, on average in Australia, $32.97 per hour or an annualised salary of $65,148, making the price of the license well worth the cost.
Summary
Dogging is an important skill to learn with the proper professional organisation. Choosing the correct training course will ensure you have the required safety skills and all the knowledge to command your team with clear communication and trust. The most important thing in crane operation is to anticipate any danger or obstacle to your slinging. Doing the right course will give you all the knowledge, and you will feel empowered and in control. If this is the role for you, go for it and enjoy the professional ascension.
