When working with cranes, the crane operator is just one part of the team. A dogman, sometimes called a dogger, is essential in assisting the crane operator in slinging loads and directing the crane to land loads safely, as well as inspecting lifting gear to determine that it is safe to use.
A rigger is also able to carry out these responsibilities but with extra skills for carrying out particular kinds of rigging work. There are three classes of rigging licenses, each with its own type of work that can be performed.
The type of licence you’ll need will depend on the specific work needed.
Dogman duties
A Dogman or “dogger” is a specialist in correctly slinging and directing loads handled by cranes. A Dogman must hold a “DG” High Risk Work Licence. The Dogman selects the best equipment to sling a certain load based on mass and centre of gravity.
In addition they perform the role of directing the crane operator whilst the load is out of the view of the operator using a combination of radio communication, whistles and hand signals. Often, the crane operator will work with a team of dogmen, for example: one on the ground to attach the load and another on top of the building to remove it.
Rigger duties
A rigger can perform all of the same duties that a Dogman can perform, as well as more advanced rigging techniques based on the type of rigger licence they have. The type of work that can be performed by each kind of rigger is as following:
Basic rigging (RB)
- Dogman duties
- Erecting of structural steel and materials
- Placement of pre-cast concrete members of a structure
- Installation of static lines, safety nets and work platforms for mast climbers
- Cantilevered crane loading platforms
Intermediate rigging – RI
- All Basic Rigging duties
- rigging of cranes, conveyors, dredges and excavators
- Erecting of tilt-slabs and precast concrete panels
- Dual-crane lifts
- Demolition
Advanced rigging – RA
- All Intermediate rigging duties
- Rigging of specialised materials, such as:
- Gin poles
- Shear legs
- Flying foxes
- Guyed derricks; and
- Guyed structures
- Erecting of suspended scaffolds and fabricated hung scaffolds.
For more information, see the Qld Government licensing information:
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a dogman and a rigger?
A dogman, also called a dogger, slings loads and directs the crane operator. A rigger can do all of the dogging work as well as rigging work, which has three licence classes: basic, intermediate and advanced rigging (Schedule 3 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld)). Each higher class covers the work of the class below it.
What does a dogman do?
A dogman selects the right lifting gear and slinging method for the load, based on its mass and centre of gravity, slings the load, and inspects the gear. When the load is out of the crane operator's view, the dogman directs the operator using radio, whistles or hand signals. Often a crane works with more than one dogman, for example one to attach the load and another to receive it.
Do I need a licence to be a dogman?
Yes. A person must not carry out a class of high risk work unless they hold a high risk work licence for that class (section 81 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld)), and dogging is one of the licence classes listed in Schedule 3. Section 82 sets out limited exceptions, such as training towards a licence under the supervision of a licensed person. Basic, intermediate and advanced rigger licences also cover dogging work.
What is the difference between dogging and rigging?
Dogging means slinging loads and directing a plant operator in moving a load. Rigging covers more: basic rigging includes work such as erecting structural steel and placing precast concrete members; intermediate rigging adds work such as cranes, conveyors, dredges and excavators, tilt slabs, demolition and dual lifts; advanced rigging adds work such as gin poles, flying foxes, guyed derricks and suspended scaffolds (Schedule 3 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld)).
This is general information, not legal advice. Check the current law or talk to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland for your situation.
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