Dogging and Rigging Course

Lesson 1 • Personal Protective Equipment Selection

Identifies PPE requirements specific to dogging and rigging environments. Learners match PPE types to task hazards and inspection criteria.

Lesson 2 • Roles and Responsibilities on Site

Defines the legal and functional roles of doggers, riggers, crane operators, and supervisors. Clarifies accountability chains that underpin every subsequent chapter.

Lesson 3 • Hazard Identification and Risk Management

Introduces the risk management process specific to lifting operations. Learners apply the hierarchy of controls to common dogging and rigging hazards.

Lesson 4 • Regulatory Framework Overview

Surveys the hierarchy of work health and safety legislation, codes of practice, and industry standards. Provides the compliance baseline learners apply throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Sling Angle and Load Factor Calculations

Demonstrates how sling angle affects tension and working load limits. Learners use load factor tables and trigonometry to size slings correctly.

Lesson 2 • Center of Gravity Determination

Teaches methods for locating the center of gravity of regular and irregular loads. Accurate CoG location determines safe lift point placement.

Lesson 3 • Structural Integrity of Lift Points

Assesses the adequacy of engineered and improvised lift points on loads. Learners identify when a structural engineer's input is required.

Lesson 4 • Load Weight Estimation Techniques

Provides methods for estimating load weight from dimensions, material density, and manufacturer data. Accurate estimation prevents overloading of rigging gear.

Lesson 1 • Chain Slings and Components

Examines chain grades, link types, and associated hardware such as hooks and master links. Learners apply grade-specific working load limits.

Lesson 2 • Wire Rope Slings

Covers wire rope construction, grades, and end terminations used in rigging. Learners identify defects that require immediate removal from service.

Lesson 3 • Blocks, Sheaves, and Spreader Beams

Introduces mechanical advantage devices and load-spreading equipment used in complex lifts. Learners calculate reeving ratios and verify beam certifications.

Lesson 4 • Shackles, Hooks, and Connecting Hardware

Details bow, dee, and safety shackles alongside swivel hooks and eye bolts. Learners verify correct pin installation and working load limit matching.

Lesson 1 • Basic Hitch Configurations

Teaches vertical, choker, and basket hitch methods with their respective load capacity effects. Each hitch is practiced on representative loads before progressing.

Lesson 2 • Load Control During Lift and Travel

Covers tag line use, load orientation, and controlled landing techniques. Learners maintain load stability from pick-up through final placement.

Lesson 3 • Multi-Leg Sling Arrangements

Extends single-leg techniques to two-, three-, and four-leg configurations. Learners calculate leg tensions and verify symmetrical load distribution.

Lesson 4 • Pre-Lift Checks and Trial Lifts

Establishes the systematic pre-lift inspection sequence and trial lift protocol. Learners verify rigging integrity before committing to full lift height.

Lesson 1 • Tower and Overhead Crane Fundamentals

Introduces luffing and hammerhead tower cranes alongside overhead bridge cranes. Students identify the dogger's role when working with fixed-path cranes.

Lesson 2 • Crane Limitations and Exclusion Zones

Identifies structural, mechanical, and environmental limits that restrict crane operation. Students establish exclusion zones proportional to crane radius and load weight.

Lesson 3 • Mobile Crane Classifications

Surveys all-terrain, rough-terrain, truck-mounted, and crawler crane types. Students match crane type to site conditions and lift requirements.

Lesson 4 • Crane Setup and Ground Bearing Pressure

Covers outrigger extension, pad sizing, and ground bearing pressure calculations. Inadequate ground support is a leading cause of crane overturning.

Lesson 1 • Lift Study Preparation

Teaches the components of a formal lift study including load data, crane configuration, and rigging schedule. Students draft a complete lift study for a given scenario.

Lesson 2 • Safe Work Method Statements for Lifting

Structures a lifting-specific SWMS covering hazards, controls, and emergency procedures. Students align SWMS content with the corresponding lift study.

Lesson 3 • Site Survey and Environmental Assessment

Guides students through pre-lift site surveys covering ground conditions, overhead hazards, and access routes. Survey findings directly inform crane selection and rigging design.

Lesson 4 • Classifying Lift Complexity

Distinguishes routine, non-routine, and critical lift categories using industry criteria. Correct classification determines the level of planning and authorization required.

Lesson 1 • Tandem and Multi-Crane Lifts

Addresses load sharing, communication protocols, and synchronization in lifts using two or more cranes. Students calculate individual crane loads and draft tandem lift plans.

Lesson 2 • Incident Management During Lifts

Prepares students to respond to load swing, sling failure, and crane malfunction during active lifts. Rapid, correct responses minimize injury and equipment damage.

Lesson 3 • Confined Space and Restricted Access Lifts

Adapts standard rigging techniques to confined spaces where equipment and movement are restricted. Students identify additional permits and atmospheric monitoring requirements.

Lesson 4 • Structural Steel Erection Rigging

Covers rigging methods for columns, beams, and trusses including temporary bracing requirements. Students identify connection sequences that maintain structural stability.

Lesson 1 • Practical Rigging Assessment Tasks

Covers assessed rigging tasks including complex slinging, spreader beam use, and multi-crane coordination. Students demonstrate safe work practices throughout.

Lesson 2 • Assessment Framework and Criteria

Outlines the competency units, performance criteria, and evidence requirements for licensing. Students understand exactly what examiners observe and record.

Lesson 3 • Practical Dogging Assessment Tasks

Guides students through assessed tasks including load calculation, sling selection, and directing crane movements. Each task mirrors real worksite conditions.

Lesson 4 • Licensing Application and Ongoing Compliance

Explains the licensing application process, renewal cycles, and continuing professional development obligations. Students leave with a clear pathway to maintaining their license.