Dogging (DG) study guide
Dogging (DG) · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Dogging is the Australian competency standard for workers who sling, secure and direct loads moved by cranes and hoists. A dogger selects and inspects lifting gear, attaches loads to the hook, works out sling tensions and load angles, controls the load with taglines, and directs the crane operator by radio or hand signals. The Dogging (DG) study guide has 6 sections and about 1,951 words.
01Safety, Legislation, and Standards
Dogging sits inside a layered legal system. Understand the hierarchy: work health and safety (WHS) legislation sets the general duty to ensure health and safety so far as reasonably practicable; regulations add specific duties for high-risk work; and Australian Standards, manufacturer instructions and site procedures fill in the technical detail.
327 words, about 2 min02Rigging and Lifting Equipment
A dogger must identify, inspect and select lifting gear correctly. Know the common items: chain slings, wire rope slings, synthetic webbing slings, round slings, shackles (bow and Dee), swivel hoist rings, eye bolts, lifting beams, spreader bars, plate clamps, sling hooks and master links.
335 words, about 2 min03Load Estimation and Sling Tension Calculations
You must estimate load mass before rigging. Use known data first - mass stamped on the item, delivery dockets, manufacturer data - then calculate from volume and density for regular shapes.
329 words, about 2 min04Communication and Signaling
Effective communication prevents incidents. The core principle is a single designated signal person - usually the dogger - directing the crane operator.
304 words, about 2 min05Lift Planning and Risk Assessment
Every lift needs a plan proportionate to its risk. Routine lifts follow a documented procedure; complex, critical or unfamiliar lifts require a detailed lift study and often an engineering assessment.
336 words, about 2 min06Dogging Operations and Load Control
Dogging is about controlling the load from preparation to landing. Before the lift: confirm the load mass and centre of gravity, select and inspect gear, attach slings correctly, protect against sharp edges, and check the load is balanced and secure.
320 words, about 2 min