Dogging Operations and Load Control
Controlling the Load
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. During the lift: use tag lines where needed to control rotation and swing, keep personnel clear of the load and the fall zone, and never stand under a suspended load. At landing: guide the load to a stable, prepared surface, ensure it is supported before releasing tension, and only then remove slings.
Centre of Gravity and Stability
The centre of gravity must be under the hook for a level lift. If the load is unbalanced, it will tilt when lifted - adjust sling attachment points or use a spreader beam. Know how to test-lift slightly to check balance before committing to the full lift.
Traps in Questions
Common traps: assuming a load is balanced because it looks symmetrical; using tag lines as a substitute for exclusion zones; releasing slings before the load is fully supported; and standing between the load and a fixed object. Another trap is guiding a load by hand near pinch points instead of using a tag line.
Rule of Thumb
Never place any part of your body under or between a suspended load, and always test-lift to confirm balance.
Worked Example
A long pipe lifts tail-down because its centre of gravity is off-centre. Correct action: lower it, reposition the sling attachment points or add a second lifting point to bring the centre of gravity under the hook, then test-lift again before the full lift.