Rigger and Dogger Training
Mr Dau is a Technical Assistant at the Department of Automotive and Mechanical of the National Training & Productivity Centre of the Fiji National University.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect or represent the position of the Fiji National University.
This trade mainly deals with working on heavy loads and heights, acquiring techniques, and safety.
Rigging is a work involving the use of mechanical load shifting equipment and associated gear to move, place, or secure a load, including plant, equipment, or members of a building or structure, and to ensure the stability of those members and the setting-up and dismantling of cranes and hoist.
Riggers assemble temporary structures like scaffolding on construction sites and move and assemble pre-cast facades and panels on buildings under construction.
Riggers are also employed in wharves, loading, and making large, heavy containers for exports or unloading containers for imported stuff.
They interpret load charts, blueprints, and specifications to determine the appropriate rigging methods and equipment.
Riggers also communicate effectively with crane operators and other team members to coordinate lifts and ensure that safety protocols are followed.
Basic rigging incorporates the skills needed for dogging, but they also have additional training and qualifications to allow them to perform more complex tasks.
This can include: ■ movement of plant and equipment
■ erecting steel structure
■ hoists
■ placement of pre-cast concrete
■ safety nets and static lines
■ mast climbers
■ perimeter safety screens and shutters
■ cantilevered crane loading platform
■ erecting and dismantling complex lifting systems, such as gantries and derricks
■ splicing and repairing wire rope slings
■ perform calculations to ensure that lifting equipment is not overloaded
■ supervising a team of doggers and crane operators
■ erecting cranes, mobile crane
booms, and adjusting the height of tower cranes
■ following workplace Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures
Dogging on a building site serves a number of purposes.
A dogger is primarily a person who knows how to safely sling a load using slinging techniques.
A dogman or dogger is a person who has received the necessary training in dogging, and they are crucial to the construction, demolition, heavy vehicle, shipping, freight, and other industries.
A dogger bears a great deal of responsibility on the job site since they are the primary choice and inspector of lifting equipment needed to sling a weight securely.
A dogger must be properly trained and certified to perform their job since improperly fastened loads using slings, hooks, and chains can pose a severe risk to public safety.
Additionally, doggers are trained to guide plant workers in the safe movement of loads throughout a facility. When visibility is poor, the dogger assists crane, telehandler, and excavator operators in moving their loads safely in addition to slinging and tying down loads.
Hand signals, whistles, and twoway radios are some of the ways the dogger might communicate to help the plant operator locate their load down safely.
Doggers are also sometimes called slingers or banksmen, specialising in preparing loads for lifting and working directly with lifting gear.
They work closely with riggers
and crane operators to safely maneuver loads into position.
Doggers also maintain clear communication with the rigging team and other workers on the ground to ensure safe and efficient operations. They are responsible for:
■ Selecting and inspecting slings and other lifting tackles to ensure they are appropriate and in good condition. Attaching slings to the load securely and correctly using knots, hitches, and other techniques.
■ Signalling to crane operators using hand signals or radio to guide them in lifting and lowering the loads safely.
■ Directs a crane operator in the movement of a load when the load is out of the operator’s view.
■ Calculate the safe working load (SWL)of any rope, sling, or chain to be used for lifting.
■ Familiar with the different types of cranes, hoists, and lifting equipment, as well as their operation and maintenance requirements.
Rigger and dogger positions can be exciting and challenging careers, but they also come with significant responsibility due to the safety risks involved.
It’s essential to fully understand the requirements and training involved before applying.
Here’s what you need to know to get started:
Licensing and Qualifications:
■ Rigger and Dogger: In many jurisdictions, both riggers and doggers require specific licenses or certifications to work legally. These licenses typically involve training and testing in areas like load calculations, sling selection, safe work practices, and relevant regulations.
Age Requirement: The minimum age requirement for these licenses and positions can vary, but it’s often 18 or 19 years old. This is due to the maturity and judgment needed for such a safety-critical role.
Riggers and doggers are both involved in the safe and secure movement of heavy loads, but their roles differ slightly.
Both riggers and doggers play essential roles in ensuring the safety of people and property when lifting heavy loads.
They must have a good understanding of physics, mechanics, and safety regulations.
Application of Rigger/Dogger with other trades
Rigging and dogging trade contributes to safety and easing of work when linking up with other trades.
Having the skills and knowledge of a Rigger/Dogger is very important in relation to different trades.
Being a welder/fabricator, a fitter/machine, an electrical fitter, a diesel fitter, or an automotive mechanic, to name a few.
Whether it be light or heavy, the Rigger/Dogger trade plays a significant role in achieving your work target safely.
Riggers/Doggers enjoy practical work and working outdoors in a team environment.
They are physically fit and safety conscious and are usually employed in the construction mining, logging yards, shipbuilding, harbours, and manufacturing industries.
A dogman or dogger is a person who has received the necessary training in dogging, and they are crucial to the construction, demolition, heavy vehicle, shipping, freight, and other industries. A dogger bears a great deal of responsibility on the job site since they are the primary choice and inspector of lifting equipment needed to sling a weight securely. A dogger must be properly trained and certified to perform their job since improperly fastened loads using slings, hooks, and chains can pose a severe risk to public safety.
Training and Preparation:
On-the-Job Training: Some employers may offer on-the-job training programmes for rigger and dogger positions. However, these programs usually require you to meet the minimum age requirement and may still need additional formal training or certification. The Fiji National University (FNU) conducts various short courses at its National and Productivity Centre (NTPC), and the Rigging/Dogging course is also included.
To prepare yourself to meet the requirements for employment, NTPC invites you to visit one of its centres to enrol, learn, and train with qualified and experienced trainers.
Conclusion
Rigging and dogging are critical roles in industries requiring the lifting and positioning of heavy loads.
Professionals in these positions play a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of construction, maritime, and manufacturing operations through their expertise in rigging techniques, safety protocol, and effective communication.