If you are planning your professional future in the construction trade or looking for a professional evolution, becoming a certified dogman is a rewarding career option. Dogging combines delicate rigging and lifting operations, as the load can be out of sight from the crane operator. Dogman certification is necessary to drive safely and efficiently loads operations.
This blog will give you an overview of your path to get your dogman certifications operations.
Education requirement
To be a dogman or a “dogger”, you must complete your high school education. That is the minimum requisite in Australia to get into the course. You need to be able to speak and write in excellent English, as communication is a must during dogging operations. If your English isn’t perfect or your communication skills are not the best, do a course to improve it beforehand so you will not put your team or equipment at risk. Your abilities and interest in mathematics are a must, as you will have to do calculations of weight, lift and distance.
On the administrative side, you must have an ID, passport or driver’s license and the age limit is 18.
Don’t rush it
To work on construction sites, you must have safety training, usually directed by organisations like Safe Work Australia or WorkSafe agencies. To put all chances on your side and become a unique dogman, acquaint yourself with safety regulations and requirements in Australia and mostly in your district. This way, you will perform your course with more knowledge.
Experiences and practice on the field are the best way to train yourself. Take your chance and ask for entry-level positions or apprenticeships before you reach your goal of dogging. You will learn about construction on the building site, watch and observe experienced dogmen and learn from them. That is also a great way to know whether you are ready for this job!
Get your dogman certification
It will be time to get certified when you feel ready and empowered!
Find the suitable Dogging courses for you. You want to verify the course is registered by Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) in Australia, that it applies Australian Standards and National Standards and that it follows the Occupational Health and Safety OH&S legislation.
To be a dogman, you must get a High-Risk Work Licence (HRWL), which should cover the requirement for Dogging Operations (DG). Note that the dogging course you start with gives you the first tier out of four to get an Advanced Rigging licence.
The main thing a Dogman course should cover is:
- direction of the load movement for cranes
- inspection of lifting equipment: chains, synthetic slings, shackles and lifting beams
- communication skills to direct the load when it is out of the operator’s view
- Safety rules to keep your team and material out of danger
Evolution options
Becoming a certified dogman is not closing doors to other career moves! With this certification, you can continue with crane operator or Rigger training. You can also consider specialisations in rigging or lifting operations that will add professional value to your person while keeping your knowledge fresh and renewable. Keeping yourself informed is a must. Get in touch with other dogmen and create a network around you. The certification is valid for five years, so you will have to get a renewal after that.
Summary
Thinking of your professional future is the first step to getting a great career. Recognising that Dogman certification is not an end but rather the beginning of a career in this field demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement.
