Dogman Safe Work Method Statement

The Dogging licence (DG) permits holders to select and inspect lifting gear, sling loads up to 3000 kilograms, direct crane and hoist operations using standard signals, and perform basic rigging operations on construction sites. Dogmen work directly with crane operators coordinating lifting operations but are limited to basic rigging configurations using standard slings, chains, and shackles. The Rigging licence comes in two classes - Basic Rigging (RB) and Intermediate Rigging (RI). Basic Rigging permits use of rigging equipment to move loads exceeding 3000 kg but not involving complex rigging, whilst Intermediate Rigging permits advanced rigging operations including multi-crane lifts, complex bridle configurations, and specialised rigging scenarios. Rigging licences require more extensive training in load calculations, advanced rigging design, and engineering principles. For typical construction lifting operations involving standard loads and straightforward rigging, Dogging licences are sufficient and most commonly used. Workers planning to specialise in complex lifting operations or work on major infrastructure projects typically progress to Rigging qualifications after gaining practical experience as dogmen. Both Dogging and Rigging licences are issued under national high-risk work licence system administered by state and territory workplace safety authorities.

When documented load weights are unavailable, dogmen must calculate weights using material volumes and densities ensuring conservative estimates accounting for uncertainty. Measure load dimensions carefully recording length, width, and height or diameter for cylindrical loads. Calculate material volume - for rectangular loads multiply length x width x height, for cylindrical loads use formula π × radius² × length. Apply appropriate material densities converting volume to weight - structural steel 7850 kg/m³, reinforced concrete 2400 kg/m³, hardwood timber 900 kg/m³, softwood timber 600 kg/m³, aluminium 2700 kg/m³. Add contingency of 10-20% to calculated weights accounting for moisture content in timber and concrete, attachments and fixtures on equipment, and manufacturing variations. For complex geometries or hollow sections, estimate weight of solid volume then reduce by estimated proportion of voids, adding generous contingency for uncertainty. Cross-check calculated weights using rules of thumb - a cubic metre of steel weighs approximately 7.85 tonnes, a cubic metre of concrete approximately 2.4 tonnes. If significant uncertainty remains, use load cells providing direct weight measurement, or engage engineering personnel to provide weight estimates. Never guess load weights - underestimating load weight by even small percentages can exceed rigging capacity when applying required safety factors. Document weight calculation methodology and values in lift planning documentation demonstrating systematic approach. Conservative weight estimates ensuring rigging has adequate capacity are always preferable to optimistic estimates risking overload failures.

Australian Standard AS 2550.1 prescribes standardised crane hand signals that all crane operators and dogmen must learn during licensing training. Key signals include: Hoist - extend arm vertically with thumb pointing up and rotate hand in circular motion indicating upward load movement. Lower - extend arm vertically with thumb pointing down and rotate hand indicating downward movement. Slew Left/Right - extend arm horizontally pointing in direction of desired slew movement. Travel - extend both arms forward pointing in direction of travel with hands moving back and forth. Stop - extend arm with palm facing operator in stopping motion - this signal has immediate priority over all other signals. Emergency Stop - extend both arms with rapid waving motion across body indicating urgent complete cessation of all movements. Dog Everything - clasp hands above head indicating secure load and prepare for operation. Signals must be given clearly from position visible to operator, with exaggerated movements allowing recognition at distance and in various lighting conditions. Operators must not proceed with movements unless signals are clear and unambiguous - ambiguous signals require confirmation or alternative communication before executing movements. For complex operations or blind lifts where visual signals are not feasible, radio communication supplements hand signals, though emergency stop hand signals maintain priority even when radio communication is primary method. All dogmen should regularly review signal definitions ensuring consistent application, and periodic testing should verify operators correctly interpret signals given by different dogmen. Signal charts should be displayed at site offices and crane cabs providing reference material readily accessible for confirmation when questions arise about signal meanings.

Minimum clearance distances from overhead power lines vary according to voltage and are prescribed in state electrical safety regulations typically based on national guidelines. For low voltage power lines up to 1000V (standard distribution voltage), minimum clearance is 3 metres for any part of crane structure, boom, load, or rigging. For high voltage lines from 1kV to 33kV, minimum clearance is 3 metres. For higher voltages from 33kV to 132kV, minimum clearance increases to 6 metres. For transmission voltages from 132kV to 330kV, minimum clearance is 8 metres. For voltages exceeding 330kV, clearances of 10 metres or more may be required depending on specific voltage. These clearances account for electrical arcing capability where electricity can arc across air gaps without physical contact, particularly for high voltage transmission lines. Clearances apply to boom, loads, rigging, and any metallic elements that could conduct electricity. Before operating cranes near power lines, survey the work area identifying all overhead services and obtaining voltage information from electricity supply authority. Where possible, arrange for power isolation removing hazard entirely - electricity authorities may isolate power for construction operations subject to notice periods and fees. If isolation is not possible, install physical barriers or goal post structures preventing crane boom or loads from entering minimum clearance zones. Assign dedicated spotters monitoring clearances continuously during operations near power lines. Wind-induced load swing must be considered when establishing working clearances, maintaining greater distances in windy conditions. Document clearance requirements in lift plans and brief all personnel about power line locations and required clearances before operations commence. Electricity authority contact details for emergency response must be readily available on site in case of power line contact incidents.

Complex and critical lifting operations require formal written lift plans documenting systematic planning and control measure implementation. Lift plans should be prepared for lifts exceeding 75% of crane rated capacity, tandem lifts involving multiple cranes, lifts over occupied buildings or public areas, blind lifts where operators cannot observe loads, lifts near overhead power lines, and any lift where significant consequences would result from incidents. Lift plan documentation should include: description of load including weight, dimensions, centre of gravity location, and any special handling requirements; rigging design showing rigging types, capacities, configurations, and attachment methods; crane selection and positioning showing crane type, capacity at working radius, counterweight configuration, and outrigger or crawler positions; load path diagram showing pick-up location, travel path, and setting location with clearances to obstacles noted; personnel assignments identifying crane operator, dogman, riggers, spotters, and support personnel; communication protocols specifying primary and backup methods; emergency procedures including load drop response, power line contact protocols, and injured personnel rescue; and environmental considerations including weather limits and staging for weather events. Lift plans for critical lifts should be reviewed by engineering personnel or experienced lift planning specialists verifying load weight calculations, rigging design adequacy, and crane capacity sufficiency. Plans should be briefed to all personnel involved before operations commence ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities and the overall lift sequence. Where third-party verification of lift engineering is required by principal contractors or regulations, engage specialist lift study engineers to provide certified lift plans. Completed lift plans should be maintained as records documenting systematic planning and regulatory compliance demonstration. Post-lift reviews comparing actual execution against plans identify planning improvements for similar future lifts and document lessons learned.

Dogmen have professional responsibility and legal right to refuse to direct lifting operations they consider unsafe or beyond their competency level regardless of pressure from operators, supervisors, or production demands. If asked to direct complex lifts exceeding their experience including tandem lifts, critical lifts requiring engineering certification, lifts near overhead power lines without adequate clearance monitoring capability, or any situation where they cannot ensure safe execution, dogmen should clearly communicate their limitations to requesting personnel and recommend engaging more experienced dogmen or rigging specialists. Work Health and Safety legislation protects workers from discrimination or adverse action for exercising rights to cease unsafe work, with substantial penalties applicable to employers who disadvantage workers for raising safety concerns. Before refusing work, dogmen should clearly articulate specific concerns - whether inadequate rigging equipment available, load weight uncertainty, environmental conditions unsuitable, inadequate exclusion zone establishment, or other identified deficiencies requiring correction before proceeding safely. Often concerns can be addressed through additional planning, equipment provision, or personnel support allowing work to proceed safely. Where concerns cannot be adequately addressed, dogmen should document refusal including describing why work was considered unsafe, what controls were proposed but not implemented, and what personnel were notified of refusal. Site management should support systematic approach to competency-based work allocation ensuring dogmen are assigned to lifting operations matched to their experience level rather than expecting all dogmen can direct all lifts. Mentoring relationships pairing experienced dogmen with less experienced personnel provides supervised skill development whilst maintaining safety. Professional development through training in advanced rigging techniques, lift planning, and critical lift procedures expands dogmen capabilities allowing progression to more complex work whilst maintaining competent safe performance. Dogmen uncertain about their capability for specific lifts should proactively seek guidance from more experienced personnel before operations commence rather than discovering limitations during active lifting where retreat is more difficult.