Industrial Supplies and Other Stuff

The construction process often involves many intricate procedures that are carried out by industrial equipment. Dogging is one of those important construction activities that require persons to be adequately licenced in order to carry out this work. 

Dogging involves applying slinging techniques to move a load from one location to another. The process also involves selecting and inspecting the gear used to lift certain items. In addition, a person carrying out dogging is also responsible for directing a crane operator when moving a particular load.

One must obtain a dogging licence before carrying out this work. When it comes to operating machinery, Australian law is very strict about who can obtain a licence to allow for such operations. A dogging licence in Australia is harder to obtain than in other regions such as the US or Europe. Most countries issue licenses through the training school or center that was used, while Australia issues licenses through the work Cover of the particular state/territory.

Australia uses a two-step process for licencing: applying for the dogging training in Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and applying for the actual dogging licence from the WorkCover of your resident state.

Qualifying for a dogging licence

There are certain requirements you need to fulfill before you can obtain a dogging licence. These include:

• Completion of a training course through a registered training organization (RTO)
• A resident of Australia with sufficient knowledge of English
• A driver's licence if the forklift is to be driven on public roads
• At least 18 years of age

The application process 

Applying for a dogging licence involves providing the necessary documentation and an approval process that takes about 3 weeks.

• The first step is to enroll in and RTO in your state/territory and complete the required training.

• Schedule your written and practical exams, which must be witnessed by a designated trainer. (Successful completion of the exams leads to the issuing of a 'statement of attainment'.)

• Complete an Evidence of Identity (EOI), which is an identity test.

• Fill in an application form and pay the required fees, after which you submit your application to the Australia post (The post receives your application on behalf of the WorkCover.) 

• Licences are issued 3 weeks after the application is submitted.

​Duties involved under a dogging license

• Weight of the load must be pre-determined
• The slinging techniques must also be specified in advance
• Lifting procedures must be clearly documented
• Condition of the equipment used in slinging must be consistently checked

Operating industrial equipment is considered a high-risk job, therefore adequate training and experience is necessary in order to obtain a dogging licence.