Do you get confused about the difference between Dogging and Rigging? From the outside they look like they are the same thing, however, there are some important differences.
Some companies use these words interchangeably to add to the confusion. Although a Rigger is frequently in a position to carry out all of the same duties as a Dogman with a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL), they often have more expertise and are protected by additional licenses that are unique to Rigging duties.
Below we’re going into depth about the differences between dogging and basic rigging so that you can determine if a dogman ticket test or rigging certification is best for you.
What is Dogging?
A Dogman or “dogger” is a specialist in slinging and guiding loads handled correctly by cranes. The Dogman must hold a High Risk Work Licence “DG.” The Dogman chooses the best equipment for slinging a certain load depending on the mass and the center of gravity.
In addition, they perform the purpose of guiding the crane operator when the load is not seen by the operator using a combination of radio contact, whistles, and hand signals. The crane operator would also operate with a team of dogmen – one on the ground to attach the load and another on the top of the building to lift it.
The dogmen ‘Dogger’ is responsible for the following on-site activity:
- Usage of slinging techniques.
- Determination of the weight of the load to be raised.
- Selection and testing of the lifting gear equipment.
- Directing of the operator of the crane in the movement of the load.
- Safe dogging practices.
What is Rigging?
A rigger can perform all the same activities as a Dogman can perform, as well as more advanced rigging techniques depending on the type of rigger licence they have.
Traditionally, basic rigging was someone who held a rigging licence and used hoists and pulleys. More recently, the construction industry has extended the term rigging to include the use of mechanical load shifting equipment, including:
- Moving, positioning, or securing a load using a mechanical load shifting system.
- Dismantling or erecting a structure, crane or hoists.
- Safe placement of crane lift loads
- Installing static lines, safety nets and cantilevered crane loading platforms
- Mechanical load shift equipment comprises equipment such as cranes, hoists, chain blocks, and winch systems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dogging and Rigging
A qualified rigger is a rigger who meets the requirements for a qualified rigger. Employers shall decide whether an individual is eligible to perform specific rigging tasks. This mean you need to have your basic rigging training , intermediate rigging or advanced rigging licence or tickets.
Advanced rigging involves work involving the use of mechanical load shifting machinery and related equipment: installation and removal of cranes and hoists and demolition activities. To ensure the continuity of these members. To transfer, position or secure a load using a building or structure plant, equipment or members.
A basic riggers responsibility is to shift you plant and machinery, erect steel and material hoists, install a static line and a safety net, erect mast climbing staff platforms, install and operate perimeter surveillance screens, shutters & bay platform loading cranes.
Construction Riggers assemble and install rigging devices, such as wires, ropes, hooks, pulleys, and winches, for raising, lowering, moving, and placing equipment, structural steel, and other heavy items. You can work as a Construction Rigger on construction sites without any formal rigging training or qualifications. Any of them may be offered on the job training.
The completion of the basic rigging unit helps you to perform work related to the movement of plants and equipment, the positioning of precast concrete, hoists (including mast climbing hoists), steel erections, safety nets and static lines, cantilevered crane loading platforms and perimeter safety screens and shutters.
Rigging is a little harder than dogging, however, they are both low labor jobs. Some riggers in Western Australia get around the $30-35 hour mark and usually need to be licensed.
A rigger is also certified as a dogmen but is at a more advanced level. The dogman is responsible for anything below the crane hook, and the rigger is responsible for anything above the crane hook as well as below the hook.