Dogging work - Licence requirements

This information bulletin outlines the licensing requirements to perform dogging work the Northern Territory. Dogging work is considered high risk work (HRW) and requires the worker performing the work to hold an appropriate licence to perform high risk work issued by NT WorkSafe.

The licensing of workers aims to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge to perform high risk work in a safe manner so to reduce the health and safety risk to themselves and other persons in the workplace.

Dogging work is the application of slinging techniques, including the selection and inspection of lifting gear, to safely sling a load. It also includes the directing of a plant operator in the movement of a load when the load is out of the operator's view.

Slinging techniques is the exercising of judgement in relation to the suitability and condition of lifting gear and the method of slinging, by consideration of the nature of the load, its mass and its centre of gravity.

A licensed dogger is required when:

  • Judgement in relation to the selection, suitability and condition of lifting gear is required; and
  • Judgement is required on the method of slinging, taking into consideration the nature of the load, its mass and its centre of gravity; or
  • The movement of a crane is being directed when the load is out of the plant operator’s view.

High risk work licence classes that include dogging techniques

Where a person holds a current high risk work licence for the following, they may not require a separate dogging licence as per Schedule 3 of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations 2011.

  • Bridge and Gantry Crane licence (includes the application of load estimation and slinging techniques to move a load but does not enable the licence holder to direct a plant operator in the movement of a load when the load is out of the operator’s view. This is applicable to Bridge and Gantry Crane operation only); or
  • Vehicle Loading Crane licence (includes the application of load estimation and slinging techniques to move a load but does not enable the licence holder to direct a plant operator in the movement of a load when the load is out of the operator’s view. This is applicable to Vehicle Loading Crane operation only); or
  • Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Rigging licence (Dogging work is permitted under these licence classes).

When may a dogging licence not be required?

A competent person is able to sling a load, without holding a dogging HRW licence when there is no judgement required for slinging techniques or the suitability and the condition of lifting gear because the following factors are predetermined:

  • the weight of the load (or within a weight range) to be lifted is predetermined by a competent person (e.g. may be marked on the load)
  • selection of the sling and slinging techniques for the load is predetermined by a competent person
  • the condition of lifting gear is predetermined by a competent person
  • the lifting points are predetermined by a competent person (e.g. may be marked on the load)
  • the load is lifted within the view of the operator at all times
  • standard lifting procedures have been documented and signed-off by a competent person.

The practicality of safely slinging loads without the need for judgement to be exercised will vary from workplace to workplace, depending upon the range of lifting work undertaken, the predictability of the loads and the complexity of the slinging methods.

Subject to an appropriate assessment by the person conducting a business or undertaking, a dogging licence may not be required.

Applying for a licence

Applications should be made using the form:

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