Transport for New South Wales has officially released its Dogging and Rigging Guide. This guide, developed in collaboration with prominent industry partners including The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA), Fulton Hogan, Bullivants and the Master Builders Association of NSW, serves as a contemporary online handbook tailored to meet the evolving needs of professionals in the crane and lifting industry.
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The guide is more than a manual, or a how-to, it’s a comprehensive resource designed to support the entire industry. Structured to reflect the nationally uniform certificate classes for dogging and rigging, the guide is consistent with contemporary Australian Standards that cover equipment and work involved with rigging, and is designed to be a valuable resource for all levels of experience in the industry, not just as an introduction for newcomers.
Those just beginning their careers can find their feet using the guide to learn the fundamentals of dogging and rigging, but experienced riggers and supervisors will also find it to be a valuable reference to ensure compliance and refine practices.
Practical application is at the core of the guide – the goal was always to provide actionable guidance on conducting safe and effective lifting operations, from the initial planning stages through to the final execution. The guide also considers the needs of different work environments including infrastructure projects, demolition and dismantling, and general construction industry lifting operations.
Image: CICA
Key Content
- Load Assessment Understanding how to assess loads accurately is crucial for ensuring that lifting operations are conducted safely. The guide offers guidance on evaluating the weight, centre of gravity and stability of loads.
- Selection of Lifting Equipment Choosing the right equipment
for the job is vital for safe and efficient operations. The guide outlines criteria for selecting appropriate lifting gear, taking into account factors such as load capacity, equipment condition and environmental considerations. - Installation and Maintenance Proper installation and maintenance of rigging gear
are critical for ensuring that equipment functions as intended. The guide covers best practices for installing rigging gear, performing routine maintenance and addressing issues that may arise. - Inspection of Equipment Regular inspection of lifting equipment is necessary to identify and address any potential issues before they become hazards. The guide provides detailed instructionson how to inspect equipment effectively, including checking for wear and tear, ensuring proper maintenance and identifying signs of damage.
- Communication Effective communication between doggers, riggers, crane operators and winch operators is essential for safe operations. The guide outlines best practices for ensuring clear and accurate communication, including the use of standard hand signals and radio protocols.
- Planning The guide emphasises the importance of thorough planning before commencing any lifting operation. It provides a framework for assessing risks, planning lifting sequences and ensuring that all necessary precautions are in place.
Where can I find it?
The guide is available online in chaptered sections at www. doggingandrigging.nsw.gov.au, and includes sling and capacity calculators. You can also download a full PDF handbook from the website.
The development of the guide has been a long time in the making. A draft was presented at our 2023 CICA National Conference, and behind the scenes everyone involved has put forth a herculean effort to get it out and into the hands of industry. This release represents an enormous resource for our industry, and we’re privileged to have been a part of it.
Brandon Hitch
CEO, The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA)