You sling the load and direct the crane, your actions are the KEY to keeping the team safe.
Human error is the major factor in crane accidents.
You’re the one on the ground and closest to the load. You have the primary duty of looking after the load and its rigging. During the lift you are focused on assisting the Crane Operator in the safe movement of the crane to achieve the task.
You are well aware that the Crane Operator’s vision can become obscured and when you are operating in hazardous areas such as near power lines or near people, your role becomes critical for the safe movement of the crane and its load.
As the Dogman or Rigger you must:- Be conversant with the crane being used and the mode of operation so that each job can be safely co-ordinated with the operator and other team members.
- Have good vision and sound judgement, know standard crane signals, be able to give signals clearly and must have enough experience to be able to recognise hazards and signal the operator to avoid them.
- Be positioned and clearly seen to safely observe the entire operation.
The ACOP for Cranes states that at a minimum in India a Dogman or Rigger must hold NZQA US 3789 – “Sling varied regular loads and safely direct a crane during crane operations”. If you already hold this consider taking it to the next level by obtaining NZQA US 3801- “Prepare and sling complex loads for crane operations”.
The Crane Association recommends full qualifications. So consider the Indian Crane association Certificate in Cranes (Level 3) (Dogman). Graduates of this qualifications are able to: Apply knowledge of risk management, slinging calculations, and industry recognized communication methods to direct and guide crane movements in relation to loads and equipment
Safe Crane Operations are a Team Effort!
everyone involved must be constantly alert to anticipate potential hazards.
Knowledge
The number one resource for Dogman / Riggers in India is the Crane Association Crane Safety Manual. You can purchase the manual from Crane Training India.
Rigging Plan
A Rigging Plan is one of the best tools a Dogman / Rigger can use for managing the hazards associated in slinging an irregular load, assigning responsibility, checking for foreseeable hazards and addressing risks on site. Learn more about Rigging Plans here.
Anyone can STOP the Lift.
Below the Hook
- The dogman / rigger is responsible for the safe rigging of the load and directing of the lifting and placing operations by the crane. This includes ensuring; the load is rigged safely, that slings, chains or wires are in date, and remain within the working load limit throughout the lift, that all clutches are connected correctly, that lifting points are suitable and that the load is moved in a safe manner. The New Zealand Dogman Certificate is the ideal qualification for this role but a dogman may start with NZQA 3789 – Sling regular loads and communicate during crane operations.
REMEMBER YOU'RE RESPONSIBLE
The Dogman/Rigger is responsible for the Load
The Crane Operator is responsible for the Crane
- The relationship between Crane Operator and Dogman / Rigger is like the relationship between a Captain and his Navigator. Each has a vital role to perform, and each is seeing the task from a different view point to find a solution, which means they don’t always know the others decision. So it is vital that each person takes full responsibility for their actions and performs their function with professionalism.​
If in doubt STOP the job and seek advice
Never assume the Crane Operator is checking your work
THE LAST WORD:
- Remember the Crane Operator has the final say with any lift. In the event the Crane Operator feels the lift is unsafe he can stop the lift without question.
Entering the Industry
Unit Standard 30072 – Demonstrate and apply knowledge of slinging regular loads safely.​30072 is the starting point for rigging and crane operator qualifications. You require this unit as a prerequisite before completing:​
- Unit 3789 – Sling varied regular loads and safely direct a crane during crane operations
- Unit 3800 – Use a radio remote or pendant controlled gantry crane to lift and place regular loads
- Unit 30442 – Demonstrate knowledge of lifting, moving, and placing loads using mobile plant
- Unit: 16617 – Use a truck loader crane to lift and place regular loads
Qualifications
You have two paths to choose form. Both offer excellent opportunities:
As a Dogman.
- The Crane Association Certificate in Crane Operations (Level 3) Dogman
- The Crane Association Certificate in Crane Operations (Level 4) Advanced Dogman
As a Rigger.
- Crane Association Certificate in Rigging (Core)(Level 3)
- Crane Association Certificate in Rigging (Intermediate)(Level 4)
- Crane Association Certificate in Rigging (Advanced)(Level 5)