COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Pre-Lift Site Assessments & Setup for Dogging Tasks course. This training is designed to equip you with the knowledge and procedures required to conduct thorough pre-lift assessments and execute safe site setup for dogging tasks in accordance with Australian WHS legislation and lifting best practice.

Before any lifting operation begins, the dogger plays a critical role in evaluating site readiness, reviewing plans and permits, and ensuring that all equipment, exclusion zones, and environmental conditions are suitable for safe lifting.

The course begins by highlighting the importance of comprehensive planning and risk identification prior to lifting. Participants will explore the dogger’s specific responsibilities in the pre-lift phase, including interpreting documentation, verifying site conditions, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements under WHS regulations for high-risk work environments.

Understanding the scope of the dogging task is essential. This section guides participants through reviewing lift instructions, assessing whether the job involves blind lifts, complex loads, or routine operations, and clarifying the dogger’s involvement in both the physical setup and coordination with the crane crew.

All preparation begins with documentation. This section teaches participants how to read and interpret crane lift plans, rigging diagrams, Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and permit conditions. These documents provide the framework for assessing site risks and ensuring rigging compliance.

The pre-lift site walk-through is one of the most important stages of setup. Participants will learn how to walk the entire load path, identify potential hazards such as uneven terrain, restricted access, or overhead risks, and confirm designated lift zones and laydown areas.

Ground conditions can affect crane stability and personnel safety. This section focuses on how to inspect terrain for soft fill, trenches, or slopes, and confirm that crane pads, outrigger mats, and hardstands are correctly placed and capable of supporting load-bearing activities.

Overhead and underground services must be located and managed. Participants will learn how to identify and mark electrical lines, gas pipes, water mains, and other utilities using Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) reports and on-site scanning tools. High-risk areas must be isolated and clearly communicated.

Environmental conditions must be assessed before any lift proceeds. This section addresses how to evaluate wind speeds, temperature extremes, visibility, and weather forecasts. Participants will learn how to determine when weather may affect lift integrity and when stop-work triggers should apply.

Before any crane or equipment arrives, the site must be ready. This section provides guidance on clearing access routes, confirming that crane configurations and lifting capacities match job requirements, and ensuring all plant equipment is inspected and certified prior to use.

Rigging gear inspection is critical for safe setup. Participants will learn how to inspect slings, shackles, spreader bars, and hooks, checking for compliance tags, WLL ratings, and physical integrity. Any damaged or outdated gear must be isolated immediately and replaced with compliant alternatives.

Exclusion zones must be clearly defined and enforced before lifting begins. This section explains how to calculate appropriate fall zones and buffer distances, erect physical controls such as barriers and signage, and ensure only authorised personnel have access to the controlled area.

Understanding the load is essential to determining rigging and lift planning. This section guides participants through confirming the load’s weight, shape, centre of gravity, and lifting points, and selecting rigging equipment that is appropriately rated, compatible, and positioned for stability.

Taglines play a critical role in load control. Participants will learn how to plan their use, apply them safely to prevent spin or drift, and determine their necessity based on load behaviour and lift path. Controlling load movement protects both the team and the surrounding work area.

The dogger must be positioned strategically during the lift. This section teaches how to identify safe locations with clear visibility, avoid crush zones, and prepare for repositioning during multi-stage or blind lifts while maintaining effective communication with the crane operator.

Communication must be confirmed before the lift starts. Participants will establish protocols for hand signals, radio usage, and verbal commands, test communication equipment, and ensure all personnel are aligned with the agreed command language for consistency and safety.

The pre-lift briefing or toolbox talk is a key coordination point. This section explains how to deliver a clear briefing that covers roles, hazards, sequencing, emergency protocols, and site controls. Sign-off from all team members ensures shared understanding and readiness.

Before the lift can proceed, all elements must be formally signed off. This section covers how to use a pre-lift checklist to verify every control is in place, from equipment readiness to personnel clearance, and secure final approval from a supervisor, lift planner, or safety officer.

Last-minute changes must be addressed systematically. This section teaches participants how to identify and communicate any new hazards or obstructions, adjust lift plans or zones accordingly, and update SWMS and documentation to maintain compliance and situational control.

Finally, a post-setup review ensures the site is clear, compliant, and safe for crane engagement. Participants will learn how to complete a final walk-through, confirm the exclusion zone is clear of obstructions or unauthorised personnel, and take their designated positions to begin the dogging task safely.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the planning knowledge, hazard identification skills, and procedural discipline needed to conduct thorough pre-lift site assessments and establish safe, compliant, and effective setups for dogging operations across a range of high-risk lifting environments.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Pre-Lift Assessment and Setup in Dogging

• Importance of thorough preparation before lifting operations
• Overview of dogging responsibilities in the planning phase
• Legal and safety obligations under WHS legislation

2. Understanding the Scope of the Dogging Task

• Reviewing job instructions, lift plans, and rigging requirements
• Clarifying task complexity: blind lifts, critical lifts, or routine work
• Identifying the dogger’s role in safe setup and execution

3. Gathering and Reviewing Site Documentation

• Reading lift studies, crane lift plans, and rigging layouts
• Reviewing Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and JSA
• Confirming permits, clearances, and regulatory compliance

4. Conducting the Pre-Lift Site Walk-Through

• Walking the load path and surrounding areas
• Checking for hazards: uneven ground, restricted access, or overhead risks
• Verifying lift zones, entry/exit points, and laydown areas

5. Assessing Ground Conditions and Surface Stability

• Identifying soft spots, trenches, unstable fill, or sloped terrain
• Ensuring crane pads or outrigger mats are placed correctly
• Confirming ground bearing capacity for lifting operations

6. Identifying Overhead and Underground Services

• Locating electrical lines, pipework, fibre optics, or utilities
• Using DBYD (Dial Before You Dig) and ground scanning tools
• Marking and isolating high-risk zones

7. Evaluating Environmental and Weather Conditions

• Checking wind speed, visibility, temperature, and rain exposure
• Determining how weather may impact crane setup or dogging activity
• Adjusting plans or stopping work in unsafe conditions

8. Confirming Crane and Equipment Arrival Readiness

• Ensuring access routes are clear for crane and gear delivery
• Verifying crane configuration matches site and load requirements
• Confirming all plant inspections, certifications, and pre-start checks

9. Inspecting Rigging Gear and Dogging Equipment

• Reviewing condition of slings, shackles, chains, hooks, and spreader bars
• Checking compliance tags, WLL markings, and compatibility with load
• Isolating or removing damaged or non-compliant gear

10. Defining and Setting Up Exclusion Zones

• Calculating safe distances for fall zones and load paths
• Installing barriers, fencing, and signage
• Ensuring only authorised personnel are permitted inside the controlled area

11. Verifying Load Information and Lifting Requirements

• Confirming load weight, dimensions, and centre of gravity
• Identifying lifting points, orientation, and fragility
• Selecting appropriate rigging configuration and connection points

12. Planning the Use of Taglines and Load Stabilisation

• Determining if and where taglines are needed
• Ensuring taglines are secured correctly and used safely
• Managing swing, rotation, and load drift during the lift

13. Positioning the Dogger for Safe Visual Control

• Selecting locations with full view of the load and crane operator
• Avoiding crush zones and staying outside the fall zone
• Planning repositioning points during complex lifts

14. Communication Setup and Confirmation

• Establishing communication methods: hand signals, radio, verbal
• Testing radios and agreeing on command language
• Ensuring all personnel understand the communication protocol

15. Conducting the Pre-Lift Briefing (Toolbox Talk)

• Discussing roles, hazards, and responsibilities for the lift
• Reviewing sequencing, emergency procedures, and traffic control
• Confirming sign-off from all involved parties

16. Final Pre-Lift Checklist and Site Sign-Off

• Verifying all setup elements are complete and compliant
• Using a pre-lift checklist for doggers and crane operators
• Gaining formal approval from supervisors or the lift planner

17. Managing Changes or Last-Minute Adjustments

• Identifying new hazards or obstructions on the day
• Communicating adjustments to the entire lift team
• Updating documentation and SWMS if required

18. Post-Setup Review and Readiness for Lifting

• Walking the path once more before the crane is engaged
• Confirming no personnel or obstructions are within exclusion zones
• Standing by in position to begin safe dogging operations

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.