COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Quality Standards for Dogging & Lifting Operations course. This training will provide you with the knowledge, procedures, and expectations required to uphold quality control and assurance throughout all phases of dogging and lifting work in alignment with the Australian Standards and project quality expectations.
Quality in lifting operations is not simply about technical precision—it directly affects safety, project outcomes, legal compliance, and operational reliability. In high-risk environments, even minor lapses in quality standards can lead to serious incidents, costly rework, or non-compliance with regulatory or contractual obligations.
The course begins by defining the purpose of quality assurance in lifting operations and exploring how safety, quality, and efficiency are interconnected. Participants will examine legal and contractual obligations under WHS legislation and industry standards, reinforcing that quality is a shared responsibility and not a separate task.
A solid understanding of applicable regulations underpins quality control. This section provides an overview of key Australian Standards including AS 4991 for lifting devices, AS 2550 and AS 1418 for cranes and hoists, and the WHS Regulations and Codes of Practice that govern dogging and rigging operations. These frameworks guide all decision-making and inspection criteria.
Each team member plays a role in maintaining quality. Participants will explore how the dogger ensures safe rigging and correct load orientation, while supervisors and crane operators oversee task execution and compliance. Quality officers and site management are responsible for review, documentation, and continual improvement efforts.
Planning is the foundation of quality. This section focuses on reviewing job specifications, engineered drawings, and lift studies to identify critical quality checkpoints. Participants will learn to establish documentation requirements, prepare for quality audits, and flag key inspection points before work begins.
Rigging gear must be selected with precision. This section teaches how to match gear to the load, ensure WLL ratings are appropriate, confirm ID tags and certificates, and verify that lifting gear is compliant with job-specific and regulatory requirements.
All equipment must be inspected and confirmed before use. Participants will learn how to conduct visual and functional inspections, apply reject criteria, and ensure records are updated. Damaged or untagged gear must be quarantined and replaced immediately.
Crane conformance is equally essential. This section provides guidance on verifying that the crane configuration matches the lift plan, checking maintenance and certification records, confirming correct outrigger deployment, and applying load chart data to prevent overloading.
Lift plans are central to quality execution. Participants will be trained to review lift plans for accuracy, clarity, and engineering validation, confirm their understanding of the load path and sequence, and ensure that any amendments to the plan are reviewed and reapproved before lifting proceeds.
Site control contributes directly to lift quality. This section covers how to establish exclusion zones based on crane radius and load path, install safety signage and barricades, and maintain control over pedestrian and vehicle traffic around the lift zone.
Rigging and load securement must be done with technical accuracy. Participants will learn how to apply the correct sling angles, hitches, and hardware combinations, ensure balanced load distribution, and document rigging configurations where project QA procedures require formal review or sign-off.
Clear communication prevents quality failures. This section teaches how to use standard hand signals and radio communications, confirm message receipt during critical stages, and maintain disciplined communication protocols throughout the lift to avoid confusion or error.
Taglines enhance control during lifting. Participants will learn how to apply taglines appropriately, avoid misuse such as wrapping around the body, and prevent uncontrolled load movement through proper positioning and coordination with the crane operator.
Active lift monitoring is part of live quality control. This section outlines how to observe load alignment, lift height, stability, and clearance. Participants will be empowered to halt lifts if deviations occur and document corrective actions in real-time.
After load placement, quality checks continue. Participants will learn how to inspect the final load position, verify structural support, assess the condition of rigging gear post-lift, and confirm that no damage or imbalance has occurred during movement.
Recording quality outcomes is essential for accountability. This section explains how to complete QA forms, photograph rigging and critical connections, and retain documentation to support project closeout, compliance audits, or future reference.
Quality assurance includes managing non-conformances. Participants will be guided on how to identify deviations from the plan or standards, document immediate responses, analyse root causes, and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
Personnel competency supports consistent quality outcomes. This section focuses on ensuring all workers are licenced, properly inducted, and assessed for on-the-job performance. Participants will also explore how to maintain training logs and validate competency across the team.
Quality practices evolve through reflection. This final section covers how to conduct post-lift debriefs, gather feedback from supervisors and clients, and implement continuous improvement by updating procedures, checklists, and training based on lessons learned in the field.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the quality standards, procedural insight, and practical competencies needed to ensure dogging and lifting operations are performed with technical accuracy, safety compliance, and a commitment to continuous improvement across all projects.
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 Quality Standards in Dogging and Lifting
- Purpose of quality control in lifting operations
- Relationship between safety, quality, and operational excellence
- Legal and contractual obligations related to quality in high-risk work
2. Overview of Applicable Australian Standards and Regulations
- AS 4991 – Lifting Devices
- AS 2550 and AS 1418 – Cranes, Hoists, and Rigging
- WHS Regulations and relevant Codes of Practice
3. Roles and Responsibilities in Quality Assurance
- Dogger’s role in ensuring lift integrity and safety
- Supervisor, operator, and client responsibilities
- Collaboration between QA officers and rigging teams
4. Pre-Operational Quality Planning for Dogging Tasks
- Reviewing job specifications, drawings, and lift studies
- Identifying critical quality checkpoints for each stage
- Establishing documentation requirements for compliance
5. Rigging Gear Selection and Compliance Verification
- Ensuring gear matches load type, weight, and connection points
- Verifying WLL, ID tags, certifications, and inspection history
- Matching lifting accessories to task-specific quality requirements
6. Inspection and Testing of Rigging Equipment
- Pre-use visual inspections and functional checks
- Criteria for rejecting damaged or non-compliant gear
- Ensuring inspection records are current and properly logged
7. Crane and Lifting Equipment Conformance
- Confirming crane specifications meet lift requirements
- Reviewing maintenance logs and certification documents
- Verifying crane setup, outrigger deployment, and load chart application
8. Reviewing and Applying Lift Plans
- Checking lift plan accuracy, clarity, and engineering validation
- Ensuring the dogger understands load characteristics and lift sequence
- Confirming any amendments are reviewed and approved
9. Establishing Exclusion Zones and Site Controls
- Marking boundaries based on load path and crane reach
- Installing correct signage, barriers, and safety notifications
- Ensuring pedestrian and vehicle traffic is controlled
10. Load Rigging and Securement Techniques
- Applying correct sling angles, hitch types, and hardware combinations
- Ensuring even load distribution and centre of gravity control
- Documenting rigging setup where required for QA review
11. Communication Quality in Dogging Operations
- Using standardised hand signals and radio commands
- Confirming verbal instructions are clearly received and acknowledged
- Avoiding miscommunication by using agreed protocols
12. Tagline Use and Load Stability Control
- Applying taglines where appropriate for load rotation and control
- Ensuring they are not wrapped around hands or body
- Preventing uncontrolled movement through proper positioning
13. Monitoring Live Lifts for Quality Compliance
- Observing alignment, lift height, clearance, and load behaviour
- Halting lifts when deviation from the plan is observed
- Documenting any real-time corrections or adjustments
14. Quality Checks After Load Placement
- Ensuring loads are safely landed, level, and undamaged
- Verifying structural support and final positioning
- Inspecting rigging gear post-lift for wear or damage
15. Recording and Reporting Quality Control Outcomes
- Completing QA checklists and daily reports
- Photographing critical rigging setups or load connections
- Retaining documentation for project closeout or audits
16. Non-Conformance Handling and Corrective Actions
- Identifying deviations from approved procedures or specifications
- Documenting the issue, immediate actions, and longer-term improvements
- Conducting root cause analysis where required
17. Training and Competency as Part of Quality Standards
- Ensuring all personnel are licenced, trained, and current
- Assessing on-the-job performance and rigging judgement
- Maintaining training records and site induction completion
18. Continuous Improvement in Lifting Quality Practices
- Conducting post-lift debriefs with the rigging team
- Gathering feedback from supervisors and clients
- Updating procedures, checklists, and training materials based on lessons learned
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”.