What Are the Differences Between a Dogger and a Rigger?

A dogger or a dogman for hire is not the same thing as a rigger for hire. However, even in the world of heavy construction projects, the two terms are often used interchangeably—something which should not be the case. If you are sometimes confused about the key differences between a dogger and a rigger, then read on to discover what marks one role out from the other. It will help you to choose which one you need.

What Does a Dogger Do?

A dogger is a specialist with sling loading methods and equipment. He or she inspects and chooses the best sort of apparatus that will be used to sling a load. A dogman will be in charge of directing an operator who is actually doing the lifting work with whatever equipment they are using if it is impossible for him or her to see clearly, something that tends to be an issue on specialist construction sites or a site that is situated in the middle of existing structures which prevent clear lines of sight.

A dogger will need to be in possession of the proper accreditation for high risk working in Australia, known as an HRW licence.

A dogger will mark up any of the lifting points on a particular load so that they can be hoisted safely by another operative. A dogman is the person who is responsible for filling out any of the necessary paperwork which goes with sling loading, including the documentation that surrounds risk assessments and so on.

What Does a Rigger Do?

A rigger is often able to carry out all of the same sorts of responsibilities that a dogman with an HRW licence, but riggers have more skills which are covered by further licenses that are specific to rigging duties. Riggers are assessed and licensed to oversee things like structural steelwork, including the erection of I-beams for a construction project, for example.

A rigger will be trained and well-versed in the techniques required for the provision of static lines and safety nets. Rigging professionals are also licensed for organising other safety measures, such as screens and shutters that are fitted to the perimeter of a lifting site. A rigger would be the person responsible for the safe installation of a suspended scaffold platform—for example, one that is set up to offer access to a building for maintenance purposes.

Cantilevered crane loading platforms come under the remit of a rigger to ensure safe operations for everyone on a site where one is in use.


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