Applying slinging techniques means judging the suitability and condition of lifting gear and the method of slinging by considering nature of the load, its mass and its centre of gravity. 

A dogging licence is not required to sling and direct a load when the load remains in the clear view of the plant operator and there is no requirement to exercise judgement in relation to:

• which sling to use.;
• how to sling the load; and
• the condition of the sling or the load and its centre of gravity. 

Therefore, for a simple load such as an engine block, a dogging licence is not required if the person conducting the lift has: 

• predetermined instructions on how to attach the specific load, e.g. specific directions on how to connect, and what slings to use;
• a maintenance program to ensure the lifting gear provided for the lift is inspected regularly by a competent person and is in a suitable condition for use; and
• the load and the lifting device are positioned so that the load remains within sight of the operator at all times during the lift (this does not prevent a person giving directions, e.g. for final alignment). 

If visiting a workplace, a WorkSafe inspector may require evidence that the above requirements are being met. 

The practicality of safely slinging loads without the need for judgement to be exercised will vary from workplace to workplace, depending upon the range of lifting work undertaken, the predictability of the loads and the complexity of the slinging methods. 

In general, where high volume repetitive lifting occurs, such as in some manufacturing workshops, and there is no requirement to exercise judgement in relation to which sling to use, how to sling the load and the condition of the sling or the load and its centre of gravity, a High Risk Work Licence with a dogging class is not required.  

Where the loads vary within a known weight range and/or a known range of centres of gravity, the specified method of slinging will need to be suitable for the full range without the need to individually identify slinging technique factors such as the condition of the lifting gear or estimate weights or centres of gravity. 
 
For some work, the employer, main contractor or person in control of the workplace will have to consider the circumstances and make a decision about whether a dogging licence is required for the lifting of a load.  In these cases, the employer, main contractor or person in control of the workplace has the duty to ensure:

• a competent person has pre-determined the suitability and condition of the lifting gear and the method of slinging by considering the nature of the load, its mass and its centre of gravity;
• the work instructions given to those engaged in slinging loads are adequate to ensure that the work is carried out safely and without the need to exercise judgement in relation to the lifting of the load;
• lifting gear is regularly inspected by a competent person; and 
• there is a clear line of sight between the person doing the work and the load.

People with a dogging licence and rigging licence and professional engineers with the relevant experience and qualifications are generally regarded as competent to determine slinging methods and inspect lifting gear. 

Subject to an appropriate assessment by the employer, main contractor or person in control of the workplace, a dogging licence may not be required.