This Bar Service & Cellar Gas Handling SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers bar service duties and the safe handling of CO2 and beer gas cylinders used to dispense draught beverages. It covers checking the gas detection alarm before entering the cellar, securing cylinders, inspecting regulators and couplers, changing kegs and gas cylinders, managing spills and glassware, and evacuating if the alarm activates. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Pubs, hotels and taverns
Licensed clubs and RSLs
Bars and nightclubs
Restaurants serving draught beer
Event and function venues
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
CO2 or beer gas leaks displacing oxygen and causing asphyxiation
Sudden release of gas from a damaged cylinder, regulator, hose or coupler
Gas cylinders falling or toppling if not stored upright and secured
Manual handling and being caught between kegs or cylinders
Slips and falls from spilled drinks, ice, condensation and wet floors
Cuts from broken glassware or bottles
Cold burns from CO2 discharge, chilled lines or cold surfaces
Aggressive or intoxicated patron behaviour
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from the gas detection alarm and cylinder restraints to regulators, ventilation and glassware
A 10-step operating procedure covering cellar entry, keg changes, gas cylinder changes, ignition sources and bar service
Isolation and energy control for closing cylinder valves, bleeding line pressure and not entering when the alarm is active
8 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for gas alarm activation, a collapsed person in the cellar, cuts, falling cylinders and aggressive patrons
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Hospitality & Events SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover responsible service of alcohol?
No. RSA requirements are governed separately by liquor licensing law. The SOP refers workers to the venue's RSA requirements during bar service.
What if someone collapses in the cellar?
Workers do not go in to rescue them. The SOP says to call emergency services and follow your confined space rescue procedure, as an unprotected rescuer can be overcome by the same atmosphere.
Does it cover cellars that are confined spaces?
Yes, in part. Where a cellar or gas store meets the definition of a confined space, workers follow your confined space entry procedure and never enter alone.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
