This Cold Room & Freezer Entry SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers short entries into walk-in cold rooms and freezers in shops, butchers, supermarkets and cafes for stock retrieval, restocking and quick checks. It covers testing the internal release before entry, telling a colleague, checking floors for ice, safe handling of stock, spotting cold stress and closing up properly. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Supermarkets and grocery stores
Butchers and delis
Cafes and restaurants
Convenience stores and service stations
Bottle shops and liquor retailers
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
Frostbite and cold burns from cold surfaces, frozen stock or ice
Cold stress from repeated or prolonged exposure
Slips and falls on ice, frost or condensation
Fogged glasses or goggles reducing visibility on entry
Entrapment if the door shuts and the internal release fails
Manual handling injury in a cold, confined space
What's included
6 pre-operational checks, from testing the internal panic release to telling a colleague and putting on cold-rated gloves
A 7-step operating procedure covering safe entry, icy floors, manual handling, keeping the doorway clear and signs of cold stress
Entrapment and cold exposure controls in place of lockout, including door release testing, temperature alarms and trolley brakes
5 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for entrapment, frostbite, cold stress and a colleague who doesn't check in
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 Retail & Wholesale 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 large cold storage warehouses?
No. It's for short entries into small to medium walk-in cold rooms and freezers in retail premises. Large cold stores with extended exposure or forklifts inside are covered by a separate Cold Store Entry SOP.
What if the internal door release doesn't work?
Workers don't enter. The SOP requires the fault to be reported straight away and the cold room or freezer left out of use until it's repaired.
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.
