This Cold Store Entry SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers entry, work and exit for workers spending extended periods in large cold storage and distribution facilities, including sub-zero and deep-freeze areas. It covers fitness for cold work, entry and exit logging, buddy systems, work and rest breaks, moving safely around forklifts and pallet jacks, and checking racking and floors for ice. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Cold storage and distribution centres
Food and beverage logistics businesses
Meat, seafood and dairy processors
Frozen food wholesalers
Third-party logistics warehouses
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
Cold stress and hypothermia from extended sub-zero exposure
Frostbite to fingers, toes, ears and nose
Slips and falls from ice and condensation on floors, racking and equipment
Reduced dexterity, grip, reaction time and visibility
Entrapment or delayed detection if a worker is incapacitated or a door fails
Collisions with forklifts and pallet jacks in aisles with poor visibility
Falling stock or ice from racking
Manual handling injury while wearing bulky cold-weather clothing
What's included
6 pre-operational checks, from cold stress training and fitness for cold work to door releases, entry logging and aisle conditions
A 9-step operating procedure covering entry logging, buddy systems, walkways, forklift traffic, rest breaks and racking
Isolation and energy control for parking pallet jacks and forklifts, door release and alarm checks, and refrigeration plant access
5 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for collapsed or missing workers, hypothermia, frostbite and door or alarm faults
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 Transport & Warehousing 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 driving a forklift in the cold store?
No. It covers working safely around forklifts and pallet jacks rated for cold-environment use. Operating the plant itself is covered by plant-specific SOPs.
Is it suitable for a cafe or supermarket walk-in freezer?
No. Brief entries to retail walk-in cold rooms and freezers are covered by our separate Cold Room & Freezer Entry SOP.
Does it include a buddy or check-in system?
Yes. Workers log in and out using the facility's entry and exit system and use a buddy system or notify a supervisor, with retrieval started if someone fails to log out on time.
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.
