This Function Furniture Setup & Handling SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers setting up, packing down and moving trestle and banquet tables, stacking chairs, folding furniture and modular staging or dance floor sections at hospitality and event venues. It sets out pre-use checks on frames and locking legs, safe folding and unfolding, team lifts and trolleys, connecting staging, and keeping exits clear. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Function centres and event venues
Hotels, clubs and pubs
Event hire and styling companies
Wedding and conference venues
Schools, councils and community halls
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
Musculoskeletal injury from repeatedly lifting tables, chairs and staging
Pinch and crush injuries from hinges, folding mechanisms and locking legs
Legs or sections releasing or collapsing while being folded or moved
Being struck or caught between furniture in doorways and crowded spaces
Slips, trips and falls from cables, mats, uneven floors and cluttered walkways
Collisions with guests and other workers in occupied spaces
Falls or loss of balance on staging and risers during assembly
Rushing under time pressure before an event starts
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from damaged frames and locking legs to the floor plan, trolleys and team lift planning
A 10-step operating procedure covering lifting, unfolding and folding tables, carrying chairs, connecting staging and safe routes
Isolation and energy control for pinch and crush points, locking mechanisms and damaged or part-assembled furniture
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for collapsing furniture or staging, failed locking mechanisms and finger or hand injuries
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 staging and dance floors?
Yes. It covers modular staging and dance floor sections, including checking connectors, pins or clips are fully engaged and sections are level before use.
Does it cover forklifts or scissor lifts used to bring in staging?
No. Powered mobile plant is covered by its own plant-specific SOP.
Does it teach general manual handling technique?
Only briefly. It refers workers to your Manual Tasks or Manual Handling and Team Lifting procedure for full technique guidance.
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.
