This Loading Dock & Reversing Operations SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers guiding vehicles onto and off the loading dock and keeping them secure while loading. It sets out checking dock levellers, lights and restraint arms, agreeing signals with the driver, using a spotter, keeping pedestrians clear, chocking wheels, operating the leveller, and confirming everything is clear before the vehicle departs. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Warehouses and distribution centres
Manufacturers with dispatch docks
Supermarkets and retail distribution
Transport and logistics depots
Cold storage and food distribution businesses
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
Being struck by a vehicle reversing onto the dock
Vehicles rolling or moving when not immobilised or chocked
Falls from the dock edge or through the gap to the vehicle deck
Forklifts or pallet jacks running off the dock edge
Crush or pinch injury between the vehicle and the dock or restraint arm
Crush or pinch injury from the moving dock leveller
Being struck by other mobile plant in the dock area
Poor visibility in low light, glare or bad weather
Vehicles departing while people or equipment are still on the leveller
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from dock leveller, lights and restraint arms to wheel chocks, high-vis and agreed driver signals
A 12-step operating procedure covering directing the vehicle, spotters, chocking, restraint arms, leveller operation and departure
Isolation and energy control for immobilising the vehicle, wheel chocks, restraint arms and dock leveller lockout
6 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for unexpected vehicle movement, people struck or trapped and leveller or restraint arm failure
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
Are wheel chocks still needed with a restraint arm?
Yes. The SOP says a restraint arm is never the only means of preventing vehicle movement, and wheel chocks must still be used.
Does it cover strapping and chaining the load?
No. Securing the load to the vehicle is covered by the Load Restraint and Securing procedure.
Does it replace our Traffic Management Plan?
No. It applies alongside your Loading Dock and Reversing Vehicle Management procedure and Traffic Management Plan.
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.
