This Order Picking & Pallet Jack Use SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) gives your team a clear method for picking, moving and loading orders with a hand pump or powered pallet jack. It covers checking the pallet jack before use, picking against the order list, loading heavier items low and within the rated capacity, travelling through aisles and around pedestrians, safe pumping and lowering, and what to do if a load shifts. 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
Wholesalers and suppliers
Retail stockrooms and supermarkets
Third-party logistics providers
Manufacturers with dispatch areas
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 pumping, pushing, pulling and picking stock
Crush or pinch injuries at the handle, forks, wheels or against racking
Collisions with pedestrians, other pallet jacks or mobile plant
Feet run over or crushed by forks or a shifting load
Load collapse from uneven loading, poor pallets or overloading
Slips, trips and falls from cluttered aisles, spills or an extended handle
Cuts from strapping, packaging or damaged pallets
Loss of control on ramps, dock levellers or sloped floors
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from training and the pallet jack inspection to the capacity plate, clear aisles, the pick list and powered unit battery
An 11-step operating procedure covering fork entry, lifting, picking against the order, loading the pallet, travel, blind corners and lowering the load
Isolation and energy control for lowering the forks, parking safely and isolating powered pallet jacks
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for shifting or falling loads, trapped limbs and damaged or overheating batteries
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 powered pallet jacks?
Yes. It covers both hand pump and powered or electric pallet jacks, including battery and control checks for powered units.
Does it cover forklifts?
No. Forklifts and other powered mobile plant are covered by the Forklift Operation and Pre-Start SOP.
Does it include picking accuracy?
Yes. Workers confirm they have the correct order or pick list and check product codes and quantities before placing items on the pallet.
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.
