This Pallet Jack Operation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how to safely operate a manual or powered pallet jack to move palletised loads on a retail or wholesale floor. It covers pre-use checks of wheels, forks, hydraulics and batteries, assessing the load against the rated capacity, pushing rather than pulling, travelling around customers and other employees, ramps, parking and isolating powered units. 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
Hardware and building supply stores
Wholesalers and trade outlets
Retail stores receiving pallet deliveries
Warehouses and stockrooms
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 pushing, pulling or manoeuvring loads
Feet run over or fingers caught in pinch points
Striking customers or other employees in aisles and shop floors
Loss of control or tip-over on ramps, floor transitions or wet floors
Falling stock from overloading, uneven stacking or damaged pallets
Slips and trips from cluttered aisles, spills or charger leads
Electric shock, chemical burns or fire from damaged batteries or unsafe charging
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from training and wheel and fork condition to hydraulics, powered unit brakes and horn, the travel path and the load
A 10-step operating procedure covering load checks, lifting, pushing and pulling technique, travel speed, blind corners, ramps and lowering
Isolation and energy control for parking and lowering forks, isolating powered units and safe battery charging
6 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for falling or tipping loads, loss of control 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 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 powered pallet jacks?
Yes. It covers manual and powered pallet jacks, including battery, brake, steering and horn checks and isolating power before adjustments.
Does it cover order picking?
No. Selecting and verifying stock against a pick list is covered separately, as are forklifts, order pickers and other ride-on or high-lift plant.
Does it address working around customers?
Yes. It's written for retail and wholesale floors, with steps for giving way to customers and sounding the horn or calling out at blind corners and doorways.
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.
