This Shelf Stocking & Stock Rotation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how to stock and rotate shelves safely on the retail or wholesale sales floor. It covers moving stock from pallets, cages and trolleys, first-in-first-out (FIFO) rotation, checking use-by and best-before dates, safe manual handling, using stock ladders and kick stools, and working around customers in the aisles. 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 homewares retailers
Pharmacies and convenience stores
Wholesale and trade outlets
Department and discount stores
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
Repetitive lifting, bending and reaching while stocking
Heavy, bulky or awkward stock items
Falls or loss of balance from stock ladders and kick stools
Falling stock or shelving and racking collapse
Slips and trips from spills, packaging, cages or trolleys in aisles
Cuts from packaging edges, strapping and damaged stock
Collisions with customers, trolleys or other workers in narrow aisles
Handling out-of-date, damaged or spoiled stock
What's included
5 pre-operational checks, from manual handling training and trolley brakes to shelving condition, ladders and carton weights
A 7-step operating procedure covering positioning stock, FIFO rotation, date checks, manual handling, ladders and stacking within the shelf
Isolation and energy control for braking trolleys, cages and ladders and barricading damaged shelving
3 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for falling stock, shelving collapse and customers or workers being struck
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 warehouse order picking?
No. Order picking in a warehouse or storage area is covered separately. This SOP is for stocking shelves on the customer-facing sales floor.
Does it include stock rotation and date checks?
Yes. Workers apply first-in-first-out rotation and check use-by and best-before dates on each item, removing anything out of date, damaged or spoiled.
Does it cover box cutters or pallet jacks?
No. Box cutter use and powered mobile plant have their own equipment-specific SOPs.
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.
