This Shift Start, Briefing & Handover SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how security officers start, brief and hand over a shift safely. It covers fitness for duty, receiving a face-to-face handover, checking and signing for duress alarms, radios, keys and vehicles, reviewing the occurrence log, confirming post orders are current, checking in with the control room and completing the reverse handover at shift end. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Security companies and guarding services
Static and mobile patrol officers
Concierge and front-of-house security teams
Event and venue security providers
Site security at construction and industrial sites
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
Fatigue from shift work, rotating rosters and night shifts
Rushed or incomplete handovers missing hazards and outstanding issues
Faulty duress alarms, flat radio batteries or vehicle defects
Working alone at the start or end of a shift
Communication breakdowns with the outgoing officer or control room
Manual handling of equipment cases, keys and charging kits
Slips and trips in poorly lit car parks and guardhouses at night
Aggressive or distressed people while alone at shift change
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from fitness for duty and sign-on to duress alarm, radio, keys and vehicle checks
A 10-step operating procedure covering face-to-face handover, the occurrence log, post orders, control room check-in and working alone
Isolation and energy control for refusing faulty equipment or vehicles at shift start and leaving them safe at shift end
8 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for faulty safety equipment at handover and threats or confrontations during shift change
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 Security Services 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 the site hazard walk-through?
No. The hazard walk-through and induction on first arrival at a site are covered by a separate SOP. This one covers the routine shift start, briefing and handover.
Can an officer start without a working duress alarm?
No. If a duress alarm, radio or other safety-critical equipment is faulty, the officer reports it and arranges a replacement before starting the shift.
Does it include the end-of-shift handover?
Yes. It covers the reverse handover at the end of the shift, so equipment, incidents and outstanding issues are passed on properly.
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.
