This Store Opening & Closing SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out a safe routine for opening and closing a retail store, including when a worker is on their own. It covers checking the exterior before approaching, arriving and leaving safely, disarming and arming the alarm, unlocking and locking up, the walk-through for hazards and intruders, lighting and setting up or closing the register and float. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Retail shops and boutiques
Supermarkets and convenience stores
Pharmacies
Cafes and takeaway shops
Franchise retail outlets
Service stations
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
Personal safety risk for workers arriving or leaving alone, especially in low light
Confronting an intruder or unauthorised person
Slips and trips from obstacles, spills or clutter
Entering a store with signs of forced entry or damage
Electric shock or fire from faulty lighting, equipment or power points
Manual handling when moving the cash float, stock or equipment
What's included
5 pre-operational checks, from training and alarm codes to checking for forced entry, safe parking, your phone and loiterers
A 7-step operating procedure covering disarming the alarm, the opening walk-through, register setup, closing time and locking up
Isolation and energy control for securing doors, shutters, grilles and the alarm, and not forcing or bypassing faulty locks
3 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for signs of a break-in, encountering an intruder or feeling threatened
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 responding to an alarm or break-in?
No. Responding to an activated alarm or suspected break-in is covered by a separate Alarm Response and Building Entry procedure. This SOP tells workers not to enter and to follow that procedure.
Does it cover cash handling and banking?
No. Detailed cash handling and banking are covered separately. This SOP only covers basic register and float setup at the start and end of trade.
Is it suitable for workers opening alone?
Yes. It's written with lone workers in mind, covering safe parking, checking the exterior and surroundings before unlocking and having a charged phone or duress contact ready.
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.
