This Working in Occupied Premises After Hours SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how cleaners, fire service technicians and fitout crews work safely inside offices, retail and commercial buildings after everyone else has left. It covers access arrangements, check-in and check-out, alarm systems, exits and routes, securing doors, working in lit areas, dealing with unexpected people and keeping tools and valuables secure. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Commercial cleaning contractors
Fire protection and testing technicians
Shopfitting and fitout crews
Security and building maintenance contractors
IT and telecommunications technicians working after hours
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
Being isolated from help when few people are in the building
Encountering an unexpected or unauthorised person
Assault or aggression from an intruder
Not being able to raise the alarm if injured, unwell or trapped
Slips and trips in dark or unfamiliar areas
Being locked in by unfamiliar or faulty access or alarm systems
Stress and anxiety from working alone
Theft of unsecured tools, equipment or valuables
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from access arrangements and notifying your supervisor to check-in method, phone reception, exits, alarms and fire equipment
A 10-step operating procedure covering arrival check-in, entry, disarming alarms, securing doors, lit areas, unexpected people and regular check-ins
Isolation and energy control for securing entry points and managing alarm and security systems
6 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for feeling unsafe, aggressive people, missed check-ins and fire alarms
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 Cleaning SOP Bundle, Ultimate Fire Services SOP Bundle, Ultimate Internal Fit-out SOP Bundle and Ultimate Shopfitting SOP Bundle. Each bundle is $197, which works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover the cleaning or testing work itself?
No. It covers the after-hours and working alone controls. Cleaning chemicals, fire system testing and trade tools are covered by the relevant task SOP.
What if a scheduled check-in is missed?
The SOP treats being unable to reach your supervisor or the security control room during a scheduled check-in as an emergency, with steps to move to a safe area and call for help.
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.


















