Free Safe Operating Procedure (Automatic Door Reset) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Automatic Door Reset) Template

This Safe Operating Procedure (SOP) provides a structured framework for safely resetting automatic doors in a workplace. Interacting with automated systems, particularly during non-standard operations like resets, introduces significant risks.

The purpose of this document is to establish a clear, step-by-step process that helps control hazards such as crushing, shearing, impact from unexpected door movement, and electrical shock. By formalising the procedure, organisations can ensure the task is performed consistently and safely by authorised personnel, minimising the risk of injury to workers and the public.

A well-defined SOP is a critical component of broader WHS management systems, demonstrating a commitment to proactive risk management.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Automatic Door Reset) Template

This template is provided in both DOCX and PDF formats for your convenience. The DOCX file is fully editable, allowing you to tailor the content to your specific operational needs.

It is crucial to understand that this is a template, not a finished document. We have provided a structured starting point, but you must adapt it to the specific automatic door models, site conditions, and legislative requirements of your workplace.

This includes adding details such as manufacturer instructions, required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), lockout/tagout procedures, and emergency contact information. For another example of a task-specific procedure, see our free Air Compressor SOP.

When to use this Safe Operating Procedure

This SOP should be used whenever an automatic door system requires a manual reset. Common scenarios include:

• Following a power outage or restoration of power.
• After an emergency stop button has been activated.
• When the door's control panel displays a fault code that requires a reset as per the manufacturer's guide.
• Before returning a door to service after maintenance or repairs.

Using a formal procedure ensures that all safety checks are completed before, during, and after the reset. This process can be verified through routine safety checks and formal WHS compliance auditing to ensure it is being followed correctly.

Who should use this Safe Operating Procedure

Use of this SOP must be restricted to personnel who are trained, competent, and explicitly authorised to perform the task. This typically includes facilities maintenance staff, qualified electricians, or specialist door technicians.

Untrained individuals must not attempt to reset automatic doors, as they may not recognise the potential hazards or understand the correct sequence required by the manufacturer. Competency should be verified and documented, ensuring that anyone performing the reset understands the specific risks of the equipment they are working on. Even seemingly simple tasks require formal instruction, as outlined in documents like the FREE Step Ladder SOP Template.

Integrating with other safety systems

An SOP for resetting automatic doors does not exist in isolation. It must be integrated with your site's overarching safety protocols, most importantly your Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure.

Before any physical interaction with the door's mechanisms or control panel, the relevant energy sources must be isolated to prevent unexpected start-up. This is a fundamental principle of machinery safety that applies across all equipment, from automatic doors to complex industrial plant like that covered in our FREE CNC Machine SOP.

Review and improvement

Like all safety documents, this SOP should be treated as a living document. It must be reviewed regularly—at least annually—or whenever there is a change in equipment, processes, or regulations.

It should also be reviewed immediately following any incident or near-miss related to the automatic doors. Regular reviews ensure the procedure remains effective and relevant to the risks present in your workplace. For more tools to support your safety management efforts, browse our complete free WHS resources library.