Free Safe Operating Procedure (Event Chair Handling) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Event Chair Handling) Template

Our Free Safe Operating Procedure (Event Chair Handling) Template provides a structured framework for documenting the key steps, hazards, and controls for setting up, moving, and packing down event chairs. Manual handling tasks, even those that seem simple, are a leading cause of workplace injuries like sprains, strains, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

This template helps your organisation formalise safe work practices to minimise those risks.

By implementing a clear SOP, you can standardise team behaviour, streamline worker training, and provide clear instructions to prevent injuries. Using this document helps demonstrate your commitment to safety and forms a critical part of a comprehensive WHS management system, ensuring consistent and safe work practices across all events and venues.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Event Chair Handling) Template

This resource is available for immediate download as a customisable DOCX file and a print-ready PDF. The DOCX version is designed to be adapted to your specific operational needs.

Fill in the required fields for your company details, site information, and add any task-specific details relevant to your work environment.

It is crucial to remember that this template is a starting point. You must review, edit, and adapt it to reflect the specific types of chairs, equipment (like trolleys or dollies), venue layouts, and staffing arrangements at your workplace.

We strongly recommend a site-specific risk assessment to inform your final SOP.

For the SOP to be effective, consultation is key. Involve your workers—the people who perform the task daily—in the customisation process to ensure the procedure is practical and accurately reflects the on-the-ground realities.

If you require expert assistance to tailor this document or develop other WHS procedures, our specialist WHS consulting services can provide practical support.

When to use it

This SOP should be implemented whenever workers are required to manually handle chairs, particularly in large quantities. It is directly applicable to a range of common scenarios in the events, hospitality, and function-hire industries, including:

• Setting up seating for conferences, functions, weddings, and public gatherings.
• Clearing chairs from a venue post-event.
• Stacking and storing chairs in a warehouse or storage area.
• Transporting chairs between venues or to and from a depot.

The procedure should be a core document for inducting new event staff and for conducting refresher training on safe manual handling techniques. It serves as a constant reference point for workers and supervisors to ensure safety standards are maintained.

Who should use it

This Safe Operating Procedure is intended for use by several key roles within an organisation:

• Event Managers and Supervisors: To train staff, assign tasks, and oversee work to ensure it's performed safely.
• Workers and Event Crew: As a direct guide on how to perform their chair handling duties without injury.
• WHS/OHS Officers and Managers: To integrate into the broader safety management system and use as a basis for risk assessments and incident investigations.

Management should also use this SOP as a benchmark during workplace inspections and to guide performance reviews. Procedures must be reviewed and updated regularly, especially following an incident, a change in equipment, or as part of regular WHS compliance audits.

Event operations often involve a diverse range of tasks beyond just setting up furniture. It's vital to have documented procedures for all identified hazards, from manual handling to kitchen safety.

For example, our free Safe Operating Procedure for deep fryer operation provides a similar structured approach for managing risks in a hospitality environment.

This SOP is one of many documents that can strengthen your safety framework. You can explore a wide range of other templates and guides in our free WHS resources library to support your organisation's safety efforts.