Free Safe Operating Procedure (Stair Chair Operation) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Stair Chair Operation) Template

This Free Safe Operating Procedure (Stair Chair Operation) Template provides a structured framework for businesses to document the required process for safely moving a person up or down stairs. Using a stair chair, while an effective manual handling aid, presents significant risks of injury to both operators and the individual being transported if not performed correctly.

An SOP formalises the procedure, helping to mitigate risks such as musculoskeletal injuries for operators and falls or discomfort for the passenger. By establishing a clear, repeatable process, organisations can ensure consistency in training and operational execution.

This document serves as a critical component within a comprehensive WHS management system, demonstrating a proactive approach to managing hazardous manual tasks.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Stair Chair Operation) Template

To get started, download the template in your preferred format (DOCX for easy editing or PDF). This Safe Operating Procedure for stair chair operation is designed as a foundational document that requires customisation to reflect your specific operational context.

It is essential to tailor the content to the model of stair chair used, the layout of your facility, and the specific needs of the people you transport.

IMPORTANT: This is a template that we have created as a starting point. It must be adapted to your specific workplace.

We recommend you consult with operators, review the stair chair manufacturer's instructions, and conduct a site-specific risk assessment to ensure the final SOP is comprehensive and relevant to your needs. The effectiveness of this procedure should be verified through practical drills and reviewed as part of regular WHS compliance audits to ensure its ongoing suitability.

When to use it

A Safe Operating Procedure for stair chair use is necessary whenever this equipment is designated for moving people between floors. Common scenarios include:

• Emergency building evacuations for individuals with mobility impairments.
• Non-emergency transport in healthcare settings, residential aged care facilities, and apartment buildings where lift access is unavailable.
• Planned movements during building maintenance or power outages that affect lift operation.
• Any situation identified in a risk assessment where using a stair chair is the determined control measure for transporting a person on stairs.

Implementing an SOP ensures that these infrequent but high-risk tasks are carried out with a consistent and pre-approved methodology, reducing the likelihood of errors or injuries.

Who should use it

This template is designed for use by individuals responsible for workplace health and safety. This includes:

• WHS Managers and Safety Officers
• Facility and Building Managers
• Aged Care and Healthcare Coordinators
• Emergency Wardens and Response Teams
• Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs)

Essentially, anyone tasked with creating, implementing, or overseeing safety protocols for manual handling and person movement will find this template valuable. If you are unsure how to conduct the necessary risk assessments or tailor this procedure effectively, seeking specialist WHS consulting services can provide expert guidance and ensure your safety documentation is robust and fit-for-purpose.

Key Elements of an Effective Stair Chair SOP

Our template prompts you to consider all critical stages of the operation, ensuring a thorough and safe process. A robust procedure should always include the following sections.

Pre-Operational Checks

Before any use, the equipment must be inspected. This includes checking the chair's frame for damage, ensuring all straps and buckles are functional, verifying that handles lock securely in place, and checking the condition of wheels and friction belts.

This simple step prevents equipment failure during a critical transfer.

Operational Procedure

The core of the SOP, this section details the step-by-step process. It should specify the minimum number of operators required (typically two), communication protocols between operators, the method for safely transferring and securing the person in the chair, and the correct body mechanics and technique for ascending or descending stairs.

It also covers navigating landings and final positioning.

Post-Operational Actions

After the task is complete, the procedure isn't over. This part of the SOP outlines requirements for cleaning and decontaminating the chair, conducting a post-use inspection, logging any faults or damage, and returning the equipment to its designated, accessible storage location.

Developing clear procedures is a cornerstone of a safe workplace. For more tools to help manage risk, you can explore our complete free WHS resources library, which contains a wide range of templates and guides.