Product Overview

Summary: This Allergy Management Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, practical framework for preventing, identifying and responding to allergy-related incidents in Australian workplaces. It supports organisations to manage food, medication, environmental and latex allergies, helping to prevent anaphylaxis and other serious reactions while meeting WHS and duty of care obligations.

Allergies and anaphylaxis are a growing concern across Australian workplaces, from offices and schools to healthcare, hospitality, aged care and disability services. Even seemingly minor exposures to foods, medications, insect stings, chemicals, or latex can escalate rapidly into life-threatening emergencies. This Allergy Management Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, evidence-informed approach to identifying allergy risks, documenting individual needs, controlling exposure and ensuring a rapid, coordinated response when an incident occurs.

The procedure guides your organisation through practical steps such as collecting and maintaining allergy information, planning safe food and product choices, managing visitor and contractor risks, storing and using adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injectors (e.g. EpiPen), and training staff in recognition of early symptoms and escalation pathways. By implementing this SOP, businesses create a consistent, defensible system that supports compliance with WHS legislation, strengthens duty of care to workers, clients, students and residents, and reduces the likelihood of preventable medical emergencies, reputational damage and legal exposure.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis through proactive identification and control of allergy triggers in the workplace.
• Ensure a fast, coordinated and competent response to allergy incidents, including correct use of adrenaline auto-injectors and activation of emergency services.
• Standardise how allergy information is collected, recorded, reviewed and shared, improving communication between management, workers, families and healthcare providers.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS duties and relevant clinical and food safety guidance, supporting defensible risk management practices.
• Support staff confidence through clear procedures, role-specific responsibilities and targeted training requirements for allergy management.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• HR Managers
• Practice Managers (Medical and Allied Health)
• Childcare Centre Directors
• School Business Managers
• Aged Care Facility Managers
• Hospital and Day Surgery Managers
• Hospitality and Catering Managers
• Canteen Supervisors
• Facilities and Operations Managers
• First Aid Officers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Disability Support Service Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to known food allergens (e.g. peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, sesame)
• Exposure to medication and vaccine-related allergens
• Insect sting and bite allergies (e.g. bees, wasps, ants)
• Latex and glove-related allergies in healthcare and cleaning tasks
• Contact or inhalation of chemical or environmental allergens (e.g. cleaning products, fragrances, mould, dust mites, pollens)
• Delayed recognition of early allergy or anaphylaxis symptoms leading to deterioration
• Incorrect or delayed administration of adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injectors
• Insufficient emergency response coordination and communication during an allergy incident
• Psychological stress and anxiety for workers, students, clients or residents with severe allergies

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions (Allergy, Anaphylaxis, Triggers, Auto-injector, Duty of Care)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Managers, Workers, First Aiders)
• 4.0 Allergy Risk Identification and Assessment
• 5.0 Collection and Management of Individual Allergy Information
• 6.0 Individual Allergy and Anaphylaxis Action Plans
• 7.0 Allergen Control Measures in the Workplace Environment
• 8.0 Food and Catering Management (On-site and External Suppliers)
• 9.0 Medication, Latex and Chemical Allergen Controls
• 10.0 Storage, Access and Maintenance of Adrenaline Auto-injectors
• 11.0 Training, Competency and Awareness Requirements
• 12.0 Step-by-Step Response to Suspected Allergic Reaction
• 13.0 Step-by-Step Response to Suspected Anaphylaxis
• 14.0 Communication and Incident Escalation Procedures
• 15.0 Post-Incident Review, Debrief and Continuous Improvement
• 16.0 Recordkeeping, Privacy and Documentation Requirements
• 17.0 Monitoring, Review and Audit of Allergy Management Practices
• 18.0 References and Related Documents

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and state/territory equivalents
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – First Aid in the Workplace: Code of Practice
• ASCIA (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy) Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Anaphylaxis in Schools, Children’s Education and Care, and Workplaces
• Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) – Food Standards Code, particularly allergen labelling and management
• NSQHS Standards (for health services) – Standard 1: Clinical Governance and Standard 5: Comprehensive Care
• Aged Care Quality Standards – Standard 3: Personal care and clinical care (for aged care providers)