Product Overview

Summary: This Anti Theft and Security Devices Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for selecting, installing, using and maintaining security devices to protect people, property and information in the workplace. It helps Australian businesses deter theft, manage security-related WHS risks, and demonstrate due diligence under WHS and privacy legislation.

The Anti Theft and Security Devices Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, repeatable approach to managing physical security in Australian workplaces, with a strong focus on worker safety and duty of care. It covers the full lifecycle of security devices, including CCTV, access control systems, alarm panels, duress alarms, anti-theft tagging, safes, key management systems and vehicle immobilisers. By defining who does what, when and how, the SOP reduces ambiguity around security tasks, minimises human error, and ensures that security measures do not introduce new WHS risks such as trip hazards, electrical risks or unsafe emergency egress.

This SOP is designed for organisations that need to balance loss prevention, staff safety and customer experience – from retail and hospitality through to warehousing, healthcare, offices and community services. It addresses common pain points such as inconsistent use of security devices, poor incident response, ad-hoc key and access card control, and non-compliant CCTV practices that may conflict with privacy obligations. Implementing this procedure helps businesses create a safer environment for workers and visitors, reduce theft and aggression-related incidents, and provide clear evidence of systematic risk management in the event of an incident, insurance claim or regulator enquiry.

Key Benefits

• Reduce theft, stock loss and unauthorised access through consistent, documented use of security devices.
• Enhance worker safety by integrating security devices with clear incident response and escalation procedures.
• Ensure compliance with WHS duties, surveillance and privacy requirements when using CCTV and monitoring systems.
• Standardise installation, inspection and maintenance of security devices to minimise equipment failure and downtime.
• Strengthen training and onboarding by providing staff with clear, role-specific instructions on security device use.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Security Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Retail Store Managers
• Warehouse and Distribution Centre Managers
• Operations Managers
• IT and Systems Administrators
• Frontline Supervisors and Team Leaders
• Loss Prevention Officers
• Small Business Owners

Hazards Addressed

• Violence and aggression from intruders, shoplifters or disgruntled persons
• Armed robbery and hold-up situations
• Unauthorised access to restricted areas leading to assaults or serious incidents
• Theft of cash, stock, tools or equipment creating increased risk of confrontations
• Trip and fall hazards from poorly placed or cabled security equipment
• Electrical hazards from incorrectly installed or damaged electronic security devices
• Psychosocial hazards related to fear of crime, working alone or after-hours work
• Compromised emergency egress due to locked or obstructed exits and security grilles

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Types of Security Devices
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Risk Assessment and Security Planning
• 5.0 Selection and Placement of Security Devices
• 6.0 Installation and Commissioning Requirements
• 7.0 Daily Pre-Use Checks and System Status Verification
• 8.0 Operating Procedures for CCTV, Alarms and Access Control
• 9.0 Use of Anti-Theft Tagging and Retail Loss Prevention Devices
• 10.0 Key, Access Card and PIN Code Management
• 11.0 Incident Response, Duress and Hold-Up Procedures
• 12.0 Maintenance, Testing and Fault Reporting
• 13.0 WHS, Privacy and Surveillance Compliance Considerations
• 14.0 Training, Induction and Competency Requirements
• 15.0 Recordkeeping, Audit and Continuous Improvement
• 16.0 Emergency Procedures and System Failures
• 17.0 Document Review and Version Control

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and harmonised state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Workplace Violence and Aggression in Healthcare and Community Services (and related guidance for other sectors)
• AS/NZS 2201 series: Intruder alarm systems
• AS 4806 series: Closed circuit television (CCTV) for security applications
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines
• Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles (where CCTV and monitoring capture personal information)