Product Overview

Summary: This Entry Exit Procedures Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, consistent rules for how workers, visitors and contractors enter, move through and exit your workplace. It helps control security, traffic and emergency risks while supporting compliance with Australian WHS duties and site access requirements.

Uncontrolled entry and exit points are a common weak spot in many Australian workplaces, exposing businesses to avoidable safety incidents, security breaches and non-compliance with WHS obligations. This Entry Exit Procedures Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step-by-step approach for managing how people and vehicles come onto site, move through restricted areas, and leave safely at the end of their tasks or shifts. It covers everything from sign-in requirements and induction checks to emergency egress, after-hours access and contractor management.

The procedure is designed to be applied across a range of environments including construction sites, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, offices, healthcare, education and government settings. By standardising entry and exit processes, you reduce confusion, ensure only authorised and competent persons are present, and maintain clear records that support incident investigation and regulatory inspections. This SOP helps businesses demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS law by integrating access control with hazard management, emergency planning and traffic management, rather than treating it as a purely administrative or security function.

Key Benefits

• Ensure only authorised, inducted and appropriately equipped persons enter operational areas.
• Reduce the risk of incidents at entry and exit points, including slips, trips, vehicle interactions and emergency egress failures.
• Streamline visitor, contractor and employee sign-in/sign-out processes with clear responsibilities and documentation.
• Improve emergency preparedness by defining designated exits, assembly points and evacuation protocols for all site occupants.
• Demonstrate WHS due diligence through consistent access records, briefings and compliance with site-specific requirements.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Site Supervisors
• Operations Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Security Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• Warehouse and Logistics Managers
• Reception and Front-of-House Staff
• Contractor Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Unauthorised access to hazardous or restricted work areas
• Vehicle and pedestrian interaction at gates, loading docks and car parks
• Slips, trips and falls at entryways, stairs and ramps
• Congestion and bottlenecks at exits during emergencies
• Security breaches leading to theft, vandalism or interference with plant and equipment
• Exposure of uninducted visitors or contractors to uncontrolled workplace hazards
• Failure to account for personnel during evacuations or critical incidents
• Fatigue and distraction at shift changeover points
• After-hours lone work risks associated with uncontrolled access

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Entry Requirements for Workers, Visitors and Contractors
• 6.0 Sign-In, Induction and Briefing Procedures
• 7.0 Site Access Control and Authorisation Levels
• 8.0 Vehicle Entry, Parking and Traffic Management at Access Points
• 9.0 Controlled and Restricted Areas (Keys, Swipe Cards, Permits)
• 10.0 Exit and Sign-Out Procedures
• 11.0 Emergency Exits, Evacuation Routes and Assembly Points
• 12.0 After-Hours and Lone Worker Entry/Exit Protocols
• 13.0 Security Incidents, Trespass and Escalation Process
• 14.0 Record Keeping, Privacy and Data Retention
• 15.0 Training, Communication and Competency Requirements
• 16.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
• 17.0 Appendices – Forms, Checklists and Example Signage

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Traffic Management in Workplaces
• AS 3745: Planning for emergencies in facilities
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use