Product Overview

Summary: This Lighting and Sound Systems Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for safely planning, installing, operating and packing down audio-visual systems in Australian workplaces and venues. It helps your team manage electrical, working‑at‑height, noise and trip hazards while delivering reliable, professional production outcomes that comply with WHS obligations.

Lighting and sound systems are critical to delivering safe, engaging events, performances and workplace presentations, but they also introduce significant WHS risks. From temporary power distribution and hanging fixtures at height, through to sound pressure levels, cable management and emergency lighting requirements, there are many points where things can go wrong if work is not properly planned and controlled. This SOP provides a structured, end‑to‑end method for managing those risks while maintaining the technical quality expected in modern Australian venues, events and workplaces.

The procedure guides workers through pre‑production planning, risk assessment, bump‑in and rigging, system configuration, sound checks and rehearsals, live operation, and bump‑out activities. It sets out clear responsibilities, mandatory pre‑use checks, lock‑out and isolation practices, safe working limits, and emergency response steps specific to lighting and sound environments. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence under WHS law, reduce the likelihood of electrical incidents, falls, hearing damage and trip hazards, and create a consistent standard for contractors and in‑house teams across all events and locations.

Whether you manage a theatre, a school hall, a conference centre, a house‑of‑worship, or a mobile AV and staging company, this SOP helps you integrate safety into everyday technical practice. It supports safer set‑ups for concerts, conferences, school productions, corporate functions and community events, while also improving efficiency through standardised workflows, clearer communication, and better coordination between lighting, sound and other production departments.

Key Benefits

• Ensure safe planning, installation and operation of lighting and sound systems in line with Australian WHS requirements.
• Reduce the risk of electrical shock, falls from height, trip hazards and noise-induced hearing loss during events and productions.
• Standardise technical workflows so staff and contractors follow the same, clearly documented procedures across all venues and jobs.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and venue owners through a documented, repeatable safety process.
• Streamline training and onboarding for new technicians, casual crew and volunteers with clear, role-specific instructions.

Who is this for?

• Event Technicians
• Lighting Operators
• Audio Engineers and Sound Technicians
• Production Managers
• Venue Managers
• Theatre and Stage Managers
• AV and Staging Company Owners
• WHS Managers and Safety Advisors
• Touring Crew Chiefs
• Facilities and Operations Managers for Venues

Hazards Addressed

• Electrical shock and electrocution from power distribution, dimmers, amplifiers and faulty cabling
• Falls from height when accessing trusses, catwalks, ladders and elevated work platforms for rigging and focusing
• Falling objects from inadequately secured lighting fixtures, speakers, clamps and rigging hardware
• Trip and slip hazards caused by poorly routed cables, loose mats and equipment cases in walkways and exits
• Noise-induced hearing loss from prolonged exposure to high sound pressure levels during rehearsals and performances
• Thermal burns from hot lighting fixtures, lamps and associated equipment
• Fire risk from overloaded circuits, damaged cables, incorrect fusing or poor ventilation of dimmers and amplifiers
• Musculoskeletal injuries from manual handling of heavy speakers, lighting bars, flight cases and staging components
• Poor visibility and emergency egress issues due to inappropriate lighting placement or obstruction of exits

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Lighting, Audio and Rigging)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Pre-Production Planning and Risk Assessment
• 6.0 Required PPE, Tools and Test Equipment
• 7.0 Electrical Safety and Power Distribution Requirements
• 8.0 Rigging, Mounting and Securing of Lighting and Sound Equipment
• 9.0 Cable Management and Housekeeping Controls
• 10.0 Noise Management and Hearing Protection Controls
• 11.0 System Configuration, Testing and Commissioning
• 12.0 Safe Operation During Rehearsals and Live Events
• 13.0 Working at Heights Procedures (Ladders, EWP, Catwalks)
• 14.0 Manual Handling and Equipment Transport
• 15.0 Emergency Procedures (Electrical Faults, Fire, Falls, Overexposure to Noise)
• 16.0 Post-Event Pack-down, Inspection and Storage
• 17.0 Maintenance, Tagging and Test-and-Tag Requirements
• 18.0 Training, Induction and Supervision
• 19.0 Recordkeeping, Review and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as implemented in each state and territory)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work: Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical installations (Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
• AS/NZS 1418 series: Cranes, hoists and winches (for powered rigging and lifting devices where applicable)
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS/NZS 1269 series: Occupational noise management
• AS 2293 series: Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings
• Local state and territory WHS regulations relating to working at heights and plant