End Of Day Lock-up Checklist
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About this end of day checklist
Locking up is one of those routines that feels simple — until something goes wrong. This end of day lock-up checklist gives operations teams a repeatable close process, so you stop guessing and start knowing the site is secure, safe, and ready for tomorrow.
Use it for stores, venues, depots, and customer-facing locations. It covers preparation checks, in-process checks, clear escalation criteria, and close-out actions.
What this end of day lock-up checklist covers
- Closing roles and last customer controls
- Cash and high-value item security
- Structured site walk-through (including back-of-house)
- Doors, windows, shutters and alarm setting
- Power-down checks to reduce risk and cost
- Escalation triggers so you do not leave the site unsecured
- Handover notes for a clean start tomorrow
Who it is for
This checklist works best for operations teams responsible for end of day close and lock-up — shift leaders, duty managers, supervisors, and key holders. It is especially useful in multi-site operations where consistency matters and local workarounds create risk.
How to use it on shift
- Run it in the same order every time. Consistency is what prevents missed steps.
- Record exceptions as you go. If something is not right (alarm fault, unsecured door, cash variance), capture it and escalate immediately.
- Do a final external check. Step back and confirm the site looks secure from the outside before you leave.
Common escalation criteria (do not ignore these)
Most lock-up incidents come from one of a few predictable failures. Escalate straight away if the alarm will not set, any external access point cannot be secured, you notice suspicious activity, or your cash variance is outside tolerance.
Make lock-up a measurable standard, not a memory test
When lock-up lives in people’s heads, the process changes with every shift. With Ocasta’s inspections and checklist hub, you can standardise the close, capture evidence when it matters, and see patterns across sites — so you can fix recurring issues rather than firefighting them.
Disclaimer: This checklist is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, health and safety, or professional advice. You are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws, standards, and internal policies.
Included questions
Here's what's included in this end of day checklist:
Before you start (4)
Set up a calm, consistent close so nothing gets missed when you are tired or rushing.
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Dropdown
What time is the site scheduled to close today?
Use the official trading hours or site schedule — not assumptions.
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Yes/No
Are closing roles assigned and understood?
Examples: cashing up, cleaning, final walk-through, alarms and shutters, waste removal.
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Yes/No
Are keys, fobs and alarm codes available and working?
If anything is missing or not working, escalate before customers leave.
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Yes/No
Is the last customer process clear?
How you will close queues, stop entry, and manage late customers safely.
Close trading and secure cash and valuables (5)
Remove temptation and reduce risk before you lock doors and set alarms.
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Yes/No
Are entrances controlled at closing time?
Stop entry at the agreed time and keep one managed exit if needed.
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Yes/No
Has cashing up been completed and recorded?
Follow your cash handling process exactly. Record totals and variances.
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Currency
Cash variance amount (if any)
Enter 0 if none. If outside tolerance, escalate using the criteria below.
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Yes/No
Is all cash secured in the safe or approved storage?
No cash left in tills, drawers, or back office surfaces.
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Yes/No
Are high-value items secured as per policy?
Examples: locked cabinets, cages, secure room, tethered displays removed.
Site walk-through and safety checks (5)
A structured walk-through prevents the classic lock-up misses: hazards, people, and unsecured areas.
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Yes/No
Is the site clear of customers, contractors and visitors?
Check toilets, fitting rooms, break areas, stock rooms, and any outbuildings.
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Yes/No
Have hazards been removed or made safe?
Examples: spillages, trip hazards, blocked exits, unsafe stacking, hot equipment.
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Yes/No
Are fire exits clear and secure (not obstructed or wedged)?
Exits must be clear, and door position must match your policy for closed hours.
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Yes/No
Is waste removed or secured correctly?
No confidential waste left accessible. External bins closed and area left tidy.
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Yes/No
Have toilets and back-of-house areas been checked and secured?
Include staff rooms, offices, plant rooms, and delivery doors.
Lock-up: doors, windows, shutters and alarms (5)
This is the point where guesswork creates incidents. Follow the same order every time.
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Yes/No
Are all windows closed and locked?
Include skylights and any accessible upper-level windows.
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Yes/No
Are all external doors locked and checked?
Front, rear, delivery, fire exits (as per policy), and any side doors.
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Yes/No
Are shutters, gates or roller doors fully down and secured?
Confirm they are seated correctly and cannot be lifted.
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Yes/No
Has the alarm been set successfully?
Wait for confirmation tone/message. Do not leave until you have it.
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Text
If the alarm did not set, what happened?
Record the error message, zone, and what you did next.
Power-down and equipment checks (5)
Reduce fire risk, prevent spoilage, and avoid unnecessary overnight costs.
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Yes/No
Is non-essential equipment switched off?
Examples: music, TVs, heaters, non-critical lights, chargers — follow site rules.
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Yes/No
Are essential systems left on as required?
Examples: fridges/freezers, security systems, network equipment (if required).
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Dropdown
Water and gas status checked (where applicable)
Select the status that matches your site setup.
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Yes/No
Any temperature or spoilage risks identified?
If yes, record details and escalate immediately.
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Text
If a risk was identified, record details
What, where, and what action you took.
Escalation criteria (5)
Know when to stop and escalate — the goal is a secure site, not a completed form.
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Yes/No
Escalate immediately if the alarm will not set
Call the approved contact list and follow the out-of-hours process before leaving.
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Yes/No
Escalate immediately if any door, window or shutter cannot be secured
Do not leave the site unsecured. Record the location and fault.
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Yes/No
Escalate immediately if there is suspicious activity or a safety concern
Examples: loitering, attempted entry, threats, signs of forced access.
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Yes/No
Escalate if cash variance is outside your site tolerance
Use your policy threshold. Record the variance and any suspected cause.
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Person
Who did you contact (if escalation was needed)?
Select the person responsible for the next action.
Close-out and sign-off (4)
Make the handover clear so the next shift starts with certainty, not assumptions.
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Text
Handover notes for tomorrow
Capture issues, incomplete tasks, deliveries due, and anything that could cause delays.
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Yes/No
Final external check completed after lock-up
Step back and check doors, shutters, windows, and that no one is waiting nearby.
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Dropdown
Keys stored or transferred correctly
Select the option that matches your process.
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Signature
Closer sign-off
By signing, you confirm the site was secured following the checklist and any escalations were actioned.