Standard Operating Procedures

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Standard Operating Procedures
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SOPs

• What is a SOP?
• Why are SOPs written?
• How do you write a SOP?

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What is a SOP?

• A set of instructions or directions that a person
  follows to complete a task safely and meeting all
  OSHA and other regulatory compliance standards
• SOP are written for the person performing the
  task or the supervisor evaluating the person
  performing the task.

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Why are SOPs written?

• Standard Operating Procedures are written to
  insure that all persons performing the task are
  completing it using the same method, techniques,
  and equipment.
• Also SOPs are important to maintain OSHA and
  other regulatory compliance standards.

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How do you write a SOP?

• Any SOP should be organized, simple, and easy to
  read
• Title the SOP with a descriptive verb that
  defines the purpose (safety should be part of the
  purpose)
• Identify the general and specific points of the
  task the SOP was written for
• State the purpose of the SOP, specify the
  audience, regulatory std, and desirable /
  undesirable consequences

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Writing a SOP Cont

• Write a scope statement that tells what
  related subjects the SOP will not cover
• List any materials or tools needed you may use
  a table this includes all personal protective
  equipment, possible necessary environmental
  conditions, or time constraints

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Writing a SOP cont

• Write a concise overview of the SOPs major
  function include anticipated safety needs or
  results.
• Describe mechanism, processing system, and major
  components so reader can orient themselves to the
  overall system and its parts.

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Writing a SOP cont

• Define terms and concepts. If a large list of
  terms are need, you may include them at the end
  in a glossary form. If a short list, fit it
  within the write up just before the procedure.
• Write all safety warnings within the SOP before
  the step to be described.

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Writing a SOP cont

• Write out steps of the procedure in sequential
  order provide detailed explanation for reason
  for performing the step and an alternative if
  applicable
• Specify of time dependent
• Reference documents if necessary
• Include graphics if appropriate

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Field test SOP

• SOPs should be field tested and then reviewed and
  corrected if necessary

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My requirements for SOPs

• Descriptive title that describes the purpose
  Transferring liquid chemicals safely
• State the purpose and audience of SOP The
  purpose of this SOP is to provide instructions
  for the safe use of 50 sulfuric acid to prevent
  spills, harmful vapors and injury to the workers
  and the environment.

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My SOP Requirements

• List or organize within a table all items
  required for the SOP

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My SOP Requirements

• Define terms, abbreviations, and concepts Conc
  concentration
• List and explain, in sequential order, the
  procedure. Make sure each step is concise and a
  single step - include safety and warnings. Make
  sure the tip of the pipet does not touch the
  sides of the test tube upon entry or exit.
  Insert the sterile tip of the micropipet into the
  test tube and withdraw 1 microliter to be
  transferred.

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My SOP Rubric

• Descriptive title that describes the purpose
• State the purpose and audience of SOP
• List or organize within a table all items
  required for the SOP
• Define terms, abbreviations, and concepts
• List and explain, in sequential order, the
  procedure. Make sure each step is concise and a
  single step - include safety and warnings.

• 10 points
• 10 points
• 20 points
• 10 points
• 50 points