Standard and safe operating procedures (SOP)

Standard and safe operating procedures are essential for dangerous work or regularly needed employment. They are most useful for planting people for easy use if they are well established and explained beforehand and available in the form of a ready-made paper. In preventing and minimizing injuries, such protocols are beneficial.

Meaning and usage of Standard and safe operating procedures (SOP):

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a set of written guidelines detailing steps for hazardous work or often needed industrial operation in a secure working system and standard engineering practice.

It defines the management's technological as well as administrative operating instructions. It is constructed by technicians in the facility who are properly trained and well experienced. Based on knowledge of its use, it should be amended and updated. 

SOP standardizes the process of work and eliminates discrepancies between various staff. In working methods, this establishes uniformity and protection. It ensures that all employees do the same job safely and effectively in the same way.

SOP needs to be correctly written. Steps need to be chronological. If not written correctly, it is of minimal value. When not followed, the best written SOP can fail. In work areas, copies of SOP should be ready to be made available so that they can be conveniently used. To avoid shortcuts, incorrect behaviors and harmful procedures, SOPs are useful.

Standard and safe operating procedures (SOP)


SOP format:

SOP should be written in a format which is well crafted. It ought to be quick to comprehend. It should explain its intent, method of use, required instruments, equipment and PPE, work permit to be used if appropriate, etc. There should be well arranged steps and sub-steps. SOP, Sr. or Id. should have the title, Number, Date of Readiness. Date and number of revision, steps and method, intervention by whom and remarks.

Such SOP examples are as follows:

  1. Purging of nitrogen in a reactor.
  2. Loading and unloading of a toxic material tanker.
  3. A secure start or closure of a plant.
  4. Loading a catalyst into a reactor.
  5. Procedure for flue or hazardous gas sampling.

SOP could receive approval for the From the top management, including the department of HSE. It needs to be examined and revised. It is possible to use the checklist for SOP planning.