Examples of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

Standard Operating Procedure Examples by Industry

A significant use for SOPs is for managing Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) audits. However, as long as an organization involves critical tasks in their daily operations, SOPs will come in handy. It will ensure that those critical tasks are done safely and efficiently, keeping them aligned with set standards.

Here are the common industries where SOPs are used in certain functions:

Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry engages in the transformation of raw materials into products. Employees need to perform numerous routine tasks in a day, some manual and some automated. To avoid product errors and injuries in the workplace, management must set manufacturing standard operating procedures to ensure safety and quality in production.

SOP Example for Manufacturing Equipment Calibration:

Document Number: SOP-EC-001
Effective Date: March 1, 2024

1. Purpose

To ensure equipment accuracy and compliance through regular calibration.

2. Scope

Applies to all equipment requiring calibration in the facilities.

3. Responsibilities

• • Calibration Technician: Performs and documents calibration.
  • Quality Assurance (QA) Manager: Oversees calibration activities and compliance.
  • Maintenance Supervisor: Coordinates scheduling and execution of calibration.

4. Procedure

• • Schedule:
    • Follow a calibration schedule based on equipment type and manufacturer recommendations.
  • Standards:
    • Use certified, traceable calibration standards.
  • Perform Calibration:
    • Calibrate equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Document results, including any adjustments made.
  • Documentation:
    • Complete Calibration Record forms and file in Equipment Calibration Log.
  • Corrective Actions:
    • Address and document any deviations or equipment failures.
  • Training:
    • Ensure personnel are trained in calibration procedures.

Food Manufacturing Industry

Common food manufacturing SOPs cover tasks such as handwashing, cleaning and sanitizing food contact surfaces, and following the proper packaging processes. This applies to all the employees working in the facility to maintain food safety standards and prevent contamination of food, ingredients and packaging materials.

SOP Example for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP):

Document Number: SOP-HACCP-001
Effective Date: March 1, 2024

1. Purpose

To establish procedures for implementing and maintaining the HACCP system to ensure food safety.

2. Scope

Applies to all food production processes within the facility.

3. Responsibilities

• • HACCP Team: Develops and manages the HACCP plan.
  • Quality Assurance (QA) Manager: Ensures compliance and monitors HACCP activities.
  • Production Staff: Follow HACCP procedures and report issues.

4. Procedure

• • Hazard Analysis:
    • Identify and assess potential biological, chemical, and physical hazards.
  • Critical Control Points (CCPs):
    • Determine CCPs where control is essential.
    • Set critical limits for each CCP.
  • Monitoring:
    • Implement monitoring procedures for each CCP.
    • Record monitoring results.
  • Corrective Actions:
    • Define actions for deviations from critical limits.
    • Document corrective actions taken.
  • Verification:
    • Conduct regular audits and validation of the HACCP plan.
  • Documentation:
    • Maintain records of hazard analysis, CCP monitoring, and corrective actions.

Hospitality

Businesses in the hospitality industry like hotels use SOPs to train their staff on procedures like housekeeping, food and beverage serving and preparation, catering, and more. It is also applied to other hospitality management operations to develop and deliver high-quality service to guests.

SOP Example for Inventory Management in the Hospitality Industry:

Document Number: SOP-IM-001
Effective Date: March 1, 2024

1. Purpose

To ensure efficient and accurate management of inventory in the hospitality industry.

2. Scope

Applies to all inventory-related processes for food, beverages, and supplies.

3. Responsibilities

• • Inventory Manager: Oversees inventory operations and accuracy.
  • Procurement Staff: Manages ordering and supplier interactions.
  • Warehouse Staff: Handles receipt and storage of inventory.

4. Procedure

• • Tracking:
    • Use an inventory management system to monitor stock levels.
    • Conduct regular physical counts and reconcile with system data.
  • Ordering:
    • Order based on usage forecasts and current inventory levels.
    • Maintain reorder points to avoid stockouts and overstocking.
  • Receiving:
    • Inspect deliveries for accuracy and quality.
    • Update inventory records promptly upon receipt.
  • Storage:
    • Store items according to their requirements (e.g., temperature).
    • Organize inventory to ensure FIFO (First In, First Out) rotation.
  • Waste Management:
    • Document and minimize inventory waste, including spoilage and expired items.
  • Reporting:
    • Generate and review inventory reports to identify trends and discrepancies.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Common pharmaceutical SOPs cover tasks such as dispensing, sourcing medicines, and expiration date checking. SOPs help ensure that pharmacists assist in protecting the safety of patients and avoiding unintended errors in dispensing medications to patients.

SOP Example for Clinical Trial Management:

Document Number: SOP-CTM-001
Effective Date: March 1, 2024

1. Purpose

To ensure effective management and compliance of clinical trials.

2. Scope

Applies to all phases of clinical trials conducted by the Company

3. Responsibilities

• • Clinical Trial Manager (CTM): Oversees trial operations and compliance.
  • Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC): Manages daily trial activities.
  • Principal Investigator (PI): Ensures participant safety and protocol adherence.

4. Procedure

• • Planning:
    • Develop and approve the Clinical Trial Protocol.
    • Obtain necessary regulatory and IRB approvals.
  • Site Management:
    • Select and initiate clinical trial sites.
    • Train site staff and ensure protocol compliance.
  • Recruitment:
    • Execute recruitment strategies and obtain informed consent from participants.
  • Data Management:
    • Collect and record data per protocol.
    • Ensure data accuracy and integrity.
  • Monitoring:
    • Conduct monitoring visits to ensure compliance.
    • Address and resolve any issues or deviations.
  • Adverse Events:
    • Report adverse events according to protocol and regulatory requirements.
  • Close-Out:
    • Finalize data and conduct site close-out visits.
    • Complete all required documentation.

Construction Industry

Common construction SOPs cover tasks such as toolbox talks or pre-work meetings, risk assessments, and job safety analysis. This is vital to discuss and evaluate the high-risk tasks that workers will perform and develop ways to perform these tasks safely.

SOP Example for Safety Inspection in a Construction Industry:

Document Number: SOP-SI-001
Effective Date: March 1, 2024

1. Purpose

To outline the procedures for conducting safety inspections on construction sites to ensure compliance with safety regulations and to prevent accidents and injuries.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to all construction sites managed by the Company, including all personnel involved in safety inspections and site management.

3. Responsibilities

• Safety Officer: Conducts and oversees safety inspections, ensures compliance with safety standards, and reports findings.
• Site Supervisor: Supports safety inspections, addresses safety concerns, and implements corrective actions.
• Construction Workers: Follow safety guidelines and report any safety hazards to the Safety Officer.

4. Procedure

4.1 Preparation

Inspection Schedule:

• • • Develop and maintain a safety inspection schedule based on project requirements and regulatory standards.
    • Schedule inspections at regular intervals and after any significant changes in the work environment.

Inspection Checklist:

• • • Prepare a comprehensive safety inspection checklist covering key areas such as equipment, work practices, site conditions, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

4.2 Conducting the Inspection

Inspection Process:

• • • Walk through the construction site systematically, using the inspection checklist to evaluate safety practices and conditions.
    • Check for compliance with safety regulations, proper use of PPE, and the condition of equipment and safety barriers.

Documentation:

• • • Record observations, including any hazards or unsafe practices identified, using the Safety Inspection Report form.
    • Note the location, description of the issue, and any immediate actions taken.

4.3 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Identify Hazards:

• • • Look for potential hazards such as unguarded machinery, unsafe scaffolding, or improper storage of materials.
    • Assess the risk level of identified hazards and prioritize them based on severity and likelihood of causing an accident.

Risk Control:

• • • Recommend corrective actions to mitigate identified risks.
    • Ensure that corrective actions are implemented promptly and effectively.

4.4 Reporting and Follow-Up

Safety Inspection Report:

• • • Complete the Safety Inspection Report form, detailing findings, corrective actions required, and responsible parties.
    • Submit the report to the Safety Officer and Site Supervisor for review and follow-up.

Corrective Actions:

• • • Monitor the implementation of corrective actions to ensure they address the identified hazards.
    • Verify that corrective actions are completed and effective.

4.5 Training and Communication

Training:

• • • Provide training to all personnel on safety procedures and the importance of compliance with safety standards.
    • Update training programs based on inspection findings and regulatory changes.

Communication:

• • • Share safety inspection findings and corrective actions with all relevant personnel.
    • Conduct safety meetings to discuss inspection results and reinforce safety practices.

4.6 Review and Improvement

Review:

• • • Review inspection procedures and checklists periodically to ensure they remain effective and compliant with regulations.
    • Incorporate feedback from safety inspections into the improvement of safety practices.

Continuous Improvement:

• • • Use safety inspection data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
    • Implement changes to enhance safety practices and reduce the risk of accidents.

5. Record Keeping

• Inspection Records: Maintain detailed records of all safety inspections, including checklists, reports, and corrective action documentation.
• Retention: Keep records for a minimum of 5 years or as required by regulatory standards.