A Safe Operating Procedure (SOP) is a document detailing the…
- Scope
- Hazard Assessment
- Training required
- Control/Protective measures
- Tools, Materials, Equipment, and PPE
- Emergency Procedures
- Step by Step Procedure
- Hazardous Waste Disposal Procedures
- Equipment Maintenance Procedures
…created whenever:
- Performing a new experiment
- Handling a particular hazardous material (i.e. HF)
- Operating/maintaining an instrument/equipment
- Routinely investigating for safety hazards (i.e. leaks)
SOP DO NOT REPLACE PROPER LAB TRAINING BY THE PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATOR (PI)
Before creating an SOP for a piece of equipment, an instrument, routine investigation, or hazardous material, first check the HSE Forms and Documents site as they may have Safe Work Practice (SWP) that can be used as a starting point for your own lab document.
SOPs can be written by anyone performing work in a research space, but should always be reviewed and approved by the PI. SOPs should be reviewed once annually.