SOP Standard Operating Procedure This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s Community-Based Job Training Grants as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This solution is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.

What is an SOP? Written instructions on how to perform a repetitive activity Written instructions on how to perform a repetitive activity SOP’s are an integral part of a successful quality system. SOP’s are an integral part of a successful quality system.

Why are they important? Give each employee a step by step of how to perform a specific procedure Give each employee a step by step of how to perform a specific procedure These are set up with the best interests of the animals in mind These are set up with the best interests of the animals in mind Is a “guideline” on how a task should be carried out. Is a “guideline” on how a task should be carried out. Aides in training new employees. Aides in training new employees. Helps to prevent inconsistencies Helps to prevent inconsistencies

If SOP’s are not written correctly, they a have limited value. If SOP’s are not written correctly, they a have limited value. On the other hand, the best written SOP’s have no value if they are not followed. On the other hand, the best written SOP’s have no value if they are not followed. Copies of current SOP’s should be available to all employees. Copies of current SOP’s should be available to all employees.

Writing Styles SOP’s should be written in a clear, concise, easy to follow format. SOP’s should be written in a clear, concise, easy to follow format. Information should not be overly complicated Information should not be overly complicated Document should not be overly lengthy or redundant Document should not be overly lengthy or redundant They should be written with enough detail that someone with limited experience can follow the directions while unsupervised. They should be written with enough detail that someone with limited experience can follow the directions while unsupervised. Should be written by those that are knowledgeable and have experience in the area. Should be written by those that are knowledgeable and have experience in the area. SOP’s should also be reviewed by others with experience. SOP’s should also be reviewed by others with experience.

Frequency of reviewing/changing SOP’s SOP’s need to remain current SOP’s need to remain current Anytime a procedure changes, the SOP should be updated. Anytime a procedure changes, the SOP should be updated. SOP’s should be reviewed on a regular basis to make sure things are current. Adding a review date to the SOP is helpful. SOP’s should be reviewed on a regular basis to make sure things are current. Adding a review date to the SOP is helpful. If an SOP is listed which is no longer needed, it should be removed from the file. If an SOP is listed which is no longer needed, it should be removed from the file.

Format of an SOP There is no standard format for an SOP, just what works best for the organization it is being used in. There is no standard format for an SOP, just what works best for the organization it is being used in. General information that may be included; brief summary of procedure, definitions, health and safety warnings, equipment and supplies and procedure (identifying all necessary steps to complete the task) General information that may be included; brief summary of procedure, definitions, health and safety warnings, equipment and supplies and procedure (identifying all necessary steps to complete the task)

What types of tasks have SOP’s? SOP’s are designed for all types of procedures/tasks. Feeding Animal Care and Use records Treatments Emergency situations The list goes on and on

Example SOP’s Handouts Handouts