SOPSOPStandard Operating Standard Operating

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What is an SOP?What is an SOP?

Written instructions on how to perform a Written instructions on how to perform a repetitive activityrepetitive activity

SOP’s are an integral part of a successful SOP’s are an integral part of a successful quality system.quality system.

Why are they important?Why are they important?

Give each employee a step by step of how to Give each employee a step by step of how to perform a specific procedureperform a specific procedure

These are set up with the best interests of the These are set up with the best interests of the animals in mindanimals in mind

Is a “guideline” on how a task should be Is a “guideline” on how a task should be carried out.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 If SOP’s are not written correctly, they a have limited value.limited value.

On the other hand, the best written SOP’s have On the other hand, the best written SOP’s have no value if they are not followed.no value if they are not followed.

Copies of current SOP’s should be available to Copies of current SOP’s should be available to all employees.all employees.

Writing StylesWriting Styles SOP’s should be written in a clear, concise, easy to SOP’s should be written in a clear, concise, easy to

follow format.follow format. Information should not be overly complicatedInformation should not be overly complicated Document should not be overly lengthy or redundantDocument should not be overly lengthy or redundant They should be written with enough detail that They should be written with enough detail that

someone with limited experience can follow the someone with limited experience can follow the directions while unsupervised.directions while unsupervised.

Should be written by those that are knowledgeable Should be written by those that are knowledgeable and have experience in the area.and have experience in the area.

SOP’s should also be reviewed by others with SOP’s should also be reviewed by others with experience.experience.

Frequency of reviewing/changing Frequency of reviewing/changing SOP’sSOP’s

SOP’s need to remain currentSOP’s need to remain current Anytime a procedure changes, the SOP should Anytime a procedure changes, the SOP should

be updated.be updated. SOP’s should be reviewed on a regular basis to SOP’s should be reviewed on a regular basis to

make sure things are current. Adding a review make sure things are current. Adding a review date to the SOP is helpful.date to the SOP is helpful.

If an SOP is listed which is no longer needed, If an SOP is listed which is no longer needed, it should be removed from the file.it should be removed from the file.

Format of an SOPFormat of an SOP

There is no standard format for an SOP, just There is no standard format for an SOP, just what works best for the organization it is being what works best for the organization it is being used in.used in.

General information that may be included; General information that may be included; brief summary of procedure, definitions, brief summary of procedure, definitions, health and safety warnings, equipment and health and safety warnings, equipment and supplies and procedure (identifying all supplies and procedure (identifying all necessary steps to complete the task)necessary steps to complete the task)

What types of tasks have SOP’s?What types of tasks have SOP’s?

SOP’s are designed for all types of SOP’s are designed for all types of procedures/tasks.procedures/tasks.

FeedingFeeding Animal Care and Use recordsAnimal Care and Use records TreatmentsTreatments Emergency situationsEmergency situations The list goes on and onThe list goes on and on

Example SOP’sExample SOP’s

HandoutsHandouts