SOPs: Standard Operating Procedures
Tim Loftus
SOPs, or Standard Operating Procedures, should be part of every wastewater treatment laboratory. These are instructions on how to perform a variety of tasks including, but certainly not limited to, procedures for analytical analyses, sample collection, reporting and data transfer, the testing frequency of quality control samples, and equipment calibration and maintenance.
Most of us do have some form of SOPs in our laboratories. And if you’re like me, some are in oral form. However, it is important to put these SOPs in written form. By putting SOPs on paper, it keeps the procedures from being misinterpreted, personnel can always review the SOP which will reduce confusion, and it forces the person responsible for writing them to evaluate what is and what is not required.
SOPs are not photocopies of test methods or equipment manuals. Instead these are very specific directions on how you or your technicians should perform certain tasks. Basically, it is a “how-we-do-it” document. SOPs incorporate your laboratory set-up, your plant layout, your equipment and chemicals, and any special conditions that need to be noted.
Below I’ve outlined the general format that I use when I write SOPs. Use it as a guideline. Add or delete sections to enhance your application. When writing SOPs, remember to keep the document as short and as precise as possible.
I)
Title of SOP
II) Description of SOP
What is the purpose of this SOP?
What is it written for? For example, is this applying an EPA approved test (list
which one) for NPDES reporting, or is it a non-approved test for process control
only.
III) Equipment and Chemicals Needed
List where these are stored.
Include sizes needed, how many, or how much. I also put in catalogue numbers
with the disposables listed here so I can easily reorder.
IV) Procedure
This is where the step-by-step instructions for a procedure are written.
Include a sample calculation if
appropriate. If this SOP were for sample collection, you would put in here a
detailed description and a map of the sample area.
V) Notes
There may be special situations
that need to be addressed here. Is there a common interference with this
analysis? Are there any other SOPs the reader should refer to – such as a
maintenance and calibration SOP?
VI) Data Sheet
Keep a clean copy of the data
sheet or daily record sheet if referred to in the Procedure section so you can
make copies of it when needed.
Written Standard Operating Procedures are very beneficial not just to the operation of the laboratory, but to the whole treatment plant as well. Write SOPs so that the technician following them will be more efficient and have a greater understanding of the tasks that need to be completed. Also, by incorporating written changes into existing SOPs, it keeps everyone informed and everyone on the same page (pun intended).
The recommendations here for SOPs are very general. Always check your state and local regulations especially now that a national laboratory accreditation program is being adopted by many states. You may have additional requirements to meet.
This article was written under the auspices of the New England Water Environment Association (a chapter of the Water Environment Federation) Laboratory Practices Committee. Please visit the NEWEA website at www.newea.org for membership information and other opportunities.