To summarize:
1. Purpose. When and why to apply this analysis. Limitation of the
method.
2. Materials. Every everything used. Possible information to include
here - where purchased, how stored, how to tell if it is still good, how
it is prepared. If not written down, the method used will change over
time as the method gets "simplified" and as hourly technicians get
ideas. I've written detailed procedures for cleaning aluminum foil and
sand.
4. Procedures. Start at the beginning and go to the end.
5. Safety.
6. Critical Points.
7. Products Affected.
8. Notes. Give some of the background of how the method works, and why
each of the steps are needed. The previous sections should be spare, a
bare bones description. This is where you can give more explanation.
Modifiy this outline to fulfill the requirements of your situation.
You could also go to the library and get an example to follow. For
example, the American Water Works Association publishes "Standard
Methods for the Examination of Water and ..."
Mike O'Hara wrote:
>> In continuation of this thread, a number of organizations also use SOPs as
> key training tools for new staff. If you plan to use them for this purpose,
> a Notes section (at the end) covering why certain things are done in a
> certain way is of benefit - these can then link with any induction/training
> you would give these staff
>> Mike O'Hara
>> "S.Ballal" wrote:
>> > to add to reply by Albican:
> >
> > Also it should clearly and point wise state what is to be done, without
> > assuming that the user will know about it, clearly defining the critical
> > parameters/ operations. If you need I can send you some simple SOP's to
> > get an idea.
> >
> > S.Ballal
> >
> > albican at my-deja.com wrote:
> > >
> > > In article <7j3vei$3i2$1 at gxsn.com>,
> > > "Alec Gallagher" <alec at colindal.globalnet.co.uk> wrote:
> > > > Does anyone know of a publication which gives a *concise* guide to
> > > writing
> > > > standard operating procedures? One available in the UK would be
> > > > preferable - if it has a microbiology bias, so much the better.
> > >
> > > There is no mystery to writing SOPs. Design a template that has a
> > > Purpose, Materials, and Procedures. You could add in other sections
> > > concerning Safety, Critical Points, and Products affected. The key is
> > > consistency
> > >
> > > Albican
> > > Biologist masquerading as a Microbiologist
> > >
> > > Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/> > > Share what you know. Learn what you don't.
--
~DBH
Technical writing, literature search, and data analysis at the interface
of chemistry and biology.
davidbhedrick at icx.net
David B. Hedrick
P.O. Box 16082
Knoxville, TN 37996
