Purpose
The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Development and Implementation Policy is to outline the process for creating, reviewing, and implementing SOPs at Oil Analysis Laboratories. This policy ensures that our SOPs are reliable, effective, and compliant with relevant standards and best practices.
Scope
This policy applies to all SOPs used within Oil Analysis Laboratories.
Responsibilities
All employees and contractors involved in the development, review, implementation, or use of SOPs are responsible for adhering to this policy. Managers and supervisors have additional responsibilities for overseeing the SOP process and ensuring the effective implementation of SOPs within their areas of responsibility.
SOP Development
- SOPs are developed using a standardized format that includes sections for purpose, scope, responsibilities, procedure, safety considerations, and references.
- SOPs are primarily based on ASTM, ISO, IP, and DIN methods, which provide authoritative and widely-accepted procedures for various aspects of oil analysis.
- SOPs are also informed by our own experience, expertise, and unique operational requirements.
SOP Review and Approval
- All SOPs are reviewed and approved by a designated authority before they are implemented. This ensures that they are accurate, effective, and compliant with relevant standards.
- SOPs are reviewed and updated regularly to ensure they remain current and effective.
- All core SOPs are assessed against their proficiency testing z-scores to identify room for improvement.
SOP Implementation
- Once approved, SOPs are communicated to all relevant personnel and made easily accessible on the company’s internal Quality Management System private network.
- All personnel involved in a given procedure are required to follow the relevant SOP.
SOP Assessment
- The effectiveness of SOPs is assessed regularly through quality control and proficiency testing. This includes using known standards to assess the competence of staff members on a given method before they are signed off.
- If an SOP is found to be ineffective or if there is an opportunity for improvement, it is reviewed and updated as necessary.
Training and Compliance
- All staff members are trained on the SOPs relevant to their work. This training includes both the specifics of the SOP and the general principles of effective procedure following.
- Compliance with SOPs is monitored and non-compliance is addressed promptly.