Emergencies by nature inject a certain amount of chaos and stress. On the other hand many of the challenges your personnel might face in maintaining operations are predictable. Standard Operating Procedures must be technically accurate, complete, and clear–not confusing. The personnel must have sufficient training, authority, supplies and equipment to implement each SOP.

Why Should You Have Written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)?

  • Unwritten directives are difficult to learn, remember, and apply.
  • Committing SOPs to writing allows personnel to focus on critical rather than routine decisions.
  • Written SOPs provide structure and make an organization more professional in their management of emergencies.
  • They eliminate the game of trying to guess what should happen next.
  • They help ensure efficient and effective use of resources and help reduce freelancing by individuals.
  • Knowing and following SOPs help individuals, groups and units develop a set of good work habits.

What is Necessary to Ensure SOPs Achieve the Desired Results?

  • The purpose of the SOP is clearly articulated to begin the SOP.
  • They are widely circulated and readily available to all personnel.
  • Standard operating procedures must be followed. Written rules and SOPs are effective only if they are used. An SOP that management does not enforce is not a true SOP and should be eliminated.
  • Enforcement should be educational, providing the opportunity for positive rather than negative reinforcement. One method for reinforcing and institutionalizing SOPs is to include them as source material for promotional examinations.

During times of emergency people will be sensitive to differences, no matter how slight, in how they are treated in comparison with others. Following SOPs with respect to staff, visitors and clients helps eliminate actual or perceived differences in treatment and the problems they can create. Supporting policies must be dynamic. They must allow for change, depending on the circumstances. A policy is a means to an end, not an end in itself or an excuse for failure to take needed action.

Contact us today to help review, revise, de-conflict or develop new Standard Operating Procedures and supporting documents for your organization.