SOP Guidance
Standard Operating Procedures
A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a set of written instructions that describes in detail how to perform a process or experiment safely and effectively. SOPs may be utilized in laboratory and non-laboratory operations. Within the laboratory environment, SOPs are a requirement of Stanford University’s Chemical Hygiene Plan, as described in section 4.
Examples of SOP topics:
Lab Areas:
- The specific use of a chemical or class of chemicals (such as a specific laboratory procedure).
- The generic use specific chemical or class of chemicals with similar hazards (for example, mineral acids).
- A generic procedure (such as distillation) that covers several chemicals.
- Radionuclide use in DNA and RNA labeling.
- Laser operations.
- X-ray diffraction machine operation.
- Use and maintenance of laboratory equipment or instruments.
Non-lab Areas:
- Specific work practices (such as lifting techniques) to mitigate physical/health hazards.
- Specific tasks that are unique to work performed at Stanford University.
Responsibility in Laboratories
The PI/Lab Supervisor is responsible for providing written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) relevant to health and safety for laboratory activities he/she directs involving hazardous chemicals. Laboratory personnel working autonomously or performing independent research are responsible for developing SOPs appropriate for their own work using the guidance below.
Prioritizing SOP Development for Laboratories
Priority for SOP development should be given to any operation involving Restricted Chemicals, certain higher risk chemicals, such as Particularly Hazardous Substances and highly reactive chemicals, and specified higher risk research procedures described in the CHP.
Guidance for Non-Laboratory Areas
The Supervisor is responsible for providing written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) relevant to health and safety for activities he/she directs that require specific work practices to mitigate physical and/or health hazards.
Prioritizing SOP Development in non-lab areas
Priority for SOP development should be given to any operation involving control of energy sources via lockout/tagout, confined space entry, fall protection use, and/or respirator use.
| What to do? | How to do this? |
|---|---|
| Prioritize SOPs to generate | Consult with PI/Laboratory Supervisor/Supervisor |
| Create SOPs | SU SOP Template SU SOP Template for Alkali Metals SU SOP Template for Toxic Gases SU SOP Template for Nanomaterials SU Non-lab Task Safety Analysis Template |
| Incorporate General Use SOPs | Carcinogens Compressed Gases Corrosive Materials Cryogenic Liquids Flammable & Combustible Liquids Highly Acutely Toxic Materials Highly Reactive/Unstable Materials Irritants Reproductive Toxins Sensitizers |
| Maintain SOPs | Maintain copies of SOPs that are accessible to all lab members |
| Revise SOPs | Consult with PI/lab supervisor on a timeframe for re-evaluating and revising SOPs |
EH&S is available for consultation on SOPs.
Well-researched and reliable SOPs are a valuable resource for other Stanford researchers. With PI/supervisor approval, we invite you to contribute to the library of SOPs. If you would like to contribute, click "Publish SOP" on the SOP page.
