SOP Best Practices - Part 1

MySafety LLC
Apr 30
3 min read

While our team reviews many standard operating procedures (SOPs) for ammonia refrigeration systems, it has been observed that the Initial Startup and Temporary Operating procedures often lack procedural steps or pertinent informational notes.

The Initial Startup procedure in many SOPs will simply state “Existing equipment already in use” or “N/A”, as this procedure typically applies to new equipment. With Temporary Operating procedures it is commonly stated “no temporary operations exist”. However, it may be beneficial to provide some informational details and general procedural steps that would apply to each of these procedures.

With regards to Initial Startup procedures for existing equipment, a procedure could be developed with consideration for a future replacement of the equipment. Although many revisions to the SOP would be required through a Management of Change (MOC) for the replacement. The Initial Startup procedure would already be included within the SOP and could ensure that related program elements are being followed.

With regards to Temporary Operating procedures, providing details explaining how a Temporary Operating procedure will be developed is a good inclusion to the SOP. Informational details and procedural steps could be added to ensure that related program elements are being followed with the development of this operating phase.

The following informational details and procedural steps for these operating phases are one example of how the Initial Startup and Temporary Operating procedures can be expanded beyond just a simple statement.

INITIAL STARTUP PROCEDURE

NOTE: The Initial Startup procedure applies to the first-time startup of new equipment, also known as commissioning. The Initial Startup of this equipment can only be performed by a technician authorized by the original equipment manufacturer. The OEM authorized technician will commission the equipment in accordance with factory procedures and will complete a start-up report. Equipment warranty may be voided if Initial Startup is performed by anyone other than an OEM authorized technician.

Schedule the Initial Startup with an OEM authorized technician.
Verify that Contractor approval has been granted and all related contractor records are documented.
Complete a Pre-Startup Safety Review and ensure that all required items are satisfactory.
Verify that all affected employees have been trained in the change and training records have been documented.
Verify that the Management of Change form has been completed and authorization to perform startup has been approved.
Supervise the commissioning / startup of the equipment and monitor equipment operating conditions to ensure safe operating limits are being maintained in accordance with this SOP during operation.

TEMPORARY OPERATING PROCEDURE

This equipment does not normally operate in any non-standard situations. In the event that the equipment needed to operate in a temporary situation, a Management of Change will be initiated to provide written operating procedures for use during a particular temporary situation, in the form of an addendum.

Initiate a Management of Change for the development and implementation of a temporary operating procedure.
Establish temporary operating parameters and procedures to monitor the equipment while it operates under temporary conditions.
Verify that all affected employees have been trained in the change and training records have been documented.
Verify that the Management of Change form has been completed and authorization to perform implementation of the procedure and operation of the equipment for this phase has been approved.

Hopefully, these examples may get you thinking about how you can develop improved procedures that are aligned with your specific equipment and related program elements.

Stay tuned to the MySafety blogs. Reach out to us if you have additional questions or concerns. Our team will be pleased to assist you.

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