Why Accurate SOPs Matter

The Stakes Are High

Inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete SOPs can have serious consequences, including:

Increased risk of ammonia releases, potentially endangering employee and public health
Regulatory violations that may lead to fines, citations, or shutdowns
Compromised emergency response efforts due to lack of clear instructions
Reduced equipment reliability and increased likelihood of mechanical failure
Legal and financial liability resulting from incidents or non-compliance

How SOPs Impact Other PSM Elements

PSM Element	Connection to SOPs
Operating Procedures	Must reflect all operational phases and address safety and health considerations.
Training	Operators must be trained using the most current procedures.
Mechanical Integrity	SOPs should align with inspection, testing, and maintenance practices.
Management of Change (MOC)	Any process change must trigger SOP review and update, if applicable.
PHA & Compliance Audits	Outdated SOPs can compromise hazard analysis and audit effectiveness.

Best Practices for Effective SOPs

Review Regularly – Update SOPs at least annually or after significant changes.
Involve Operators – Engage those who perform the tasks to ensure real-world accuracy.
Link to MOC – Any equipment or process change should prompt SOP review.
Reinforce with Training – Use refresher courses to confirm comprehension and execution.
Audit for Accuracy – Conduct annual SOP certifications to confirm they align with actual operations and regulatory expectations.

Why It Matters

Maintaining accurate and up-to-date SOPs is not just about compliance; it’s essential for protecting your people, equipment, and community. If you need help reviewing or updating SOPs or aligning them with your broader PSM program, our team is here to assist.