How to Write a Safe System of Work Inc SOP

HOW TO GUIDE TITLE: HOW TO WRITE A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK INCLUDING A STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE THIS HOW TO GUIDE SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE RELEVANT POLICY AND FORMS AND WORKED EXAMPLE

Definition – Safe System of Work There is no single accepted legal definition of a Safe System of Work but health and safety legislation refers to “systems of work …. that are safe”. A “safe system of work” is an umbrella phrase for describing methods of carrying out tasks in ways which minimise the risks associated with the tasks. There are two categories of safe systems of work, formal and informal. Examples of a formal safe system of work include standard operating procedure, method statement and permit to work. Examples of an informal safe system of work include, verbal instructions, list of does and don’ts and accepted custom and practice. Mentor Services have adopted the use of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as a preferred template and for high risk activities such as working in confined spaces the permit to work system is mandatory. Separate How to Guides are available on Method Statements and Permit to Work Introduction The following guidance is intended for you to be able to complete the Mentor Services Standard Operating Procedure template. Procedural Steps The sections of the form should be completed as follows Reference: Workplace: Task/Operation: Operating Procedure Developed by: Approved by: Review Completed by:

Enter a unique reference number or code that will have meaning to your organisation/company Identify the specific location where the task is undertaken Briefly describe the task or operation that the procedure is to cover. Name of person writing SOP to be recorded Name of individual approving SOP Name of person reviewing SOP to be recorded.

Sequence of Job Steps:

This should be a list of named or numbered individual steps that make up the entire operational task. Potential Hazards/Risks of each Step: You should try to identify all the significant hazards that are applicable to each specific step of the procedure. Standard Operating Procedure: Against each step, you must clearly state how it is undertaken and how each identified hazard is controlled. Personal Protective Equipment needed: Using the numbered PPE types shown at the bottom of the form identify each type of PPE required for that step and any specific additions.

(The Royal Bank of Scotland Mentor Services)

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