SOP Template: Standard Operating Procedure
A standard operating procedure (SOP) template for maintenance tasks. Covers purpose, scope, safety, step-by-step procedure, and quality verification.
SOP Template
1. Header Information
SOP Title: __________________________________________________
SOP Number: ____________________ Revision: _______ Date: _______
Department: ____________________ Equipment: __________________
Author: _____________________ Approved by: __________________
2. Purpose
This SOP describes the procedure for: ___________________________________
3. Scope
This procedure applies to: ______________________________________________
Who is authorised to perform this task: ______________________________
Training/certification required: ____________________________________
4. Safety Requirements
☐ Lockout/tagout required — isolation points: _____________________
☐ Permit to work required — type: _______________________________
☐ PPE required: ________________________________________________
☐ Hazards: ___________________________________________________
☐ Emergency procedures: _______________________________________
5. Tools and Materials
Tools: ________________________________________________________
Spare parts: ___________________________________________________
Consumables: __________________________________________________
Special equipment: ____________________________________________
6. Procedure
Step 1: ________________________________________________
Details: ______________________________________________________
Step 2: ________________________________________________
Details: ______________________________________________________
Step 3: ________________________________________________
Details: ______________________________________________________
Step 4: ________________________________________________
Details: ______________________________________________________
Step 5: ________________________________________________
Details: ______________________________________________________
7. Quality Verification
How to verify the task was completed correctly: __________________
Acceptance criteria: ____________________________________________
Test/inspection results: ________________________________________
8. Completion
☐ All tools removed from work area
☐ All guards and safety devices reinstalled
☐ Isolation removed (LOTO cleared)
☐ Equipment returned to service and verified
☐ Work area cleaned
Completed by: ____________________ Date: _______ Time: ______
Verified by: _____________________ Date: _______ Time: ______
SOP Best Practices
- Write for the reader — use simple language and numbered steps that a qualified person can follow
- Include photos or diagrams where helpful — a picture is worth a thousand words
- Review and update annually — procedures drift from reality over time
- Version control — never overwrite an old SOP; create a new revision with a new number
- Train all relevant workers on each SOP and record the training
- Store SOPs where they're accessible at the point of work — not just in an office filing cabinet