The Oxford English dictionary defines a standard operating procedure (SOP) as: “A series of actions conducted in a certain order or manner”.

Why are Standard Operating Procedures Necessary?

I can hear many people muttering that all these standard operating procedures (SOPs) are just making more work for the already overworked contractors and they are not necessary – “our guys know what to do”.

Processes, Vol 15.1Drill Safe01 March 2019Colin Rice, Colin Rice Exploration Drilling Advisory, sopComment

What Does an SOP Look Like?

A standard operating procedure (SOP) is essentially made up of two parts: the front end: which will include detail about the purpose of the SOP, applicable legislation etc.; the body: which details the tasks, the hazards and the actual steps to be followed.

What are the Steps in Developing an SOP?

The very first step is to clearly define the scope of the SOP, for example; “Tripping the drillstring using the main hoist on an Atlas Copco CS14 drill rig” or “Tripping the drillstring using the main hoist on a Sandvik DE710 drill rig”.

Processes, Vol 15.1Drill Safe01 March 2019Colin Rice, Colin Rice Exploration Drilling Advisory, SOPComment