Jon writes and maintains an SOP for each of the 33 operations carried out in the Northern Lipids lab. The SOP stipulates the steps in a technical operation so that all technicians work in precisely the same way. To make sure technicians don't forget the steps in each procedure, Jon tests them at least once a month, and he regularly reviews the SOPs to make sure they remain up to date and complete. The chemical tracking system, which Jon recently computerised, registers the location and quantity of any chemicals on site. It also locates the material safety data sheet and any hazards, precautions, or disposal concerns to be considered handling the chemical.
Employees log the shipment, use and disposal of chemicals on a regular basis.
Jon also conducts quality assurance safety inspections every month to check all procedures, devices and controls. People are very busy here and sometimes forget to sign or fill out something. It's my job is to follow up and make sure that everything has been completed the way it should have been. Jon is a biophysicist by training, but had acquired considerable administrative experience before starting work at Northern Lipids. He spent 18 years working in the pharmaceutical industry for companies such as Wyeth-Ayerst, Smith Kline Beecham, Hoechst Marion Roussel and Schering, first as a research technician, then in the quality assurance department and later in research and development.