Problem: Article: There is no right or wrong way to write an SOP. However, your company probably has a number of SOPs you can refer to for formatting guidelines, outlining how they prefer it done. If that's the case, use the pre-existing SOPs as a template. If not, you have a few options: A simple steps format. This is for routine procedures that are short, have few possible outcomes, and are fair to the point. Apart from the necessary documentation and safety guidelines, it's really just a bullet list of simple sentences telling the reader what to do. A hierarchical steps format. This is usually for long procedures -- ones with more than ten steps, involving a few decisions to make, clarification and terminology. This is usually a list of main steps all with substeps in a very particular order. A flowchart format. If the procedure is more like a map with an almost infinite number of possible outcomes, a flowchart may be your best bet. This is the format you should opt for when results aren't always predictable. There are three main factors to take into account before writing your SOP: Your audience's prior knowledge. Are they familiar with your organization and its procedures? Do they know the terminology? Your language needs to match the knowledge and investment of the reader. Your audience's language abilities. Is there any chance people who don't speak your language will be "reading" your SOP? If this is an issue, it's a good idea to include lots of annotated pictures and diagrams. The size of your audience. If multiple people at once are reading your SOP (those in different roles), you should format the document more like a conversation in a play: user 1 completes an action, followed by user 2, and so on and so forth. That way, each reader can see how he or she is an integral cog in the well-oiled machine. What it boils down to is this: Are you the best person to be writing this? Do you know what the process entails? How it could go wrong? How to make it safe? If not, you may be better off handing it over to someone else. A poorly-written -- or, what's more, inaccurate -- SOP will not only reduce productivity and lead to organizational failures, but it can also be unsafe and have adverse impacts on anything from your team to the environment. In short, it's not a risk you should take. If this is a project you've been assigned that you feel compelled (or obligated) to complete, don't shy away from asking those who complete the procedure on a daily basis for help. Conducting interviews is a normal part of any SOP-creating process. If you're writing or updating an SOP for a group of individuals that are familiar with protocol, terminology, etc., and just would benefit from a short and snappy SOP that's more like a checklist, you could just write it in short-form. Apart from basic purpose and relevant information (date, author, ID#, etc.), it's really just a short list of steps. When no details or clarification are needed, this is the way to go. What's obvious is that you have a procedure within your organization that keeps on getting repeated over and over and over. But is there a specific reason why this SOP is particularly useful? Does it need to stress safety? Compliance measures? Is it used for training or on a day-to-day basis? Here are a few reasons why your SOP is necessary to the success of your team: To ensure compliance standards are met To maximize production requirements To ensure the procedure has no adverse impact on environment To ensure safety To ensure everything goes according to schedule To prevent failures in manufacturing To be used as training document If you know what your SOP should emphasize, it'll be easier to structure your writing around those points. It's also easier to see just how important your SOP is.
Summary: Choose your format. Consider your audience. Consider your knowledge. Decide between a short or long-form SOP. Keep your SOP purpose in mind.

Problem: Article: The area you are applying the depilatory product to should be clean, dry, and free of any oils or lotions. Don't apply the product to any area in which you have cuts or wounds, as it will irritate broken skin. Wait at least 72 hours between shaving and using a depilatory product. Apply a thick layer of the product to the entire area that you want to remove hair from. Don't rub the product into your skin, just gently dab it on. You may want to use gloves. Otherwise be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after applying the depilatory product. Take care not to get the product on anything but your skin, as it can damage or discolor material. For most depilatory products, you wait around 5 minutes before removing them. It's very important not to leave the depilatory product on longer than the directions indicate. Doing so can lead to irritation of the skin. If you feel any itching, burning, or discomfort, remove the product immediately. You can use a depilatory spatula to remove the product, wipe it off with a towel, or rinse it off in the shower. It's recommended that you rinse it off as this removes all the product at once, while using a towel or spatula can leave the product on certain areas of skin longer than the recommended amount of time. If you use the spatula, scrape the product off using a downward motion. Use cool or warm water to rinse off the cream as hot water may irritate your skin. Always rinse your skin after removing the product, especially if you used a towel or spatula. This will ensure that all of the product has been removed. Some products come with a lotion to be applied after removing the hair. If yours includes this, apply it to your skin. Wait at least 72 hours between depilatory product applications.
Summary: Wash your body or face first. Apply the product to the area of unwanted hair. Wait the suggested amount of time. Remove the product. Rinse and dry your skin.

Problem: Article: In rare cases, your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication for a persistent infection that doesn't respond to other treatments. Make sure you take your medication as directed, and follow up with your doctor so they can monitor your recovery. Your feet will heal faster if you keep them clean and dry. You likely won't need an oral antifungal.
Summary: Take an oral antifungal medication if you have a severe infection.

Problem: Article: Making a cake stand nail polish display is easy. You will just need to gather a few special items before you get started. You will need: a cake platter a plate a candlestick strong glue, such as a ceramic glue Flip your cake platter upside down. Then take your candlestick and apply some glue to the bottom of it. Center the candlestick on the bottom of your cake platter and press it into place. Hold the candlestick for about 30 seconds to ensure a strong bond. Next, take your smaller plate and hold it facing right side up. Then, apply some glue to the top of the candlestick. When you are ready, press the plate onto the candlestick so that it is centered. Press down on the plate for about 30 seconds to ensure a strong bond. Let the cake stand nail polish display dry overnight. After it has dried, you can place your nail polish collection on the upper and lower tiers. If you like, you can also paint designs or glue some glitter onto the upper plate and/or lower platter, but this is optional. Make sure that the paint/glue is dry if you decide to decorate your cake stand nail polish display.
Summary:
Gather your materials. Glue the candlestick to the bottom of the cake platter. Glue the other plate to the top of the candlestick. Place your nail polish collection on the stand.