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Developing and writing effective standard operating procedures

Part one: About SOPs

Ken MacDonnellBy Ken MacDonnell, P. Eng.
Professor, Fleming College

Over the years, and especially since the Walkerton tragedy, there has been a general shift for municipalities and other public entities to operate with a clear set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Whether it be as a requirement to conform to DWQMS, a compliance requirement for your ECA, the result from a visit from a Ministry of Labour / Ministry of Environment and Climate Change inspector, or you were ahead of the curve and understood that SOPs were a part of a Best Management Practice, the fact is that SOPs are here to stay.

The most critical component in the above title is the development and writing of effective SOPs. In order for SOPs to be effective they should:

  • Clearly define the purpose of the SOP (i.e. why is the task required);
  • Identify all tools and equipment required to perform the SOP;
  • Provide easy and concise instructions to complete the task.

Finally, the SOP must take into consideration and identify all possible hazards and safety precautions required to complete the tasks associated with the SOP safely.

Continue reading “Developing and writing effective standard operating procedures”

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Sometimes best efforts to be informed isn’t always enough

By Patrick Merlihan

Patrick MerlihanRunning for elected office for the very first time in 2014 was not a decision made lightly. Aside from my potential conflicts and optics of a newspaper owner running for office, the personal toll of the job on me and my family were given the highest priority. Before making my final decision to put my name forward I did some due diligence to find out if my skills could complement the role of a Councillor in my municipality.

My research started with the job descriptions posted by the municipality. I ventured further afield reading the Municipal Act and other provincial documents posted that seemed relevant. I even signed up and have the certificate to prove it for the “So you want to run for Council” e-learning module hosted by the Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO). When I was comfortable enough with myself and the idea of running for office I had a discussion with my family, colleagues and friends in the community. I had a lot of personal support that led me to make the next step; filing the paperwork.

Just days after filing, an interview with Township staff took place to unload more information about the expectations and rules of running in an election, tracking and filing expenses, and tax roll data to assist with door-to-door canvassing. That was my only contact with the municipality I had until election night when I found out I was successfully elected.

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The Standard of Care Explained

What is the Standard of Care?

Brian JobbBy Brian Jobb,
Manager, Training Institute
Walkerton Clean Water Centre

The Statutory Standard of Care is Section 19 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 2002. The Standard of Care, which came into effect on December 31, 2012, expressly extends legal responsibility to people with decision-making authority over municipal drinking water systems. It requires that they exercise the level of care, diligence and skill with regard to a municipal drinking water system that a reasonably prudent person would be expected to exercise in a similar situation. It is also expected that they exercise this due diligence honestly, competently and with integrity.

The Standard of Care legislation applies to municipal councils and management, but does not apply directly to certified drinking water operators.

Standard of Care cardGiven the importance of effectively reaching the target group of decision-makers, special training and guidance material was deemed to be necessary. In 2009, The Ministry of Environment assembled an Advisory Group which consisted of mayors and  councillors representing large, medium and small systems, OMWA, OWWA, AMO, MOE and WCWC Staff. A guidebook was developed which was adapted from material in the Ontario Municipal Water Association’s 2004 handbook “Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Responsibilities”.

In addition, a specific training course was developed; the advisory group felt this should be a plain-language, high-level, instructor-led, short course. Material for this training course was adapted from the OMWA Handbook, publications by Dr. Steve Hrudey and information from several Walkerton Clean Water Centre training courses.

(Click on the image to download the PDF of the OMWA rack card)

The first Standard of Care course was delivered in early 2011 and since then it has been delivered to over 2,500 participants at over 160 sessions held throughout Ontario. The majority of training has been delivered on-site at the location of the client municipality. Continue reading “The Standard of Care Explained”