If a deviation occurs while following SOPs, what should you do?

• A. Document the deviation and inform supervisor
• B. Conceal deviation
• C. Change the SOP informally
• D. Ignore deviation

Answer: (A)

When something doesn’t go as written in an SOP, the proper step is to document what happened and inform your supervisor. Recording the deviation should include clear details: what occurred, when and where it happened, who witnessed it, the potential or actual impact on the process or product, and any immediate actions you took to contain the risk.

Sharing this information allows a supervisor or the appropriate team to evaluate the situation, determine corrective actions, and decide if the SOP needs updating. It keeps safety, quality, and compliance teams in the loop and creates a traceable record for future audits or training.

Concealing the deviation hides risks and can lead to accidents, regulatory trouble, and loss of trust. Making informal changes to the SOP bypasses formal change control, which helps ensure everyone follows the same, tested procedures and avoids inconsistent practices. Ignoring the deviation solves nothing and leaves potential hazards unaddressed.