Which words are suggested to be used in SOPs?

• A. Must
• B. Will
• C. Must and Will
• D. Must and Should

Answer: (C)

In SOPs, you want wording that makes the requirement explicit and who is responsible obvious. The word must signals a non-negotiable rule that has to be followed. The word will communicates that a specific action will be carried out, showing who is responsible for performing it and when it fits into the procedure. Using both together gives clear, enforceable guidance: a rule that must be followed and a concrete commitment that someone will execute a given action or step.

If you rely on only one term, you lose part of that clarity. Just using must states the obligation but can leave readers unsure about who performs the action or how it will be implemented. Using only will describes actions that will occur but can sound like a plan or promise rather than a mandatory standard. Should would introduce a recommendation rather than a firm obligation, which is not ideal for safety and compliance documents.

So, pairing must with will provides the strongest, clearest SOP language: it highlights the required actions and assigns accountability for performing them, which is essential in fire service procedures.