Overview

Overview

Basic Procedure Writing

NewGen Synergistics Inc.O r g a n i s a t i o n P e r f o r m a n c e S p e c i a l i s t sV a l u e d A d d e d R e t a i l e r T T G S y s t e m s

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Procedure Writing Agenda

Communications Cycle. Writing Procedure Overview. Procedure Title and Purpose. Basic Principles to Follow. Action Step Construction. Validation Process. Closing and Qualification Process.

The Communication CycleIn Procedure Writing

Message

MediumReceiver

Sender


Message– Includes the following types of information

• The technical content that should be included in a particular procedure. The quantity of information, such as the appropriate level of detail for the intended users.

• The sequence of the technical information, such as the logical organisation of the tasks and the steps in the procedure.

• Information about the user of the procedure, such as the level of detail to include in the procedure, a user's response to the instructions, the user's purpose and motivation, the user's level of training and education, the user's experience in performing the job, and the user's knowledge of the topic.


Medium– The medium of the message refers to its "packaging."

• Packaging is the document design features that a writer can use to make the procedure easier to read.

– The packaging includes the method of access of the procedure such as online viewing, hard copy binders, single sheet prints that are good for a limited period of time, etc.


Sender– The sender is the writer.

• The writer determines the needed message and develops the procedure in a medium suitable for the intended environment.


Receiver– The receiver is the user of the procedure. The writer must be

aware of the intended audience(s), including users and reviewers.

– The writer must consider the user's purpose, level of training and education, and experience. Ideally, the user provides feedback to the writer as to the usefulness of the procedure.

Writing Process Overview

Planning.– Systematic organisation of materials, subject matter experts

and outline of procedure.

Drafting.– Development of procedure text following guidelines for format,

readability, ease of use, and consistency.

Validation.– Structured evaluation of procedure to ensure that business

requirements and document construction guidelines are met.

Procedure Title and Purpose Statement

Establish clearly what the procedure is and why it is being done.– What does it contribute to the business?

The first items developed are a clear, concise title and a purpose statement.

Procedure Title and Purpose Statement

Procedure Beginning.– Example from Wet End area procedures.

Procedure Format and Document Design

Each procedure must be designed and written to:– Allow the user to be certain that the procedure is the correct

one for the job.– Make the procedure easy to use.– Clearly organize the steps needed to complete the task.– Give clear directions that enable users to learn and / or

complete tasks.

Here are some guiding principles to make procedure writing easier...

Principle 1Provide primary procedure identification.

– Include the procedure number.– Include the revision status.– Give evidence of approval.– Identify the procedure's category.– Identify the originating/responsible organization.– List the procedure type, for example, administrative vs.

operating.– Procedure subtypes (e.g., operating, maintenance or computer

transaction procedures).


Procedure Identification.– Example from Safe Operating Procedure Template header.


Procedure Identification.– Example from Safe Operating Procedure Template footer.

Principle 2Give page identification information on all

printed pages of the procedure.– Include the procedure Title.– Include the revision number.– Include the page number.– Include print date.


Procedure Identification.– Example of printed document information.

Printed on: 05/05/2000

Document Title Page 1 of 5

Main text of document as printed from the system.

Principle 3Identify all current revisions.

– Consistently identify revisions.– Make revision marks visible.– Remove previous revision marks.– Use marks that photocopy well.– Place the revision number on every page.


Procedure Identification.– As this is the first round of document development in this

format for Blackburn, the method for identifying revised steps has not been agreed as yet.

Principle 4Identify related action steps.

– List steps in sequence.– Visually distinguish sub items.– Visually group tasks and subtasks.– Visually establish a hierarchy of steps.


Procedure Format.– Example from completed procedure.

Principle 5Establish consistent verification methods.

– Provide a verification space.– Establish a standard placement.– Display spaces consistently.– Establish a standard method.


Procedure Format.– In template, verification is always on right side of action step.

May include pictures or diagrams.

Principle 6Use graphics to enhance text.

– Organize data and process information.– Illustrate a process or system.– Use legends or keys.– Ensure readability.


Procedure Format.– Sample flowchart.

Principle 7Use effective data sheets.

– Give location instructions.– Relate data sheets to procedure sections.– Allow adequate and appropriate space for entering

data.


Procedure Format.– Example of reference.

Principle 8Identify and reference attachments and

appendixes or linked graphics.– Give comprehensive information.– Identify attachments and appendixes consistently

and clearly using standard formats.– Give proper page identification for hardcopy

reference or linking to electronic documents.– Specify proper use.


Procedure Format.– Example of graphic that go with step in a typical

procedure.

Principle 9Visually organize the information.

– Use standard page template.– Use effective line spacing and typeface.– Provide sufficient space for recording information.– If new templates are required, design them.

Design and Layout.– Example of the standard template used for Safe

Operating Procedure Documents.

Principle 10Emphasize important information.

– Use standard techniques.– Use emphasis techniques appropriately and

sparingly.– Be consistent in the types of emphasis techniques

used.– Rule of thumb is:

• Danger if for extreme safety or environmental risk.• Warning is for quality or production related risk.• Note is for additional information or lead in to a step.


Design and Layout.– Examples of Dangers, Warnings and Notes.

Dangers, Cautions and Notes

Problems.– The following problems with dangers, warnings and

notes have caused performance errors:• Danger/Warnings/notes that contain action steps.• Danger/ Warnings that are located after a step.• Action steps that contain danger/ Warnings /note

information.• Use of full capitals for danger, Warnings and note

statements resulting in a decrease of reading comprehension and speed.

Principle 11Identify prerequisite information first.

– Provide guidance.– List preliminary actions.– Give scheduling requirements.– List special equipment or safety items needed first.– State prerequisite information or skills that must be

verified.– Include safety information and control measures.


Design and Layout.– Information required as part of the Safe Operating Procedure

Template.

Principle 12Use References and Branching to link to

associated information.– Provides link to upstream or downstream

procedure.– Provides access to supporting legal or business

data.– Should be used as and when necessary but not to

the point that is confuses the users.– Should be linked electronically where it is possible.

Referencing and Branching

Referencing– refer to… document on…– record on… in accordance with…– per… using…– see…

Branching– go to (forward or backward)– return to (backward only)– exit… and go to… (for extra

emphasis)


Design and Layout.– Example of a “go to” situation in a Procedure.– Notice the electronic link because of the networked system.

Principle 13Use simple and direct language.

– Avoid vague pronouns.– Use short, precise sentences.– Devise a method to identify the person performing

the task.– Use standard and consistent acronyms,

abbreviations, terms, and definitions.– Write the action statement so that the subject,

“you”, is understood.– State the direct object of the verb.– Use language that provides direct commands and

avoids complex terms.– Identify those responsible for actions.

Principle 14Use verbs consistently.

– Use verbs that are familiar to the user.– Include the verb's object.– Ensure that the order of performance is clear.

Action Step Construction

Simple Command Statements.

THIS: Pull the PALM button.

NOT THIS: The PALM button shall be pulled


Use of Location and Object Modifiers.

Action Verb Object Location

THIS: Record reading on Data Sheet.

NOT THIS: Now you record the reading in theappropriate blank located on the DataSheet.


Using Command Format Statements.

Command: Close the insertion head door.

Passive: The insertion head door shall beclosed.


Identifying the Responsible Person / Group when important to do so.

INCORRECT: Obtain a chemical sample.

CORRECT: Have Chemistry take a chemical sample.


Vertically Listing Multiple Objects.

6.1 Open relays:

16Z201A16Z201B16Z201C16Z201D


Use Task Headings when there are sub procedures to be identified.– Example from typical Procedure.

The Final Stage of the Procedure Writing Process

Reviewing and validating– The procedure is organized by tasks and steps within each

task.– The procedure contains the appropriate information.– Attachments correlate with the information in the body of the

procedure• Designed and referenced correctly

– All standards for mechanics of style have been met.

Validation

Validation is a comparison of the written procedure with the actual task in actual work environment to check performance.

Validation Principles

Technical Accuracy– The technical source material should be accurate and up to

date.– Tolerances should be expressed as ranges to reduce the

possibility of error.– Equipment names, equipment numbers, parts, and units of

measure should match the technical sources.– Validation, signoffs, and approvals should be included

according to company policy.

Validation Principles Written Correctness

– The appropriate format should be consistently used to improve the procedure's readability.

– The level of detail should be complete enough for the least qualified user to perform the task.

– User decisions must be made in a logical order, and instructions must be provided for all possible decision outcomes.

– Figures, tables, and data sheets should be useful and well designed to reduce the chance of error.

– Adequate room for calculations should be provided where calculations are required.

– Referencing and branching (electronic or otherwise) should be used only where it adds value. If used, references should be complete, appropriate, and correct.

Validation Process used at Blackburn

1) Develop Skill Profile2) Write First Draft of

Procedure– Operators– Risk Assessment– Day Support– Maintenance

3) Validate– in the field

4) Revise5) Validate6) Approve by Technical

Day Support7) Risk Assessed if

Required8) Final Approval9) Input to Traccess10) Qualify Operators11) Measure Against K.P.I.s

Your Role in the Process

The role of the individuals in these training sessions will be to write the procedures.

Inputting will be done by somebody else.

Implementation will be through the ???? who will sign off the individuals for each SOP.

Validation Checklist

When large numbers of procedures are being validated at one time, a checklist can be used to keep track.

A document development tracking spreadsheet is used.

Other temporary checklists are used to ensure involvement and sign off of multiple shifts when required.

Refer to PRG Resource Material for an example.

Validation Methods

Walk-Through in the Plant– Advantages:

• Faster than the actual performance method• Can be combined with training• Relatively inexpensive• Allows time for interruptions, questions, answers, and user

reactions• Allows validator to observe user reactions• Allows validation of most or all steps that do not require hardware

responses• Will not damage equipment unless operated by the user

– Disadvantage:• Does not allow validation of hardware responses to user actions

Validation Methods

Walk-Through in a Mock-up or Simulation– Advantages:

• Faster than the actual performance method• Can be combined with training• Relatively inexpensive, using an existing laboratory or mock-up• Allows time for interruptions, questions, answers, and user reactions• Allows validator to observe user reactions• Allows validation of steps that do not require plant responses• Will not damage plant equipment

– Disadvantages:• Does not allow validation of hardware responses to user actions• Is not an accurate validation if the mock-up does not exactly match the

actual plant

Validation Methods

Talk-Through or Tabletop– Advantages:

• Convenient• Relatively inexpensive• Can be repeated as often as necessary• Can be performed anywhere

– Disadvantages:• Cannot validate equipment nomenclature• Cannot use equipment responses to test the user's decisions• Cannot check how procedures are used in the field

Validation Methods

Actual Performance– Advantages:

• Most exacting method, reflects the “real world”• Can observe equipment response

– Disadvantages:• Could damage equipment if procedure is incorrect• Time consuming

Closing

Questions and Answers

Qualification With the aid of this material, write 4 procedures for an area

you are a subject matter expert for, to the standards identified in the performance checklist.

Thank You for your attention

Date post:	10-Jan-2016
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