Develop a process flow block diagram sequentially from beginning to end based on the policy, or existing procedure outline.
Develop Action Steps. Use block diagram to drive procedure step content.
Action steps begin with an action verb.
One Step, One Action – This is the mantra for basic HU performance driven procedures. DO NOT write steps with multiple actions in one procedure step. Block flow diagram helps drives this point to action.
Develop Conditional Steps based on questions, conditions, or decisions (diamond on flow diagram) and use these words (IF, WHEN, THEN, AND, OR, BEFORE, AFTER). Condition is always stated before action taken.
Develop Sections and Attachments Whenever the process branches off from the main process to start a new process (e.g. Simple LOTO) I will determine if these are different procedure sections, or attachments or separate procedures.
Validate draft procedure step content. Observe personnel performing tasks during a pilot activity documenting in detail how each step is performed. Look for gaps, hazards, or shortcomings where personnel are making in field decisions, they are asking questions on how or what to do, or outcome deviates from intended actions.
Edit and update the procedure content to reflect actual performance requirements.
An effective procedure must be able to be completed successfully without error by minimum qualified personnel, under limited supervision.
Conduct independent validations. Enlist several people to independently validate and mark up the updated draft procedure. Ensure minimum experienced qualified and knowledgeable personnel are included in the validation process.
The independent validation process is critical to minimize introduction of Latent Organizational Weaknesses into the procedure.
Finalize the procedure. When independently validated, use HU procedure writing best practices to produce final draft.
Develop communications and rollout plan for the policy and procedure that includes:
- Notification and rollout
- Initial training and testing
- Ongoing and continuous training and testing
- Defined process for submitting procedure change requests.