How many steps?

[Richard Sobocinski <"Richard_G_Sobocinski%~WHC207"@CCMAIL.PNL.GOV>]

How many steps do you/your department find acceptable in a procedure?

I'm writing a long, complex set of instructions & keep breaking them into
 smaller units.


Somehow, though, they still seem awfully long & complicated.

What rules do you follow?

Thanks for your ideas--

Karen Steele

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         I have to number steps in legal format (1, 1.1, 1.1.1, etc)
         with each level indented.  I try to avoid anything beyond the
         fifth level and then only as numbered lists.  My basic rule
         is to only go to the next level if greater detail is
         warranted.  The 1st level identifies the basic subject
         (safety, references, personnel requirements, procedures,
         etc).  The 2nd level identifies broad subsections and 3rd
         level provides single action command steps.  Fourth level
         steps provide more detail for a less experienced user to
         perform the 3rd level action.

         1. Procedure

          1.1 Start the Froznobbin Inverter

               1.1.1 Open the left handed knooter valve
                    1.1.1.1   Unlock the knooter valve handwheel
                    1.1.1.2   Roll up your sleeves
                    1.1.1.3   Grasp handwheel firmly
                    1.1.1.4   Turn handwheel CCW

               1.1.2  Open the right handed ...


         Rich