134: More Than One Action Per Step
Definition/Typical Issues
Did any steps in the procedure have more than one action or direction to perform? Did some steps in the procedure state one action, which, in practice, actually required several steps to perform?
Do warnings or cautions contain information that should be contained in procedure steps? Are important warnings and cautions embedded in procedure steps?
Examples
Example 1
- An operator failed to close a valve, resulting in a tank overflow. The instruction to close the valve was one of six actions required in one step of the procedure. She completed the other five actions but overlooked closing the valve, which was the fourth action in the step.
Example 2
- Most of the computer reset procedure was written in a bulleted format with an action and a check-off box. However, Step 17 was a paragraph description with three embedded actions.
Typical Recommendations
- Avoid broad procedure steps such as "Charge the reactor." Instead, use this as a subheading and include all the steps associated with charging the reactor below the heading.
- Do not assume that an employee will remember all the steps associated with an action item. Clearly communicate all the required steps associated with an action item so that the least experienced employee can successfully perform the required job tasks.
Cross-References
| Version 10 Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 120 | More Than One Action Per Step |
| Maritime Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 127 | Multiple Actions per Step |