AAOM Handbook

PL.08 Specify Work Instructions & Procedures Context To develop a quality Task each outcome required from the work must be specified. If the required outcome must meet a specific tolerance or standard then it must also be specified. In some cases, there may be several methods of achieving a specified outcome and tolerance, all of which are equally acceptable. In other cases, one particular method may be preferred for safety, environmental, technical, quality or other reasons. For example, the workshop manual for a car may not specify the sequence for tightening the wheel nuts, but it will almost certainly specify the sequence for tightening the head studs – because in the case of the wheel it doesn’t matter, and in the case of the head the wrong sequence may lead to a gasket or head failure. If it is important that something be achieved during the work, then it is an outcome. If it is important how something be achieved during the work, then a work procedure is required. Purpose To specify each work method that is important to the achievement of the Task outcomes. Quantity One job instruction/procedure for each activity where a specific work method is required. Quality The level of detail required in the instruction/procedure will be determined by the answer to following question: If a step in the procedure is not included, can assurance be given that the outcomes will be the same, regardless how the work is performed? If the answer is no, the step is to be included. The procedure may be included in the Task or identified by a reference in the Task to manuals or technical support documents. The location of these manuals or documents shall be identified in the Task.

© McAlear Management Consultants 2004

Page 19 of 50