The Language Used in Operating Procedures
Tom Siller, Civil Engineering Professor
The language used in Operating Procedures can be technical, but it can't be an impediment to accomplishing the operating goal. You have to make a balance. That is, instructions should be specific enough to understand and specific enough to provide the right technical information. For instance, "Turn knob," is vague; "Turn knob B," is more specific. Or, don't write, "Reduce the flow," without telling your audience that a gauge needs to be changed first.