procedures for procedures?

[Douglas.Minnema@dp.doe.gov]

    Does anybody have a good process or procedure for reviewing, validating, 

    and/or verifying procedures?  I generally see a lot of efforts that are 
    based upon walkdowns or committee reviews, but they don't always seem to 

    have a set methodology that helps assure adequate coverage of the 
    procedure.  We observe problems with procedure implementation that often 

    suggest that the review or validation process was not adequate.
    
    I recall from some training in Process Safety Management a few years ago 

    a technique that was referred to as the "What if ..." method.  Each step 

    of the procedure was reviewed against a standard list of questions, such 

    as "what if this step was done before the previous step, or after the 
    next?" "what if this step was not done?" "what if the step was done 
    incorrectly?" ... you get the idea.  Anybody have any experience with 
    such a method, or can point me towards an appropriate document?
    
    You may respond to me directly, unless you feel that this is of general 
    interest to RADSAFE.  Otherwise, I would be happy to provide a summary 
of 
    responses if there is an interest.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Doug Minnema, CHP
    Defense Programs
    US Department of Energy
    <Douglas.Minnema@dp.doe.gov>