This document describes the Circle/Slash/Initial process for placekeeping when performing operational instructions. The process involves circling each step number, reading and performing the step, slashing the circle to indicate completion, and initialing the step. This verifies that all steps were completed in order. If a step is suspended or handed off, it is circled, underlined with "COMPLETE THIS STEP" written in the margin and initialed. Completed instructions are submitted to management along with any comments. Revisions require quality assurance approval. An attachment provides a form to document training on the process.

1. Circle/Slash/Initial Process WI 001
By RBarnes Page 1 of 4
Rev. A 12/16/15
1. PURPOSE:
These instructions describe the general Circle/Slash/Initial instructions to be used for place
keeping.
2. REFERENCES:
DOE-HDBK-1028-2009 DOE Standard: Human Performance Improvement Handbook2.1
Volume 1: Concepts and Principles, Place-Keeping, June 2009.
3. INSTRUCTIONS:
WHY CIRCLE/SLASH/INITIAL PROCESS:3.1
This process is used to for place keeping and to verify and validate that the steps were
performed in an operating instruction. These steps are noted by having UPPERCASE
and BOLDED words that note actions to be taken by the Operator is the following
steps, see Figure 1: Circle/Slash/Initial Example.
Figure 1: Circle/Slash/Initial Example
Writers Note: Please note that the roles that are used should be substituted for
the actual roles with in your organization. If they do not apply then
eliminate the position/role.

2. Circle/Slash/Initial Process WI 001
By RBarnes Page 2 of 4
Rev. A 12/16/15
Circle/Slash is used so steps are not accidentally omitted or repeated.
Initialing the step states which Operator has completed and signed off on the step.
This process also addresses when suspending a step or handing off the Operating
Instruction prior to finishing to another Operator.
CIRCLE/SLASH/INITIAL PROCESS:3.2
3.2.1 CLEARLY CIRCLE the instruction step number or place a circle in the left
margin of the document next to the item/step to be performed. See Figure 2:
Circle.
Figure 2: Circle
3.2.2 READ and UNDERSTAND the entire item/step.
3.2.3 PERFORM the item/step as written.
3.2.4 SLASH the Circle after you’ve completed the item/step. See Figure 3:
Circle/Slash.
Figure 3: Circle/Slash
3.2.5 INITIAL the step on the right hand margin. See Figure 4: Circle/Slash/Initial.
Figure 4: Circle/Slash/Initial
NOTE: Do not slash continuous steps – only one item (step) at a time.

3. Circle/Slash/Initial Process WI 001
By RBarnes Page 3 of 4
Rev. A 12/16/15
SUSPENDING OR CONTINUATION BY ANOTHER OPERATOR:3.3
3.3.1 When suspending the Operational Instruction or not finishing a step the step
number is CIRCLED and text is UNDERLINED. In the left hand margin WRITE
‘COMPLETE THIS STEP” and INITIAL.
 It is permissible to USE colored adhesive page markers (such as Post-it
Notes ®) to help trace progress through the instruction or to denote
reference sections.
 Use this step when you are passing an Operational Instruction to another
Operator to be completed.
3.3.2 When resuming an activity that has been SUSPENDED or PASSED from one
Operator to another, CONFIRM that Precautions and Limitations conditions
and Requirements are met and that any required approvals are obtained before
proceeding.
COMPLETED Operating Instructions are to be SUBMITTED to the Manager. WRITE3.4
comments on any issues or problems encountered.
4. RECORDS:
Completed Operating Instructions are to be submitted to the Manager.4.1
Retain the most recent review signature page in a local file. Older copies are4.2
shredded.
5. CHANGE MANAGEMENT:
Responsibility for Procedure5.1
Address all questions on this procedure to the Manager. The Manager will be
responsible for engaging the appropriate subject matter experts (SMEs) in developing
proposed revisions. Quality Assurance must approve the revisions prior to publishing.
Revision History5.2
Revision history to include revision number, date, details of changes, and initials of the
Manager signifying revision approval.
Rev. A 12/16/15 – Final.
6. SIGN-OFF AND REVIEW:
Not required for this procedure.6.1
7. ATTACHMENTS:
Training.7.1

4. Circle/Slash/Initial Process WI 001
By RBarnes Page 4 of 4
Rev. A 12/16/15
ATTACHMENT 7.1
Training/Confirmation Page
1) Review the steps with the trainee. Have the trainee perform the Circle/Slash/Initial after
each noted step.
2) Upon Completion, have Trainee SIGN here: ____________________.
3) This can be used as a training record.
Writers Note: Depending on your organization a work instruction should be able
to be used for training. A simple attachment can be added to
document and record the training.