Procedures contain instructions that tell you how to do a task. Long sentences are not easy to understand.
In STE, the maximum length of a sentence for procedures is 20 words. (Refer to section 8 for the rules about word count.)
Warnings, cautions, and other safety instructions must also obey this rule.
Examples in STE:
Remove the three auxiliary screws (22) from the flange of the motor assembly (9).
(This sentence has 14 words.)
WARNING: WHEN YOU REMOVE THE SHROUD (26), BE CAREFUL NOT TO CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE FLANGE ASSEMBLY (22).
(This sentence has 17 words.)
Non-STE: Put preservation oil into the unit through the vent hole until the oil level is approximately 6 mm (0.24 inches) below the surface of the flange cover.
(25 words)
STE: Put preservation oil into the unit through the vent hole. Continue until the oil level is approximately 6 mm (0.24 in) below the surface of the flange cover.
(The long sentence is now divided into two shorter sentences, which are easier to read. The first has 10 words, the second has 16 words. You cannot divide this instruction into two work steps, because it is necessary to do the two actions at the same time.)