In any drafting layout, it is important that organization, format, conformance to applicable standards, and accuracy of every detail be checked thoroughly. Techniques in checking and editing drawings are acquired through actual experience and continuous study. Mistakes are readily seen by an individual who has long experience with the subject matter under consideration and a wide range of knowledge. Be systematic in checking and editing drawings. Review the suggested procedures described in chapter 4 of this TRAMAN; inasmuch as there are no set rules of procedure, perhaps you could develop your own system along these lines.

But there is more to it than that. As a supervisor, you must learn to be able to think through the job without ever actually putting anything on paper. You must be able to foresee all of the steps necessary to do the job in order (1) to get all the information needed for the job from the person requesting it and (2) to pass this information onto the person assigned the job. Suppose, for example, that the operations officer has tasked the engineering officer to take a standard manufacturers preengineered metal building foundation design and modify it so that it will withstand wind forces of 150 miles per hour. The engineering officer has prepared sketches from his calculations and has given the sketches to you to prepare construction drawings. You should first study these sketches to make sure you fully understand them. Ask the engineering officer to clarify anything you do not understand. Add notes to the sketches to help personnel in the field construct the foundation Check dimensions to make sure they are compatible with the original manufacturers drawings. And finally, after you have checked the sketch and made necessary changes and additions, review the sketches with the engineering officer to make certain that your changes and additions do not disagree with the original intent of his design.

The next step is the actual assignment. If the person to whom you are assigning the work is experienced, the sketches and a few guidelines will be sufficient. But, if the person is not experienced, the work will include some on-the-job training. You must describe the sketch fully, explaining the purpose of the sketch, the steps necessary for accomplishment of the work, and all pertinent details. The drafter must be encouraged to ask you questions, and you must check his work as the drawing progresses. You must find his mistakes early to prevent his having to redo the entire drawing. Mistakes that are the fault of poor supervision will greatly demoralize an inexperienced drafter.

A suggested typical work request form is shown in figure 14-1. An ample supply of these request forms should be kept by the engineering officer and by you. This same work request form can be used for work performed by all of the sections within the engineering division, not just the drafting section. Properly filling out this form ensures that all information pertinent to the work assignment is obtained from the requester. Normally the requester knows what he wants but cannot explain it in writing, so the engineering chief or drafting room supervisor should fill out the work request form and make any necessary rough sketches. All pertinent information should be included to assure coordination of the job and to minimize errors in passing on information to the person assigned the work. The work request should be made out in duplicate, one copy being put into the supervisors file of outstanding work requests and the other copy given to the person assigned to do the work.

Work requests serve as a handy reference as to what work is waiting assignment, what work is in progress, and what work has been completed. At all times, the engineering officer, who reports directly to the operations officer, will hold you, as the supervisor, accountable for work progress.