November 2010

New Policies and Guidelines for TAPPI Useful Methods

The last time TAPPI Useful Methods were published was in 1991, when the full set was reviewed by a panel of technical experts. Some UMs were deleted from the set due to either outmoded technology, use of hazardous materials, or duplication of the procedure by another TAPPI test method. The UMs remaining in the set were published in a bound book, which has been the delivery mechanism for these documents ever since. Although the Useful Methods were never considered to be "Standards" (because they did not go through a formal review process), many were referenced in various specifications and continue to be used.

Recently, the Quality and Standards Management Committee (Q&SMC) was requested to consider developing a category of test procedures that would cover what was referred to as "plant floor methods." These would be simple methods, understandable by operators on the plant floor, used to provide a quick result. Q&SMC set up a task force to look into the issue, and the recommendation was to revive the Useful Method category to house such methods. The task force developed a set of guidelines to be used for the "new" Useful Methods. These have been posted here (the link to this page is on the general Standards page

The most basic requirement in the new guidelines is that a minimum of three TAPPI members from three different companies must agree to have their names listed as a working group approving the UM. This is very similar to the requirements for Technical Information Papers (TIPs). Another requirement is that some statement of precision must be included (a simple one – not as extensive as that required for a Standard Test Method). No UMs will be published and retained in the set unless the basic requirements are met.

The task force also reviewed the UMs in the bound book to determine which of these might already adhere to the guidelines. A spreadsheet was developed showing which UMs are to be deleted (because they need major work to adhere to the guidelines) or which are to remain. Those not marked for deletion were identified as to be either: (1) reissued as is; (2) reissued with minor upgrade and precision statement; (3) reissued with major revision and precision determination and statement required; or (4) returned from old UM series by request.

All UMs in category 1 are in the process of being prepared for the new UM set. Technical experts from the task force, plus additional experts they have recruited, are placing their names as the working group on the UMs to officially include them in the set.

But for categories 2, 3, and 4, we must rely on the technical expertise of TAPPI members. Categories 2 and 3 have been identified as UMs that need either major or minor editing to adhere to the guidelines. What is meant for category 4 by "returned from old UM series by request" is that these UMs were identified in a survey done earlier this year as ones that are still in use. These still need to be edited to meet the requirements, however.

For Category 4, it is hoped that those members who indicated these UMs are valuable will offer to make the proper edits to add these to the set. The same is needed for Categories 2 and 3, although these have not necessarily been identified as important methods to retain.

Bottom line – we need help from technical division members to review the list of UMs and to help retain those UMs that you feel are needed. If you would like to see the spreadsheet, please send a request to Charles Bohanan at standards@tappi.org. If you can help in editing or reviewing any of the category 2, 3, or 4 UMs, you will be provided with a copy of the UM and TAPPI staff can help you identify others who may agree to work with you as the working group for the UM.

Plans are now in the works to combine Standards, TIPs, and UMs into one set of CDs, beginning with the March 2011 issuance of the CD (replacing the previous pattern of issuing Standards in even-numbered years and TIPs in odd-numbered years). Of course, all three categories will also be available in March 2011 as part of the online version of Standards, TIPs, and UMs.

UMs can be added to the set at any time, but for the March 2011 CD, the deadline is January 17, 2011. Any UMs completed in accordance with the new guidelines by that date will be on the March 2011 CD. Any submitted after that time will be added to the online version as soon as they are published, and will appear on the next year’s CD. UMs will also be available as individual documents, just like the Standards and TIPs are now. The bound book will not be reprinted or sold after March 2011.

TAPPI Standards guidelines require that all TAPPI members receive notification of any proposed new Standard or TIPs. This message is being sent to you because you are a TAPPI member; have purchased TIPs or Standards products from TAPPI; or because you have previously expressed interest in this topic.

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