Laboratory Notebooks: Capitalization, grammar, punctuation

Hi all,

I am looking for a guidance that covers things like capitalization, grammar, punctuation, etc. in laboratory notebooks. The reason is, some reviewers are demanding corrections regarding things like capitalization, grammar, punctuation, etc. in laboratory notebooks. We work with non-native English speakers and this feels like a slippery slope that will end up being a grotesque waste of time and offer no additional value nor give our documentation any more integrity.

Instead of developing my own argument, I'm looking for a guidance document regarding this subject. I know I'm not the first to have to deal with unnecessary demands in lab notebooks. I assume an attempt has been made to clarify issues like these.

Or maybe I am wrong. I look forward to any replies.

p.s., I work in an FDA regulated environment.

I am not in a regulated environment but do understand the importance of the laboratory notebook. One area where you should be concerned is when the poor grammar or punctuation changes the meaning of what is recorded or makes it unclear (e.g., Oxford comma).

I think misspellings are a grey area. If you are aware its misspelled you by default know what the word is thats being communicated

Punctuation definitely matters. Highly recommended: https://www.amazon.com/Eats-Shoots-Leaves-Tolerance-Punctuation/dp/1592402038
The premise of the title is a perfect example of how punctuation, or the lack thereof, can change the meaning of a sentence: "A panda eats shoots and leaves," as opposed to "A panda eats, shoots, and leaves."