operating instructions vs instruction manual

operating instructions and instruction manual both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
operating instructions	Yes	No	No	No
instruction manual	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, operating instructions and instruction manual are synonyms defined as:

operating instructions and instruction manual: a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it

Other synonyms of operating instructions include book of instructions, instructions.

operating instructions (noun)	instruction manual (noun)
a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it	a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it