Case Study 3: Planned Shutdown at Nuclear Site
Supporting a Planned Shutdown in a Nuclear Environment
Industry
Nuclear Power Plant
Service
On-Site Shut Down Support
Risk focus
Permit-to-Work Controls
Location
Suffolk
Context
PCS was engaged to support a planned shutdown at a nuclear facility over the Christmas period. The shutdown involved a compressed programme of maintenance and inspection activities, delivered within a tightly controlled and highly regulated operating environment.
Context
PCS was engaged to support a planned shutdown at a nuclear facility over the Christmas period. The shutdown involved a compressed programme of maintenance and inspection activities, delivered within a tightly controlled and highly regulated operating environment.
The Challenge
Shutdown periods introduce elevated risk due to:
- Increased contractor presence
- Time-critical activities
- Multiple, overlapping work scopes
- Strict permit-to-work and control requirements
There was a clear need to ensure that all activities were planned, communicated, and executed in line with site rules, regulatory expectations, and nuclear safety standards and without compromising programme delivery.
Key Risks Identified
- Breakdown of Permit-to-Work Controls
- Overlapping High-Risk Activities
- Contractor Density & Supervision Gaps
- Time Pressure & Programme Compression
- Inadequate Communication & Handover
- Procedural Non-Compliance
- Fatigue (Seasonal / Extended Hours)
The Challenge
Shutdown periods introduce elevated risk due to:
- Increased contractor presence
- Time-critical activities
- Multiple, overlapping work scopes
- Strict permit-to-work and control requirements
There was a clear need to ensure that all activities were planned, communicated, and executed in line with site rules, regulatory expectations, and nuclear safety standards and without compromising programme delivery.
Key Risks Identified
- Breakdown of Permit-to-Work Controls
- Overlapping High-Risk Activities
- Contractor Density & Supervision Gaps
- Time Pressure & Programme Compression
- Inadequate Communication & Handover
- Procedural Non-Compliance
- Fatigue (Seasonal / Extended Hours)
Our Approach
PCS provided experienced health & safety support focused on planning, coordination, and control.
Our role was to ensure risks were clearly understood, controls were consistently applied, and deviations were identified and addressed promptly.
- Supporting pre-shutdown planning and risk reviews
- Ensuring safe systems of work and permits aligned with site requirements
- Providing on-site health & safety oversight during critical activities
- Supporting supervisors and managers with real-time advice
- Monitoring compliance with controls and escalation processes
The Outcome
- Shutdown activities were completed safely and in line with site and regulatory requirements
- No safety incidents or control breaches occurred
- Clear communication and coordination were maintained throughout the shutdown period
- Contractors and site management were supported to make informed decisions under time pressure
The project demonstrated PCS’s ability to operate effectively within high-hazard, highly regulated environments, providing calm, experienced safety leadership during critical operations
The Outcome
- Shutdown activities were completed safely and in line with site and regulatory requirements
- No safety incidents or control breaches occurred
- Clear communication and coordination were maintained throughout the shutdown period
- Contractors and site management were supported to make informed decisions under time pressure
The project demonstrated PCS’s ability to operate effectively within high-hazard, highly regulated environments, providing calm, experienced safety leadership during critical operations