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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

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