Inspection
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Shutdown

A planned or unplanned cessation of operations to safely stop a process, asset or facility.

Definition

A Shutdown is the controlled cessation of operations for a process, equipment item or facility to allow maintenance, inspection, repair, modification or to respond to abnormal operating conditions. Shutdowns may be planned or unplanned and are executed using defined operational procedures to ensure personnel safety, equipment protection and environmental compliance.

Why It Matters

Shutdowns safely cease operations to support maintenance, inspection, repairs or emergency response activities.

In Practice

Planned shutdowns are typically coordinated with maintenance and inspection activities, whereas unplanned shutdowns occur in response to equipment failures, process upsets or emergency conditions.

Common Misuse

A Shutdown is the operational event during which production is safely stopped, whereas Shutdown Management coordinates the planning and execution of that event.

Term Details
Synonyms:
Shutdown; Plant Shutdown; Process Shutdown; Unit Shutdown
Classification:
Operations & Production
Concept
Intermediate
Applications

Operations; Maintenance Management; Process Safety.

Where It's Used

Oil and gas.; Petrochemical.; Manufacturing.; Power generation.; Infrastructure.

References

CCPS Guidelines for Risk Based Process Safety

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