Operations / Production shutdown and start-up schedules, usually in bar chart (bar graph) format, detail the procedures for shutting down and starting back up a unit or plant.

Shut-down work is carried out by the unit/plant operators. Generally, no maintenance work is allowed to commence (with the exception of scaffolding and blinding) until all product has been cleared from the process equipment and piping, and the unit is no longer running and has been made safe for entering.

The shut-down schedule can determine the priority or availability of equipment, the amount of pre-turnaround scaffolding and blinding, and any other preparatory work such as staging of equipment, tools and materials.

The start-up schedule is also prepared by the operations / production group, and follows their procedures for bringing the unit / plant back on stream.

The start-up schedule usually involves - in addition to the operations personnel - Pipe fitters, insulators, scaffold builders, electricians and instrument technicians. These crafts stand by to assist and fix last minute leaks, insulation repairs, scaffolding removal, clean up, etc. Many of these activities are included in the turnaround budget, and are listed in the work order scopes and schedules.