Shutdown Manpower Planning Checklist

Before the scope is even final

The outage dates matter more than a finished scope. Dates let availability be checked for the trades a shutdown depends on while the work list is still being written; the scope can be refined afterwards.

• ☐ Send the outage window (start and end dates) as soon as it is known — before the full scope is set, if necessary
• ☐ Estimate the trades most likely to be needed: welders, scaffolders, pipe fitters, riggers, mechanical fitters
• ☐ Flag any welding grade, material or certification requirement you already know about

Shape the curve, not the average

A shutdown does not use the same crew from start to finish. Scaffolders lead, the mechanical trades peak in the middle, and headcount falls as systems are reinstated. An average headcount leaves the peak short and the ramp-up over-staffed.

• ☐ Ramp-up headcount — access and scaffolding phase
• ☐ Peak headcount — main mechanical scope
• ☐ Demobilization headcount — as systems are reinstated
• ☐ Whether headcount needs differ across day and night shifts

Documentation and induction

Worker documents are reviewed per project before mobilization, and operating plants often add their own entry requirements. Profiles approved during the window cost working days the outage does not have.

• ☐ Facility name and type, so induction and permit requirements can be planned for
• ☐ Any facility-specific worker authorisation or qualification test
• ☐ Confirm worker profiles can be submitted for approval before the window opens, not during it

Logistics

Accommodation and transport are quoted on request, so say early whether you provide them. A single contact on your side for attendance and replacement keeps problems on shift from waiting for the next day.

• ☐ Accommodation — provided by you or to be arranged
• ☐ Transportation — provided by you or to be arranged
• ☐ A single point of contact on your side for attendance and replacement during the window

Trades by shutdown phase

A starting point for the headcount curve. Every outage differs, so treat this as the list to check, not a standard crew.

Common mistakes in shutdown requests

• ☐ Waiting for the final scope before sending the outage dates
• ☐ One average headcount instead of numbers per phase
• ☐ Night-shift numbers left out until the window opens
• ☐ Worker profiles submitted for approval during the window
• ☐ No single contact on your side for attendance and replacement

Official sources

The official pages behind this guide. Rules change; check the current version there before relying on any figure here. Links checked 16 October 2026.

• ☐ Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development: the Labor Law, working hours and occupational safety rules
• ☐ Qiwa: the ministry platform for work permits, employment contracts and profession records
• ☐ Ajeer: the service that registers workers provided temporarily to another establishment