Is it necessary to stop production when renovating the factory?

In the process of expanding production scale or upgrading infrastructure, Factory renovation It is an essential need of many businesses. However, the top concern is: Is it mandatory to stop all production activities during the renovation period?

In fact, there is no absolute “right-false” answer for all cases. Whether it is necessary to suspend production or not depends on the scope of renovation, the extent of its impact on the operation line, safety factors and related legal regulations.

In this article, TECO will help businesses clarify legal grounds, common real-life situations and optimal solutions to minimize production interruption during factory renovation.

Legal regulations related to the renovation of the factory while in operation

Currently, the law does not require enterprises to stop production when renovating factories. However, businesses must strictly comply with safety regulations, including:

1. Occupational safety

According to the Law on Occupational Safety and Hygiene, all renovation activities must not cause danger to workers working in the factory. In case of failure to ensure safety conditions, the competent authority may request to suspend production or impose administrative sanctions.

2. Structural safety and construction

According to the Law on Construction, renovation items related to bearing structure, floor, roof, factory frame must be calculated and closely monitored. If the construction process poses a risk of subsidence, cracking or affecting the operating area, the enterprise is required to take measures to separate or suspend operations in that area.

3. Fire prevention and fighting (Firefighting)

During the renovation process, the fire protection system must be maintained stably, without being disabled or interrupted. The construction affects the fire prevention and fighting but there is no appropriate alternative plan, which will pose serious risks and violations statutory regulations.

4. Environmental protection

Rehabilitation activities that generate dirt, noise, wastewater or emissions beyond the allowable threshold, affecting workers and the surrounding area, will violate the Environmental Protection Law and may be asked to suspend construction and production.

real-life situations and levels need to suspend production

Depending on the scope and objectives of the renovation, the business can consider appropriate options. Here are three common scenarios:

Case 1: Small-scale improvement, does not affect the structure and production line

With light renovation items, enterprises do not need to stop all production activities. Construction can be deployed by area, while the remaining areas are still operating normally.

Example:

• Paint and repair the auxiliary area
• Partition installation
• Renovating and upgrading the office area in the factory

Case 2: Renovation directly affects the structure or production activity

If the renovation involves demolition, reinforcement of load-bearing structures, renovation of floors, roofs or installation of heavy equipment, the enterprise needs to suspend part or all of its operations at the construction site.

Continuing production in this condition not only causes unsafety for workers but also poses a potential risk of machine damage and violation of the law.

Example:

• Demolition and upgrading of factory floors
• Changing steel frame
• Construction of technical ceilings or new structural systems

Case 3: Switching the function of the factory

When the factory is converted for use (for example, from a production workshop to a cold storage, a logistics center or an office), the enterprise is required to obtain permission from the competent authority.

In this case, the renovation process usually requires stopping the entire operation, due to the involvement of:

• Adjust business license
• New fire protection standards
• Drainage system, exhaust gas treatment, noise

Enterprises need to prepare carefully both legally and construction plans.

Solutions to limit production interruptions when renovating factories

Factory renovation does not mean that all activities must be stopped if the enterprise has a methodical plan and the construction plan is suitable for each category. Some effective solutions include:

• Detailed renovation plan: Clearly divide each item, each construction stage, and synchronize with the production plan.
• Construction according to the ‘rolling’ plan: Finish each area before moving to the next area, minimizing the impact on the entire line.
• Select a professional construction company: Experienced contractors will have flexible technical solutions, ensure progress and safety when both construction and operation.
• Working outside of office hours or at night: Suitable for factory production in shifts, helping to limit conflicts between construction and operation.
• Clear internal communication: Closely coordinate production, technical and contractors to avoid unnecessary interruptions.

See more: 

Is it necessary to stop production when renovating the factory?

Regulatory rules for renovation of the factory

Factory maintenance costs: Influencing factors and how to optimize efficiency

Why do you need to maintain the factory periodically?

Conclusion

Factory renovation is not mandatory to stop all production activities, but the continued operation during construction should be carefully evaluated in terms of safety, legal and operational efficiency. With a reasonable plan, scientific construction plan and the companionship of a professional unit, the enterprise can completely renovate the factory without significantly affecting the production progress.

If the business is planning to renovate the factory and need a safe – optimal solution – cost savings, TECO Ready to accompany consulting and deployment from A-Z, helping the project to operate sustainably and effectively.