Project Start-Up Checklist for Live & Secure Facilities & Operational Sites

Written By Secure SME

Starting a construction project in a live or operational environment is where most projects either set up for success — or failure.

Too often, teams rush mobilisation, assuming design is complete, stakeholders are aligned, and risks are understood. In reality, this is where the biggest gaps exist.

A structured project start-up checklist is one of the simplest and most effective tools to de-risk delivery, particularly across high-security, operational, and complex environments.

The quality of your start determines the outcome of your project.

Why Start-Up Is Critical

  • Identify delivery risks early
  • Align all stakeholders
  • Validate design and constructability
  • Confirm access and operational constraints

The Project Start-Up Checklist

1. Design & Documentation Review

  • Are drawings coordinated?
  • Any clashes between services?
  • Incomplete or assumed design elements?

2. Authority Approvals & Compliance

  • DA / CDC approvals
  • Authority permits
  • Security access approvals

3. Stakeholder Engagement

  • Client, FM, operations, security
  • Communication protocols
  • Escalation pathways

4. Site Access & Conditions

  • Access constraints
  • Working hours
  • Laydown areas

5. Services Verification

  • Existing services confirmed onsite
  • Capacity checks
  • Shutdown planning

6. Programme & Staging

  • Staging strategy
  • Operational interfaces
  • Procurement timelines

7. Risk Planning

  • Live environment risks
  • Safety planning
  • Site-specific controls

8. Contractor Alignment

  • Scope clarity
  • Site constraints understood

9. Reporting & Communication

  • Weekly reports
  • RFI tracking
  • Issue management

10. Site Establishment

  • Site setup
  • Security integration
  • Material storage

Download the Project Start-Up Checklist

We’ve created a practical, ready-to-use checklist built from real project delivery experience across live and high-security environments.

Enter your details below to download the free template.

Need support delivering projects in live environments?

Secure SME provides project management, contractor coordination, and delivery support across high-risk and operational sites.

Secure SME

Secure SME www.securesme.org

https://www.securesme.org
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