This paper explores the use of a micro genetic algorithm that uses variable-length chromosomes and a seeding scheme based on tabu search. The problem is to find the sequence of actions that have to be executed in the shortest time possible, but also in a way that minimizes the possibility of situations that may endanger the plant personnel and plant facilities. The proposed approach was tested on the generation of the optimum sequences for startup and shutdown of a mixing vessel similar to the equipment used in the synthesis of acrylic acid. The results show that the proposed method outperforms the traditional GA algorithm both in terms of the quality of the solution and computational effort. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.