THE PROJECT
Johnsons Lab Logistics was appointed by CABI to undertake the complex relocation of their extensive culture collection, comprising approximately 200,000 fungal samples. The project required meticulous planning and execution to ensure full compliance with dangerous goods regulations, biological safety standards, and the client’s critical continuity needs.
SPECIALIST PACKAGING AND COMPLIANCE
Given the nature of the materials, strict adherence to UN regulations governing the transport of biological and potentially hazardous substances was paramount. To achieve this, all samples were prepared and transported in triple-layer compliant packaging, consisting of:
1.Primary receptacle: The original large sample trays containing the fungal cultures.
2.Secondary packaging: Each tray was sealed within vacuum-sealed protective bags, providing an additional containment barrier.
3.Outer packaging: The secondary units were then placed within certified UN-approved crates, providing structural integrity and compliance with Dangerous Goods transport requirements.
To prevent movement or damage during transit, the secondary packaging was secured with cushioning materials including bubble wrap and crush-resistant paper. This ensured that, under normal carriage conditions, receptacles could not break, be punctured, or leak their contents.
EXECUTION
The move was completed over a six-day programme, with operations scheduled to minimise disruption to CABI’s research activities. Each stage was logged and quality checked to ensure the safe transfer of every sample. Our team worked closely with CABI’s laboratory and health and safety representatives throughout, providing real-time progress updates and transparent documentation for full traceability. The dedicated ADR-trained crew, supported by our DGSA, ensured all regulatory requirements were met without incident.
SERVICES
The relocation involved a bench-to-bench transfer of all fungi samples from CABI’s Egham site to their new Berkshire facility. Key elements of the scope included:
Full packing, transport, and unpacking of circa 200,000 samples.
Dedicated delivery team, comprising ADR-trained packers and drivers.
Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) oversight, with DGN documentation created by our in-house DGSA, Stuart Williams.
Bench-to-bench handling, ensuring each sample was relocated directly to its designated position in the destination laboratory to maintain order, traceability, and integrity.