Simple Steps To Sample And Cold Chain Material Relocations When Moving Laboratory Equipment

Specialist care and attention is required when moving laboratory equipment of any kind – so when some items need to be transported in controlled conditions this adds an extra dimension that can be challenging for overloaded lab managers. But with the right support and professional intervention relocating temperature-sensitive items and dangerous goods needn’t be stressful. In today’s blog we share simple tips to enable you to concentrate on moving laboratory equipment without added stress or hassle.

What are sample and cold chain materials?

Many laboratories deal with biological, medical and chemical samples that must be stored and transported under specific conditions in order to retain certain properties, ensure general safety or preserve outcomes of previous research. These are also often classified under various other regulations and conditions – including the Dangerous Goods Act.

Why specialist logistical support for temperature-controlled materials is important

Taking on the task of arranging transportation for samples and cold chain materials yourself can be difficult – adding a considerable amount to a workload that’s often already overstretched during relocation. When you work with specialist lab equipment movers, you retain complete peace of mind. Experienced project managers will put together a timeline and itinerary, detailing the equipment and tasks necessary to keep your cargo safe. They’ll also handle inventory, packaging, labelling and monitoring items during transit – so you’re free to focus on day-to-day tasks without disruption.

Simple steps to moving laboratory equipment with temperature specification

At Johnsons we always stress that the very first step to successful relocation is planning. Involving a team of lab equipment movers as early as possible is key. Compile detailed lists including all items that will need to be transported under special conditions – then pass this to the relocation experts responsible for overseeing the move. Finally, be sure to make provisions for reception on the other side, ensuring that each item will have safe storage upon arrival.

Need specialist support relocating laboratory equipment, or experts in medical equipment transport services to manage your move? Planning an imminent refurbishment? Get in touch today to learn more about our comprehensive lab equipment services.

Moving Your laboratory? Planning And Why It Is So Important.

If you’re planning an upcoming move the preparatory stages of relocation can be just as important as the move itself. So how can you effectively plan for a lab relocation – and why is considering the project management side of chemistry lab equipment transportation so important?

Why planning is important when moving chemistry lab equipment

Laboratories using chemistry lab equipment tend to specialise in finely-balanced, delicate and important work. Secure, temperature-controlled, sensitive and on occasion hazardous materials are often in use. For this reason effective and detailed plans must be put in place before an upcoming relocation.

How to plan for a lab equipment move effectively

When making a plan for moving science lab equipment or chemistry lab equipment, it’s important to start with an inventory. List all items, large and small, and group together. Then consider logistically how each element will be moved, and in what order. Are there any sensitive or breakable items on the list? Are any of the materials at the lab classed as dangerous goods? Temperature controlled, easily spoiled or biohazardous materials will need to be carefully managed, handled and transported within government guidelines. Placing specialist requirements and the nature and needs of science lab equipment at the centre of your planning will help to minimise downtime and any potential disruption to the daily activity of the laboratory. A sensible, chronological timeline which ensures that items can be set up and received in sequence on the other side.

The importance of working with trusted partners specialising in science lab equipment management

Relocation experts with experience and qualifications in the removal of science lab equipment and chemistry lab equipment will know exactly how to approach your move based on the information they receive. Assigning professional project management throughout the process is key. At Johnsons, we provide Integrated Project Management and Logistics Project Management as well as overseeing subcontractor and vendor partnerships for a smoother, more successful move.

Need expert assistance with an upcoming lab equipment move? Contact us today.

Lab Moving and what to consider

Laboratory Equipment And What To Consider When Moving A Laboratory

Whether you are moving science laboratory equipment and biological samples or transferring used medical lab equipment, the risks and ramifications involved are numerous and complex. In this blog we explore the key aspects of relocation and what to consider when contemplating an upcoming move.

Plan in advance

Laboratory moves are significantly more complex than a ‘standard’ commercial or office relocation – and as such they require more time spent planning before the day itself. Risks, downtime and disruption must all be managed and minimised – sufficient planning can help with this. Start by enlisting professional support – they can manage the process from start to finish with you, or provide standalone supplementary services. Whether you choose to work independently or delegate to expert lab equipment movers, it’s worth putting together and checking an initial inventory first before turning your attention to specific logistics, dates and times. Include time for the laboratory equipment to be disassembled and packaged – as well as reassembly on the other side – as this may take longer than expected.

Reduce or accommodate for downtime

Some downtime is often natural and normal during laboratory relocations – but due to the important and often time-sensitive nature of the work carried out in laboratories this isn’t always an option. If continuous service must be maintained or resumed as quickly as possible it’s important to work with this requirement from the very start, involving all necessary parties and compiling resources. Setting up on the other side first before organising a ‘full move’ at a later stage can often help to eliminate down-time – even if normal service is slightly disrupted or delayed. Notify clients and any other associated parties in advance to minimise the impact on them and prepare for possible disruption.

Organise laboratory equipment logistics

Working with specialist lab equipment movers to ascertain which lab equipment will need to be relocated, and in what order. This is a task best completed on an individual basis, taking into account individual items then considering how they work together to decide what needs moving, and when. Now is also the time to determine whether additional specialist assistance may be needed to safely transport controlled items or equipment that may require certain conditions.

Need specialist support to move laboratory equipment, science lab equipment or chemistry equipment? Contact us today for details of our comprehensive, professional lab equipment service.

Avoiding Decontamination When Packing

When you consider the potential consequences of contamination, accidental spillage or breakage both from an internal and external perspective, the importance of sensitive and professional lab equipment move management becomes clear. The first and perhaps most important step is careful provision and management during the packaging stages, ensuring that goods of a hazardous, delicate or significant nature are safely and securely transported without the risk of decontamination.

Why is decontamination avoidance important?

Decontamination is an important aspect for consideration when transporting lab equipment. From a professional perspective, contamination must be avoided to ensure that important research and key activities and projects are not compromised, disrupted or destroyed. On a wider scale, bio-hazardous substances and dangerous goods must be safely and securely handled to avoid accidents, spillages or contamination with potentially disastrous consequences. For these reasons packing lab equipment with the specific qualities and requirements of each item in mind is crucial.

Packaging lab equipment safely, securely and sensibly

Specialist items simply cannot be safely handled and transported without the correct packaging in place. At Johnsons we invest in the proper equipment and packaging solutions required to safely transport a wide range of specialist items – from medical supplies, foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals to scientific lab equipment. Selecting and sourcing approved packaging is an important and at time complex task. UN-approved packaging must have the ability to perform fully and optimally in several ways at all times throughout the process. In addition to supplying suitable packaging for removals we also conduct a full service from taking inventory and labelling to lifting and transportation to ensure that any dangerous, hazardous or sensitive materials are safely relocated in full compliance under any applicable regulations.

Working with specialists is key when packaging lab equipment and relocating

Trained professionals will be able to instantly assess your situation and requirements, and make appropriate provisions accordingly. They’ll also be up to date on the latest regulations and requirements of packaging lab equipment. This massively minimises any risk posed to your operations or the public and the possibility of financial loss caused by miscommunication or poor planning. At Johnsons we have dedicated Dangerous Goods Safety Advisors to provide specialist assistance on hazardous or PPE matters.

Relocating science laboratory equipment or medical lab equipment in the near future? Our laboratory equipment service is fully comprehensive, with audits, management and relocations carried out by qualified professionals. Get in touch today to learn more about our approach and accreditations.