If you’ve ever moved house, you’ll know how stressful the process is. Now take that stress and multiply it by a hundred – that’s the level of complexity you’re looking at when moving a lab. Not only are you relocating medical equipment, sensitive materials and setting up new workstations but you’ve also got to deal with time pressures and meeting strict compliance requirements.
To keep your lab relocation moving smoothly, here are the top five questions you should ask that will check your removal company is right for your lab move.
1. Do they have the experience to move laboratory equipment and samples safely?
Relocating your lab is very different to moving a standard business or workspace with far more complexities added into the mix. Here are the two key areas you need to consider.
Number one – your equipment. Most laboratories will incredibly valuable, high-tech and fragile items which need moving. Everything from microscopes to mass spectrometers, freezers to ovens – each one forms the backbone of your business. Items that are lost or damaged due to the move can create significant delays on delivery in your science project and a lot of unnecessary paperwork. All very costly.
Moving a lab requires a tailored approach for each type of equipment, material and scientific instruments. When you work with Benchmark, we take the time to carefully plan every step of your move to ensure it meets your precise requirements. We carefully pack, move and then, once in place, unpack your equipment so it’s up and running ready for your team to get on with their work. We can also offer secure short, medium and long-term warehouse storage solutions, just in case you’re not quite ready to relocate to your new lab.
Number two – materials. We have lots of experience in moving laboratories which means we understand that materials might need specific transport conditions. Whether it’s frozen tissue samples or temperature-sensitive agents, each one demands requires a unique handling method to ensure it arrives safely and meets transport regulations. As an example, over the years, Benchmark Services have been heavily involved in transporting crucial samples for fertility clinics. Nothing could be more precious than looking after new life for expectant parents!!
2. How do they plan for moving a lab?
As the saying goes ‘the devil is in the detail’ and this is particularly true for your lab relocation. Moving a lab isn’t simply working out the logistics of how to get equipment from A to B and instead it requires specialist knowledge that plans the process in exact detail. A lab move that is badly handled can quickly turn into a very expensive mistake.
Before any move, we create a detailed plan that outlines every stage of the process to ensure it all runs like clockwork. One of our dedicated project managers will work closely with you throughout the entire process to ensure your requirements are communicate clearly to our team.
The process begins by evaluating the scope of the relocation. This steps enables us to check the critical elements for the move including:
- The amount of laboratory equipment you need to move
- Packing mediums
- Transport methods
- Space requirements for moving and relocating the equipment
- Liaison with the different parties involved in the process
- Preparing your company for the lab move e.g. coordinating phased movements in line with equipment manufacturer commissioning
Once the initial planning meetings for the move are complete, we can provide you with a realistic timeline for the work. Finally, we calculate the budget which factors in not only moving, packing and transportation costs but also any downtime your business may experience.
3. What compliance documentation have they got in place?
Compliance and safety standards are fundamental in any laboratory setting to ensure your team stay safe at work. During a laboratory move, this is even more critical requiring a comprehensive health and safety plan to manage the additional risks.
When you work with a professional laboratory removal company like Benchmark, you know that, as a minimum, we will have all the following compliance measures in hand:
- A tailored risk assessment bespoke for your move which identifies any safety considerations such as hazards, equipment access issues, fire exits and ventilation systems. It is important that the risk assessment covers both your own lab and the new location site
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) assessments to outline any risk factors associated with the relocation of materials. This assessment must cover safe handling, storage and transportation methods
- Correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Correct decontamination, decommissioning and preparation of equipment or materials involved in the move
- If you are moving sensitive materials you will need qualified personnel and ADR licensed staff who are trained to manage dangerous substances on the public highway
4. Who will be handling moving your lab?
When looking for a laboratory relocation company, make sure you check who will be involved during the actual move. Some companies will subcontract the removal element of your relocation. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, if the project hasn’t been communicated correctly, it can leave you at risk of damaged equipment or delayed schedule during the relocation. The last thing you want to see during your move are removal teams standing around chatting not sure what to do next. After all, these subcontracted teams are paid for the time they are time and on whether the job gets completed on schedule.
Another consideration during laboratory relocations are the level of training your removal team has received – this one is essential when meeting health and safety requirements. Does the team understand correct manual handling techniques? Have they been trained on correct procedures in the event of a chemical spill? Is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for your relocation and do they know how to use it?
There are a lot of questions to ask to ensure your removals company meets all the important health and safety requirements. When you work with Benchmark Services, you can be safe in the knowledge that we only ever use our own team on your project. You can be confident that each operative understands the job at hand and has received the correct training specific for your laboratory move.
Our team has years of experience working within your industry working with some of the largest scientific equipment manufacturers. Most importantly, every one of the team involved in your move will have been heavily involved in the planning of your relocation. Whether it’s the project managers who are on hand to ensure a seamless process, the team moving a laboratory right through to our customer services team who can answer your questions. They all know their role and we can confidently say they will only be happy once you’ve had a successful lab relocation.
5. What are their procedures if a problem arises?
While we carefully plan every step of your lab move, there are of course always occasions when an unforeseen issue can occur. The success of your move now depends on how well the lab removals team handle the situation.
This is where the advantage of working with an in-house team like Benchmark Services plays a key role. Our teams have a ‘can-do’, no messing attitude and everyone knows what is expected of them throughout the removal process. That means if a difficult situation arises (let’s be honest it’s usually the stairs), our team can apply their knowledge and experience into finding a solution that works.
But what happens if there is a worst-case scenario such as a chemical spill, fire, electrical failure or even an injury. Our specialist team have emergency procedures for labs plans in place that cover every possible eventuality and provide you with complete peace of mind.
Ready to Make Your Move?
If you’re looking for laboratory relocation services, why not choose a company like Benchmark. We have built our reputation on reliability, knowledge and experience. Whether you’re looking to move a single piece of equipment or an entire lab we can plan, transport and set up everything efficiently, safely and with zero stress.
Get in touch with us and let’s find out how we can help with your lab relocation.
FAQ: Moving a Lab
What does moving a lab involve?
A seamless relocation of sensitive equipment, scientific instruments and temperature controlled materials is only possible with a considered planning process. It requires compliance with health and safety regulations, careful packing, transport, and setup in the new facility to ensure minimal downtime and no damage.
How long does it take to relocate a laboratory?
The timeline for moving a lab can vary greatly with factors such as size of the facility, amount of equipment and the complexity of the move playing a factor. An experienced lab removal company will discuss your requirements and provide you with a detailed timelines and relocation plan that accurately estimates the packing, transport, and setup times.
What safety measures are necessary when moving a lab?
Safety measures include risk assessments, COSHH evaluations, proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), safe handling and transportation of hazardous materials, and emergency response procedures for incidents such as chemical spills, fires, or electrical failures.
Do I need a specialist company to move my lab?
Yes. Unlike most other office moves, moving a lab requires safe delivery and set up of delicate and high-value equipment such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, refrigeration units, freezer contents, and ovens. Every item must be carefully packed, transported, and set up to match manufacturer, safety and your requirements.
What happens if something goes wrong during a lab move?
A professional lab relocation team will have contingency and emergency plans in place to anticipate potential issues. This includes handling logistical challenges, chemical spills, or equipment issues, to ensure the move can continue safely without disrupting operations.
Can a lab move include temporary storage?
Yes. Many relocation companies offer short, medium, or long-term secure storage solutions for equipment and materials if your new facility isn’t ready for immediate setup.