Laboratory Relocation Guidelines - Biological Materials

DEHS has developed this procedure as a guideline to help minimize hazards to University personnel and maintain compliance with all applicable Federal and State regulations during a lab relocation.

General Guidelines

  • The University Movers are not permitted to move any chemical, biological, radioactive or hazardous material.
  • All laboratory personnel must wear safety glasses, lab coats and appropriate gloves while handling laboratory materials.
  • This is a good time to go through your biological inventory and dispose of old and unneeded materials.
  • Do not move chemical, biological or radioactive waste. Contact DEHS for a pick up.

Moving Biological Materials within a Building

  • Replace any damaged or illegible labels. All containers must be labeled to accurately describe their contents.
  • Check containers and lids for damage and cracks. Replace any faulty caps or containers. Damaged containers cannot be transported.
  • Obtain plastic bins or some other form of secondary container capable of containing a spill and a sturdy wheeled cart.
  • Transport the materials in the boxes or bins. Use sufficient packing material to prevent the containers from breaking.
  • When the materials arrive at the new locations, lab personnel will need to check contents for breakage/damage.

Moving Biological Materials to a New Lab that Requires Transportation/Moving Outdoors

  • Contact Environmental Health & Safety. DEHS personnel must transport all biologicals and hazardous materials over the road or between buildings not connected by a causeway or tunnel. DEHS needs a least two weeks notice to prepare for the move.
  • Inventory materials that you want to relocate from the current lab to the new facility.
  • Replace any damaged or illegible labels. All containers must be labeled to accurately describe their contents.
  • Check containers and lids for damage and cracks. Replace any faulty caps or containers. Damaged containers cannot be transported.
  • Contact DEHS for guidance in packing the biological materials for the move.
  • At the time of the move we will need laboratory personnel in the lab where the materials are being moved from as well as in the new destination.
  • When materials arrive at the new facility lab personnel will need to accept boxes and check contents for breakage/damage.

Moving Laboratory Equipment

  • Equipment that could have surface contamination must be wiped down with an appropriate disinfectant.
  • If a biological safety cabinet that was used with infectious agents is to be moved, it may need to be decontaminated prior to the move. Contact DEHS to determine if this will be necessary.
  • If any biological safety cabinets or laminar flow clean benches are to be moved, they must be recertified in their new location prior to use.
  • Refrigerators or freezers which contained biological materials must be emptied and wiped down with an appropriate disinfectant.

Questions regarding a laboratory move may be addressed to Michelle Ferguson or call 831-6366.

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