
Lab logistics are a critical component in the process of closing a lab. Without them, there’s no plan, communication, or organization. And most importantly, you run the risk of unsafe, uncompliant shutdown procedures. A well-planned closure can do wonders for your lab closure process by minimizing risk, protecting the environment, and preserving valuable resources. Do you want to navigate the lab-closure process efficiently and effectively through professional lab logistics solutions? Want to know what to do with all your used lab equipment? First, you need an understanding of everything involved. On top of that, services from the team at BaneBio can go a long way towards a smooth closure. This blog covers everything you need to know!
What’s Involved in a Lab Closure?
There are so many moving parts involved in closing a lab, doing it yourself is likely an insurmountable task. That’s why you want someone like BaneBio at your back, utilizing years of experience and refined lab logistics processes to ensure success. The process we follow is intricate, and is most effective when our customers understand it. So without delay, we’re going to get into the sequence of events that make for a seamless closure.
Planning
Before any equipment is even touched, we take stock of your lab—the equipment you have, the types of substances you work with, and the size of your lab—and come up with an action plan. How will the equipment be disposed of? What codes need to be followed to remain in compliance? What needs to be done with your lease if one exists?
Lab Equipment
Taking care of lab equipment is a large part of the lab closure process. Once we finish inventorying it, we assess its condition. If it doesn’t meet our standards, arrangements will be made to dispose of it in a safe, compliant manner. However, this is a last resort, as we want to avoid producing unnecessary waste. In many cases, equipment in a lab that’s closing is still in full working condition. If it doesn’t quite hit the mark, it gets refurbished. At this point, there are a few options available to you.
- Sell to BaneBio: We’re happy to buy used lab equipment you no longer need so it can continue to be used in other scientific efforts elsewhere. We will create a purchase proposal and work with you to come to an agreement. Our offer factors in things like the current value of the equipment in the used market, trends in equipment, and our own observations on pieces of equipment and their demand.
- Give it to Other Labs: There are likely many labs that could make use of the equipment you’re getting rid of. We’ll search for potential takers in the area and arrange the transportation of lab equipment, as well as any other logistics.
- Donate: Another option is to donate the laboratory equipment to a nearby institution such as a school or museum.
Lab Space
Once the lab equipment itself is taken care of, there is still plenty to be done to decommission the space. For starters, strict cleaning procedures must be followed. The space has an uncertain future use at this point, and because of this, we need to make sure we don’t leave behind toxic residue of any kind. Every room gets thorough, top-to-bottom sanitization treatment.
The majority of closing labs are on lease, and thus, the owner of the property needs to be involved in the process. It’s up to them to let us know (and make sure we follow) their guidelines for getting the space rent ready, so it’s important that we maintain communication until the job is done.
Key Considerations for Lab Logistics
It doesn’t matter how large or small your lab is. The process of a lab closure has some key considerations that should be at the forefront of your mind when planning. For one, the handling and disposal of hazardous materials should be handled with care in order to comply with environmental regulations. Failure to comply not only puts personnel at risk, but it could result in various legal issues.
New and used lab equipment decontamination—as well as its removal—should be carried out by following industry best practices so as to avoid residual hazards. While compliance is vital, its documentation is equally important in case it needs to be referenced for any reason in the future. Developing a timeline and budget plan can go a long way towards a successful, compliant, and safe decommissioning.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
A lab closure is no small task. Because of this, there are a number of challenges that could rear their ugly heads if you don’t plan properly. Communication can alleviate these risks. Work closely with both your legal and safety teams in order to properly manage people and resources.
There are also concerns around environmental safety to consider. Perform a thorough risk assessment that involves multiple stakeholders, with mitigation strategies and emergency plans in place. Also important in this process is public perception, so it’s important to be publicly transparent. This will go a long way towards gaining trust with all stakeholders.
BaneBio’s Lab Logistics Services Are Here to Help
A lot goes into a lab closure. There are safety, environmental, and operational factors to take into consideration, so it’s important to have a solid plan. While the researchers in a lab are operating in a highly specialized field, they often lack the qualifications or and time to properly close the lab when the time comes. What’s more, our lab logistics services follow your timeline, not the other way around! If you want to cover all your bases, get in touch with us and we’ll provide a smooth decommissioning process.