Moving to a new or refurbished lab?

As new schools are built, or existing science facilities are refurbished, it presents an opportunity for an exciting new start for the science department and its students.

Yet moving house is said to be one of the most stressful experiences of life, so relocating labs and prep rooms could be right up there too. But it need not be. There are a few simple steps to take to ensure you settle into your new home of science in a structured manner.

Before the move

Planning prevents poor performance as the saying goes – and never is it truer when getting ready for a move. Finer details of the new labs such as lab storage and prep room locations will have been discussed at the earlier stages of the design process with the lab fitting contractor. But just as no two house moves are the same, neither are schools. The basics to prepare are:

• If teaching is ongoing during the move, consider how to safely and effectively ensure practical science is continued

• Do a stocktake of equipment, disposing of any worn, broken or obsolete equipment, or donate anything you don't need to a charity such as LabAid

• Arrange chemical disposal with a specialist waste disposal company such as All Waste Matters

• Discuss any discipline specific equipment requirements

• Make a shopping list of the items you need

• If possible, visit the new lab to measure up, or get the measurements from the contractor

• Double check storage arrangements in the new lab for chemicals and radioactive materials with the contractor

• Ensure that you know the arrangements for the move with the moving company

• Order packing materials, or recycle boxes, and start packing away non essential items

• Make arrangements for any live specimens, such as plants, cultures, or animals

• Ensure specialist arrangements are in place for the transport of chemicals, radioactive materials and delicate equipment

What should I buy for my new lab or refurbishment?

What you purchase depends on a number of factors, be it budget, existing resource stocks, or curricular plans moving forward for the school.

We recommend the following categories for your shopping list:

• Essential lab equipment – balances, microscopes, Bunsen burners, tripods, gauzes, glassware

• Discipline specific equipment for Biology, Chemistry and Physics

• Consumables such as chemicals and bacterial cultures

• Storage solutions for the lab and prep room, for example hazardous cupboards, acid and alkali cupboards, Gratnells trays, lockers for personal belongings

• Trolleys

• Cleaning materials and equipment

• Large appliances including refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, water purifier, fume cupboard, drying cabinet

• Health and safety and PPE – eye protection, lab coats, first aid kits, eye washes, warning tapes

Office equipment and stationery

CLEAPSS Document G14 Designing and Planning Laboratories gives a thorough description of the considerations to take for new and refurbed school laboratories.

With a little bit of forward planning and making a list of what you need to purchase, moving into your newly built or refurbished lab should be easy and cost effective.

Get advice about moving to a new or refurbished lab

If you have any questions about moving to a new or refurbished school lab, please contact our Technical Support Team via techsupport@philipharris.co.uk