Facilitating Move Management: Examining Existing Equipment at a National Laboratory

Although moves/relocation is one of facility mangers' responsibilities, studies on move management have been limited. The purpose of this research was to investigate, measure, and document the physical attributes, requirements, and location of existing, large laboratory equipment in order to expedite the impending relocation of the equipment. The researchers conducted survey to collect laboratory equipment data. The location of each piece of equipment was mapped on furniture floor plans. Anecdotal equipment data received from scientists were field-noted and transcribed. Equipment was categorized by type and analyzed using descriptive statistics. 361 pieces of equipment were examined, measured, and photographed in 59 individual laboratory spaces located in 11 divisions within the site. Inventory spreadsheets, which were cross-referenced to a total of 69 building plans, 37 furniture and equipment floor plans and 37 control sheets were developed. The researchers categorized each piece of equipment into the six groups: Analytical, Control, Computer, Furniture, Process and Storage. Control equipment was the largest category, accounting for more than one third of survey pieces. Some equipment was hazardous, expensive, vibration sensitive or required special connections or exhausts; which would require special attention during a move. Some of the equipment labels were worn, damaged, or missing. Some pieces had been modified, combined, or were custom creations. This study contributes to the understanding of laboratory environments' facility management and design issues.