Last Revised: February 17, 2026
Issue Date 2/17/2026
This page outlines the resources and safety requirements for moving heavy (greater than 25 pounds) or awkwardly shaped laboratory equipment when needed for housekeeping, maintenance projects, or other activities within laboratory spaces and equipment corridors.
Improper handling by individuals who are not trained in safe lifting techniques can result in personal injury, equipment damage, contamination, and loss of research.
Laboratory personnel may move equipment that weighs less than 25 pounds or can be easily managed by one person, provided they follow the safety precautions described below.
Move assistance should be procured through PSOM or vendors for moves of awkward or heavy items (see "Available Resources" heading).
Full laboratory relocations or closures should follow procedures available on the EHRS website.
- A laboratory member must always oversee any movement of laboratory equipment conducted by Penn personnel or external moving professionals.
- If moving equipment that contains radioactive materials (e.g., scintillation counters), contact EHRS at 215-898-7187 before coordinating the move. Radioactive materials must be secured to prevent spills, loss or theft.
- If moving lasers or equipment that contains a laser, contact the EHRS Laser Safety Officer at 215-898-4453 prior to coordinating the move.
- Ensure that all research materials and hazardous materials contained within the equipment are secured to prevent spills or damage during transport. Any materials that cannot be properly secured must be removed prior to the move.
- Decontaminate equipment surfaces before moving. Wipe exterior surfaces to protect movers from potential contaminants.
- Inspect the equipment at once after relocation to confirm integrity, ensure all materials - including radioactive sources - are accounted for, and verify that the equipment is functioning properly.
- Biological safety cabinets must be recertified following relocation.
- Review safe lifting guidance on EHRS website: https://ehrs.upenn.edu/health-safety/ergonomics.
| Task | Completed | N/A |
| Notify EHRS of equipment containing radioactive materials or a laser. | ||
| Contact the appropriate moving service (internal or external) for heavy or awkward equipment. | ||
| Secure or remove hazardous and research materials. | ||
| Clean equipment surfaces. | ||
| Inspect equipment after relocation. | ||
| Recertify equipment. |
Perelman School of Medicine Internal Move Assistance
PSOM Distribution Services
A representative will visit the lab to review the task and confirm if assistance can be provided.
Request Assistance: https://www.med.upenn.edu/spo/small-move-jobs.html.
Ergonomics - manual material handling recommendations on EHRS website: https://ehrs.upenn.edu/policies-resources/manual-materials-handling.
Local Vendor
Penn Building Services
Provides labor for moves primarily on the Penn campus.
Contacts:
Tim Witmer: 610-633-2390 | witmerpbs@icloud.com
Jack Davin: 610-633-4363 | davinpbs17@icloud.com
Professional Movers (Large or Specialized Equipment)
T & N Van Service: https://www.tnvan.com/
Wayne Moving and Storage: https://waynemoving.com/