How BioRelo Responded to a Generator Failure During a Laboratory Relocation
In the world of laboratory relocations, even the most carefully planned moves can hit an unexpected snag. One of the most critical (and overlooked) risks during a generator failure during a lab move is what happens when power fails at the destination facility—just as high-value lab freezers, refrigerators, and sensitive biological materials are arriving. This is exactly what happened during a recent BioRelo lab relocation project.
The Challenge: Power Failure During Lab Move-In
Our team was in the middle of executing a multi-phase laboratory relocation for a biotech client. We had successfully transported temperature-sensitive material, ultra-low freezers, lab chemicals, and boxed scientific assets across state lines.
As we began offloading into the client’s new facility, we learned the onsite generator—intended to provide backup power—had failed. Worse yet, the building’s main power was undergoing scheduled upgrades and was offline. The result: no power available just as sensitive cold storage units were entering the building.
Fast Action, Zero Sample Loss
Thanks to our team’s deep experience in emergency response logistics for lab moves, we acted quickly and kept the situation under control. Here is how BioRelo responded:
We immediately identified and prioritized ultra-low freezers and refrigerated centrifuges in active transit. These were held in our temperature-controlled trucks, which were still operational and parked just outside the facility. Rather than unload into a powerless environment, we staged equipment inside our truck’s powered bay, treating it as a temporary cold room.
While the facility team worked to restore generator power, our drivers quickly adapted—shifting the unload sequence to focus on non-temperature-sensitive materials and other cold storage units. This minimized downtime, kept the crew moving, and protected high-risk equipment.
We collaborated closely with the client’s facilities and IT teams to determine estimated power restoration times, helped troubleshoot the generator, and advised on bringing in external mobile power support if needed.
In the end, power was restored within a few hours, allowing us to resume operations and move in the freezers, cold chain materials, and temperature-sensitive samples without any deviation from required storage conditions. Thanks to our quick response and coordination, we ensured that the integrity of all materials was maintained throughout the entire process.
Why Power Failure Contingency Planning Matters
This incident was a textbook example of why every laboratory relocation plan should include a power failure contingency. Many labs assume their backup systems will perform flawlessly, but even with new infrastructure, generator failures happen.
BioRelo’s ability to stay agile, protect materials in the field, and adapt the move in real time prevented what could have been a major loss of research materials.
Trust BioRelo With What Matters Most
Our teams are trained in real-world challenges like:
- Onsite generator failures
- Facility delays or infrastructure issues
- Cold chain continuity for high-value samples
- Safe handling of lab equipment and hazardous materials
Let’s Plan for the Unexpected – Together
If you are preparing for a laboratory relocation, do not leave anything to chance. Partner with a team that knows how to handle the unpredictable. Contact BioRelo today for a risk-aware, compliance-ready relocation plan!
