Moving day made easy for leading laboratory

Established in 2005, Envirolab Group is the largest Australian owned and privately operating environment laboratory in Australia. A global business with 185 employees and a presence in Australia and New Zealand, Envirolab specialises in testing soil, water, air and occupational hygiene samples for a range of organics, inorganics, microbiological and other emerging contaminants.

Envirolab prides itself on providing quality service and maintaining the highest laboratory standards with prominent industry and professional associations, including NATA and IANZ.

With the successful growth of its business operations and to meet changing client needs, one of its laboratories, Envirolab Services Melbourne, required a relocation to a larger and more purpose-built premises.

As part of the move, Envirolab relied on its gas partner, BOC, to seamlessly transition the laboratory gas set-up and install new infrastructure at the new premises — in a short timeframe and in compliance with quality standards and regulations required by Envirolab’s accreditation with various industry authorities.

Pamela Adams, Laboratory Manager of Envirolab Services Melbourne, said: “We were impressed with the involvement of BOC in the installation of a gas system at our new laboratory. Our clients didn’t even realise we had moved to a new location because there were zero interruptions or downtime.”

The challenge

Envirolab had only six months to move out of its shared laboratory space to a larger and more modern laboratory premises. In addition to a short timeframe and limited availability of sites, moving a laboratory from one location to another was a complicated process, fraught with logistical challenges.

“The biggest challenge was completing the laboratory design and installation within six months. Nonetheless, it was a great opportunity because it is not every day that you get to build a laboratory from scratch and to your own specifications,” said Pamela.

“With the move, our main concern was ensuring that our instruments were not damaged. We couldn’t afford for anything to go wrong. Considering that some instruments are worth over $100,000, it was critical that contamination issues did not arise with the gas lines that feed them.

“It was therefore essential that we were supported by a gas partner that could seamlessly transition the laboratory gas set-up and install new infrastructure at the new site.”

The solution

While designing the new laboratory, Envirolab engaged long-term gas partner BOC to deliver a high-quality, modern gas solution that would meet the needs of the new facility long into the future.

“We were essentially doubling the capacity of the previous laboratory, so we needed a tailored solution that would provide a safe and efficient supply of a range of specialty gases to each room for our various scientific tests,” said Pamela.

BOC completed the entire gas fitout in the required timeframe, with the installation of scientific-grade stainless steel piping throughout the entire laboratory. These were connected to live gases, such as nitrogen and helium.

“Point-of-use equipment was installed in each room. The set-up of a notification system for alerting when gases were running low has ensured no disruption to supply. We also received advice on safety signage and standards,” added Pamela.

The benefits

The gas installation was completed on time and to a high standard, which resulted in no downtime for the Envirolab team or its clients.

“BOC worked closely with our team to install the new gas system without any interruption or contamination to our existing processes,” said Pamela.

“We now have gas lines servicing every room, which has eliminated the need for placing gas cylinders around the laboratory. This has created more space and therefore boosted staff morale as well as improved workplace safety.”

Since the move to the new location, Envirolab has continued to grow and expand its business.

“The new laboratory has enabled us to expand our testing capabilities. We have recently gained NATA Accreditation for phenoxy acid herbicide testing — most important of all, we look forward to continue providing our clients with the highest quality scientific testing for environmental contamination,” concluded Pamela.

BOC for your scientific gas and engineering needs. Call us today on 131 262.

About Envirolab: Established in 2005, Envirolab Group is the largest Australian owned and privately operating environment laboratory in Australia. A global business with 185 employees and a presence in Australia and New Zealand, Envirolab specialises in testing soil, water, air and occupational hygiene samples for a range of organics, inorganics, microbiological and other emerging contaminants.

About BOC: BOC supplies compressed and bulk gases, chemicals and equipment around the globe. The company develops safe, sustainable and innovative solutions for customers in many specialty sectors, heavy industry and medical environments. For more than a century, the company’s gases and expertise have contributed to advances in industry and everyday life, including defence, steelmaking, refining, chemical processing, environmental protection, wastewater treatment, welding and cutting, food processing and distribution, glass production, electronics and health care. For further information, see www.boc-limited.com.au.

About Linde: Linde is a leading industrial gases and engineering company with 2018 pro forma sales of USD 28 billion (EUR 24 billion). The company employs approximately 80,000 people globally and serves customers in more than 100 countries worldwide. Linde delivers innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers and creates long-term value for all stakeholders. The company is making our world more productive by providing products, technologies and services that help customers improve their economic and environmental.