Medical Equipment Handling in the Lyon Region

Medical Equipment Handling in the Lyon Region

Manudem Rhône-Alpes, your expert in the handling and transportation of sensitive medical equipment

The transfer of medical imaging equipment is a highly technical operation requiring advanced expertise in heavy handling, lifting, specialized transport, and risk management. Recently, the teams at Manudem Rhône-Alpes, a branch of the BOVIS Group, carried out the transfer of a Magnetom Concerto MRI scanner from the INRAE research center in Rennes to Thermo-Clean in Saint-Laurent-d'Agny, near Lyon, as part of a magnet reprocessing operation. This project perfectly illustrates the BOVIS Group’s expertise in medical equipment handling and the management of sensitive equipment with demanding technical constraints.

Manudem Rhône-Alpes: A specialist in medical equipment handling in the Lyon region

Based in the Rhône-Alpes region, Manudem Rhône-Alpes supports healthcare facilities, research centers, laboratories, and medical industry companies with their specialized handling, technical relocation, and sensitive equipment transportation projects.

Thanks to its experienced teams and the resources of the BOVIS Group, the agency works on particularly complex equipment such as:

• MRI scanners and CT scanners;
• radiology equipment;
• medical imaging systems;
• nuclear medicine devices;
• biomedical equipment;
• laboratory and research equipment.

Every operation is carefully tailored to ensure the safety of personnel, facilities, and the equipment being transported.

Transfer of a Magnetom Concerto MRI scanner: a technically demanding operation

A transfer project between Rennes and the Lyon region

As part of a magnet reprocessing operation, Manudem Rhône-Alpes was entrusted with organizing and carrying out the transfer of a Magnetom Concerto MRI scanner from the INRAE research center in Rennes to the Thermo-Clean site in Saint-Laurent-d'Agny.

This type of equipment presents particularly demanding characteristics:

• significant weight;
• presence of a powerful magnet;
• sensitivity to impacts and vibrations;
• specific handling constraints;
• enhanced safety requirements.

Meticulous preparation was therefore essential to ensure a completely secure transfer.

A rigorous methodology for MRI handling

Securing the magnetic field before handling

The first stage of the operation involved installing custom-designed stainless steel covers around the magnet.

This specific solution helps minimize the influence of the residual magnetic field and reduce risks during handling, lifting, and transportation phases.

This operation highlights the expertise developed by the BOVIS Group teams in working with the most sensitive medical imaging equipment.

Installation of movement systems

Once the equipment had been secured, the technicians installed:

• handling skates;
• an appropriate steering system;
• equipment enabling precise control of the magnet’s trajectory.

This preparation ensured precise movement of the load throughout its extraction.

Removal of the magnet from the building

The magnet was then rolled through several rooms within the research facility to the designated exit area.

This phase required perfect coordination between operators to comply with internal traffic constraints and preserve the existing infrastructure.

The use of a 2-ton electric trolley enabled the equipment to be moved with precision and control.

Positioning in the loading area

After extraction, the MRI scanner was moved to the loading area located behind the building in preparation for the lifting operation.

This phase is a key stage in such projects, as even a minor error can compromise the stability of the equipment.

Specialized lifting and transportation: resources adapted to heavy medical equipment

Lifting the magnet onto a trailer

To enable transport to the Lyon region, the magnet was loaded onto a specialized trailer using a crane suited to the lifting requirements.

The lifting operations were carried out according to a precise lifting plan that took into account:

• the weight of the equipment;
• its center of gravity;
• constraints related to residual magnetism;
• load stability conditions.

The experience of the BOVIS teams in precision lifting operations ensured safe loading in accordance with established procedures.

Transport organization

Transport was then carried out using specialized resources to ensure:

• equipment stability;
• protection against vibrations;
• compliance with road transport constraints;
• load security throughout the entire route.

Mastery of the logistics chain is a key factor in the transfer of high-tech medical equipment.

Unloading and delivery at the Thermo-Clean site

Upon arrival at the Thermo-Clean site in Saint-Laurent-d'Agny, the teams unloaded the magnet using a suitable crane.

This final stage required the same level of precision as the loading operation, with continuous monitoring of load movements and strict compliance with safety procedures.

The equipment was therefore received under optimal conditions for its reprocessing.

Safety at the heart of every medical operation

Risk management for MRI equipment

Magnetic resonance imaging equipment involves specific constraints that require specialized expertise.

The teams at Manudem Rhône-Alpes incorporate the following into their procedures:

• prior risk assessment;
• management of residual magnetic fields;
• securing work areas;
• operator protection;
• continuous monitoring of lifting and movement operations.

This approach ensures personnel safety while preserving the integrity of the equipment.

The BOVIS Group Medical Center of Excellence: nationwide expertise dedicated to imaging equipment

To meet the growing demands of the healthcare sector, the BOVIS Group relies on its Medical Center of Excellence, dedicated to the handling, transportation, and installation of sensitive medical equipment.

This division brings together specialists capable of working on:

• MRI scanners;
• CT scanners;
• radiology equipment;
• particle accelerators;
• nuclear medicine systems;
• laboratory and research equipment.

Thanks to this specialized organization, BOVIS Group agencies benefit from unique experience and proven methodologies to successfully deliver the most complex projects.

Manudem Rhône-Alpes, a trusted partner for MRI and medical equipment handling in Lyon

This transfer operation involving the Magnetom Concerto MRI scanner between Rennes and Saint-Laurent-d'Agny perfectly demonstrates Manudem Rhône-Alpes’ ability to manage sensitive medical equipment requiring a high level of technical expertise. From magnetic field containment to handling, lifting, transportation, and final unloading, every stage was carried out according to rigorous procedures ensuring safety, precision, and risk control.

Backed by the BOVIS Group’s Medical Center of Excellence, Manudem Rhône-Alpes supports healthcare, research, and biomedical organizations on a daily basis with their most demanding projects. This recognized expertise has made the BOVIS Group a leading partner for the handling, relocation, and installation of heavy medical equipment in the Lyon region and throughout France.