Research Safety Modernization

The Modernization initiative is the result of a long-term project led by Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to enhance the services and resources provided by the department for University researchers across the Commonwealth.

The project began in 2022 with listening tours to gather input from stakeholders on the various information currently provided to researchers by the department. In conjunction, a departmental gap assessment and risk analysis of the informational resources, forms, and trainings provided related specifically to laboratory and research safety were developed. Considered in this process were existing regulatory requirements, University policies, historical department programs, and best practices. From the listening tours and gap analysis, it was determined that researchers at the University found current information to be, among other things, at times irrelevant, unclear, and outdated.

Recognizing an emerging need for updated information and processes, EHS set to work reimagining its Laboratory and Research Safety presence on its website, its existing safety plans, processes, and forms. The first phase of this Research Modernization initiative, which included the listening tours and gap analysis, concluded on July 1, 2025.

University researchers shared the following thoughts, which are and will be addressed by the Laboratory and Research Safety Modernization initiative:

• The expectations and requirements of existing safety programs are unclear.
• The Unit Specific Plan and training requirements are not relevant to much of the research being conducted.
• The self-inspection process is burdensome.
• There is too much busy work.

University researchers further shared their thought on what they would like to see from EHS:

• Better and targeted guidance on safety requirements.
• Customized safety requirements based on the hazards present and work performed.
• Fewer “box-checking exercises.”
• Engaging training that provides useful information.
• More collaboration between EHS and the research community.

Phase 1 of the Research Modernization initiative included the listening tours and gap analysis and concluded on July 1, 2025.

Phase 2 of the initiative (following the risk assessment and gap analysis), which extends through 2026, will include updates for laboratory and research safety materials related to the following items/topics:

• Hazard identification and risk assessment (LionSafe Risk Assessment, LRA)
• Biosafety and biosecurity
• Arthropod containment
• Chemical safety (general)
• Incident preparedness and response

Phase 3 of the initiative (2026 through 2028) will include updates on materials related to:

• Animal worker safety
• Plant biocontainment
• Lab design standards (flexibility vs value-engineering)
• Art Safety
• Physical hazards and engineering controls

And Phase 4 (2028 through 2030) will include updates on materials related to:

• Equipment safety
• Instructional safety
• Field safety
• Maker spaces
• Nanotechnology

The final phase of the initiative, then, through 2031, will include program evaluations and audits of all laboratory and research safety programs. Safety culture and the integration of safety as a core value within the research community is a focus across all four phases.

A new LionSafe Risk Assessment (LRA), an integral component of the Modernization initiative that enables University researchers to capture information about hazards and risks associated with their work, will roll out to all academic research work units in Fall 2025. A modular tool that adapts to researcher activities, the LRA is currently being piloted and feedback is welcomed on the program, workflow, and training resources.

Learn more about the LionSafe Risk Assessment.

The Research Safety Modernization initiative has come about specifically as the result of not only a gap assessment and risk analysis, but from the feedback provided by stakeholders. As the direct result of the project, University researchers across the Commonwealth now have access to a number of enhanced resources pertaining to laboratory and research safety: Link to each as appropriate

• An updated Laboratory and Research Safety website.
• New and updated resources and guidance.
• A New LionSafe Risk Assessment Tool.
• A New PPE Hazard Assessment Tool.
• Enhanced electronic records management.
• Updated inspection criteria.
• Engaging targeted trainings.
• Increased collaboration with EHS staff.

Thus, researchers will now have access to easily-found information, detailed guidance on safety protocol, focused documentation, and increased confidence in regulatory compliance.

To learn more about the Research Safety Modernization initiative, please contact Diann Stedman via email at psuehs@psu.edu or by LionSafe General Request.