Lab & Research Safety

The protection of employees, students and visitors in laboratories at Penn State is of paramount importance. In order to maintain that protection, the Laboratory Safety program provides a comprehensive safety resource in the Laboratory and Research Safety Plan, in addition to assistance, training, and oversight to ensure safety and regulatory compliance for all uses of laboratory equipment and hazardous chemicals.

Visit Environmental Health and Safety's Laboratory and Research Safety website for guidance and resources.

Laboratory and Research Safety Plan

The cornerstone of the Laboratory Safety Program is the Laboratory and Research Safety Plan (LRSP). The LRSP has been developed to promote the safety of employees, students and visitors working in laboratories and research areas across the University. The plan provides guidelines for prudent practices and procedures for the safe management of chemicals and other hazards possible in the laboratory/research setting, and for work practices regarding equipment and personal protective equipment that are capable of protecting individuals from potential health hazards.

Laboratory and Research Safety Plan

Unit Specific Plan

The Unit Specific Plan is the laboratory-specific section of the LRSP for research labs, teaching labs, research areas, and common facilities (those shared by more than one researcher). In the case of shared facilities, the director, coordinator, or designated facility supervisor for the center shall compile the Unit Specific Plan. All research and laboratory personnel must review both the LRSP and Unit Specific Plan and sign the Certification of Agreement in Section VIII of the Unit Specific Plan.

Unit Specific Plan

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS)

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are a required supplement to the Laboratory and Research Safety Plan to reduce the risks involved in working with hazardous materials or performing other potentially hazardous operations in the laboratory.

SOP Instructions
This document explains how to develop a Standard Operating Procedure.
SOP Template
A customizable form for you to create your own SOP and include it in your Unit Specific Plan

Laboratory Waste Management

The University is required, by regulation to ensure the proper disposition of hazardous wastes. Proper handling of reaction by products, surplus and waste chemicals, and contaminated materials is an important part of safety procedures. Each employee is responsible for ensuring that wastes are handled in a manner that minimizes personal exposure and the potential for environmental contamination.

The Laboratory Waste Management Plan provides guidelines for proper management and disposal of materials for chemical waste generated in laboratory and research areas, art studios, and areas that directly support research. The plan outlines the requirements for the management and disposal of chemicals by all laboratory and research personnel.

Laboratory Waste Management Plan Requirements/Guidelines

Training Programs

Environmental Health & Safety offers a variety of University-wide training courses. The EH&S training webpage lists all of the training by program area. They can be searched using a specific term or filtered by program. Please visit their website to view the different trainings available.

Training Programs