Gator TRACS
Changes coming in 2026
We are in the process of transitioning Gator TRACS to a new system called Campus Optics. Implementation is expected for the second half of 2026. Updates will be provided by EH&S via email each month and posted on this page.
Updates
Date: March 2, 2026 | Format: Email | To: All Gator TRACS Users
Dear Colleagues,
As shared earlier this year, EH&S continues to make steady progress toward transitioning Gator TRACS to our new research safety platform supported by Campus Optics. We remain on track with implementation and appreciate your partnership throughout this process. During March, our efforts will focus on ongoing data migration and providing in‑depth training for EH&S staff to ensure we are fully prepared to support you when the system launches. Training opportunities for lab personnel are expected to be available later this spring, and we will announce dates as soon as they are finalized.
Action Required: Chemical Inventory Review (Due April 24)
To support a smooth migration and ensure high‑quality data in the new system, we ask lab staff to review and update their chemical inventories in Gator TRACS over the next two months. Please verify the following information for each entry:
- Chemical/compound name is correct
- CAS Number and manufacturer fields are complete and accurate
- Room locations reflect current storage
- Inventory matches what is physically present in the lab
Because your Campus Optics inventory will be built directly from current Gator TRACS data, completing this review now will save time later and help ensure a clean, reliable transition. Please ensure that your inventory is reviewed and updated by April 24th.
We will continue to provide monthly updates as the transition advances. You may also follow our progress and find past announcements on the Gator TRACS webpage. Thank you for your continued collaboration as we work to deliver a more efficient and supportive research safety experience. We look forward to sharing more soon.
Date: February 2, 2026 | Format: Email | To: Principal Investigators and Lab Managers
Dear Colleagues,
As highlighted in our December newsletter, an exciting transformation is underway for Gator TRACS, the system you use for EH&S lab inspections, chemical inventories, hazard assessments, and biohazard project registrations. After thoughtful evaluation and years of valuable feedback from researchers and lab staff, EH&S will be transitioning from Safety Stratus to a modern, more intuitive platform provided by Campus Optics. We are targeting a rollout in the second half of 2026.
This upgrade is driven by institutional needs and by the input from our stakeholders for better functionality, smoother workflows, and a more user‑friendly experience. We’re genuinely excited about the improvements ahead and the opportunity to deliver a system that better supports your research and compliance needs.
At this stage, no action is required from labs. EH&S and IT are actively working behind the scenes to migrate essential data and ensure a seamless transition. Data transfer will continue through February, followed by internal training for EH&S staff. Once we are confident in system readiness, we will invite selected labs to participate in beta testing and schedule future demonstrations for the research community. In the meantime, please continue using the existing Gator TRACS system for all research safety compliance requirements.
You can expect monthly email updates as we move through each phase of implementation, including timelines, training opportunities, and next steps.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we work to bring a stronger, more efficient research safety experience to campus. We’re looking forward to sharing more soon.
Date: December 12, 2025 | Format: EH&S Quarterly Newsletter | To: All Gator TRACS Users
EH&S is thrilled to announce major improvements coming to GatorTRACS, UF’s online laboratory compliance platform. Launching in the second half of 2026, the new system will feature:
- A user-friendly interface for easier navigation
- Enhanced functionality to streamline compliance tasks
- New modules and tools to support lab safety and administration
These updates were developed using feedback from the UF research community and will make compliance simpler, faster, and more reliable.
What to Expect?
No action is required right now. Beginning in January, Principal Investigators and lab staff will receive monthly email updates, along with invitations to spring town hall meetings for Q&A and demonstrations.
Resources for current Gator TRACS System
LATCH
The Laboratory Assessment, Training, & Chemical Hygiene (LATCH) module is a platform for labs to maintain and track pertinent safety information such as personnel roster, emergency contacts, and training records. Additionally, a checklist is incorporated to identify hazards and select appropriate personal protective equipment for lab-related activities. This assessment, encompassing various hazards satisfies the hazard assessment requirement of the lab-specific chemical hygiene plan. For more information on additional chemical hygiene plan requirements, please visit this page.
Components of LATCH
- Personnel roster – PI or Lab Manager can build the lab’s roster and assign roles
- Training records – track EH&S training records for all lab staff in a single page
- Hazard assessment – completed on an annual basis and signed by all lab personnel.
Chemical Inventory
All labs, shops, studios, and UF entities that utilize hazardous chemicals are required to maintain an accurate inventory in the University’s online chemical inventory database found in Gator TRACS. More information on the chemical inventory and chemical hygiene plan requirements can be found on this page. Chemical inventories must be updated annually at minimum.
Video Tutorials:
Safety Surveys
Reports summarizing EH&S’s annual safety surveys are generated through Gator TRACS. The Principal Investigator or Lab Manager have the ability to respond to or reassign corrective actions identified during the visit. All lab staff may access the survey report but only the Principal Investigator or assigned designee can respond to and close open corrective actions. Watch a short video – closing corrective action.
Biohazard Registration
Research involving specific biological hazards may require approval from the Biosafety Office or the Institutional Biosafety Committee. All biohazard project submissions, technical change amendments and 5-year renewals are processed through the Gator TRACS Biohazard Project Registration module. Please visit the Biohazard Project Registration Page for more information on what type of work requires registration.