SAFETY GUIDE

This page is a work-in-progress and will be continually updated & refined throughout the development of QC Makerspace. As we add more resources and tools to QC Makerspace this document will update to reflect those offerings. (Or to use software development parlance, our safety guide is currently in beta phase.)

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The purpose of this document is to introduce users to the safety guidelines and general policies of QC Makerspace. Safety policies do not cover every aspect of how to operate equipment. Additional training will be made available by other means.

Access to equipment may be revoked at any time if these guidelines & policies are not followed.

Room 101

QC Makerspace is accessible via Room 101 of the Rosenthal Library. Anybody else present in the makerspace has undergone Orientation and we are all on the same team.

Safety

There is no room named ‘safety’ – it is a state of mind.

All users must be trained before operating any equipment in the QC Makerspace.

The material in this Safety Guide provides important information required to work safely.

Sickness & Well-being

Post-COVID & because it makes sense: if you exhibit symptoms of sickness you may be asked to leave the makerspace. If you know you are sick please do not enter the makerspace. The makerspace is a very ‘hands-on’ facility and we take the health & well-being of our members very seriously.

General Dress Code

Any time you enter the QC Makerspace, you must adhere to this general dress code:

Wear closed toe shoes, no sandals.

General Safety Policies (When Operating Equipment)

Always wear safety glasses where indicated.

Remove all jewelry including but not limited to rings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Stud earrings are OK.

Remove all accessories such as headphones, earbuds, scarves, neckties, etc. The general rule you should be noticing is that nothing should be dangling off your body that could get caught in a machine.

Tie up long hair and long beards. This means more than just putting a hair tie on your hair. Tie it up or put it in a hat so that your hair is not dangling off your head.

Remove gloves, they are easily caught in machinery. Only use work gloves when instructed to do so. The exception to this is very thin latex or nitrile gloves, which may be worn to keep the skin free of oil, solvents, or paints. They must be thin enough that should they be caught in a machine, the glove will simply tear and not drag your hand into the machine.

Wear closed toe shoes, no sandals. You need your feet protected against cuts should somebody drop a tool or a workpiece.

Optionally wear an apron to keep your clothes clean, and ear protection for your comfort.

Makerspace Zones

The QC Makerspace facility is divided into several ‘zones.’ Each zone may have its own policies or rules to follow. Pay attention to any notices posted.

The ‘Comm Zone’ (short for Community & Communication) is like a co-working space. Food and drink may be consumed here (be mindful of others). But don’t “eat lunch” in this area. What does that mean? If you are actively working in the Makerspace you may eat your lunch here, but do not bring lunch into the Makerspace just to eat it in private and then leave when you’re done.

Please clean up after yourself when you are done working in any zone.

Safety Net

Makerspace team and the community observe user actions and behaviors in the facility. When the actions of a user are unsafe, this is reported and the team takes action. Additionally, authorized users of the makerspace are trained to call out when another user is not properly using equipment. They demonstrate through best practices how to more safely use the equipment.

“Smart”phones

If you are consulting with or talking with a Makerspace team member please do not keep glancing at your smartphone. Focus your attention on us and our responses to your queries.

“Head”phones

Music is allowed in the COMM ZONE only, however music must be purely instrumental. (No lyrics.) Think synthwave, classical, chill-hop, brass band, etc. If possible listen to your music with headphones – again ONLY in the COMM ZONE! Music is not allowed in any work zone (while using power tools, while operating the laser, while setting up a 3D-printer, etc). If you are seen wearing “earbuds” you may be asked to remove them because we cannot be sure you can hear our safety instructions or not. THINK: “SAFETY FIRST” AT ALL TIMES.

Makerspace Equipment

This section is primarily focused on top-level tips and will be expanded as more equipment is added to the QC Makerspace.

3D-Printers

When removing parts from a tray, try to avoid using knives or scraper.

Attempt twisting of the tray to break parts loose.

If you must use a knife or scraper, always push away from yourself. Never put your hand or any part of your body in the potential path of the sharp object.

Digital Fashion (aka sewing & embroidery machines)

Be conscious of where you are pushing the material.  Keep hands out of the path of the needle!

Remove all jewelry and do not wear gloves while operating the machine.

Soldering Irons

Do not touch the tip of the iron.

Wash your hands after you are done soldering, or wear gloves during soldering.

Workstations (& Comm Zone)

Every so often get up and stretch — your body will thank you later. If you’re rendering an object, get up and stretch. If your filter is processing, get up and stretch. If you’re exporting anything, get up and stretch.

Gratitude

We are thankful to the Boise State MakerLab for informing us about their Safety Policies document, which was in turn based on thinkbox Lab Policies documents. Sharing is caring & together we truly can make the world a better place for all.