Air Quality

Fine dust and fumes are the hazards you cannot always see. Several areas of the shop produce them, and they drift into the rest of the building if they are not controlled at the source.

Wood dust

• The Wood Shop has dust collection. Turn it on and connect it whenever the tool you are using is set up for it.
• Fine wood dust irritates the lungs and some species are sensitizers. Wear a dust mask or respirator for sanding and other dusty work, even with dust collection running.
• Sweep or vacuum up dust when you are done. Dust piles are also a fire hazard.

To be confirmed: which Wood Shop tools are connected to dust collection and how to turn the collector on.

Laser fumes

• Laser cutting and engraving produces smoke and fumes. Make sure the laser's exhaust or filtration is running before you start a job.
• Some materials produce toxic or corrosive gases when lasered. Never cut PVC or vinyl, which release chlorine gas. See Digital Fabrication: Laser-Safe and Prohibited Materials.

To be confirmed: how the laser is ventilated or filtered, and how to check that it is working.

3D printing

• Printing some plastics, ABS and ASA in particular, gives off fumes and fine particles. The Bambu Lab X1C has an activated carbon filter that is replaced as part of its maintenance; see Digital Fabrication: Bambu Lab X1C and AMS Maintenance.

Welding and cutting fumes

• Welding and plasma cutting produce metal fumes. Work with ventilation, keep your head out of the plume, and wear a respirator rated for welding fumes when needed.
• Welding coated or galvanized metal produces especially harmful fumes. Remove the coating first or do not weld it.

To be confirmed: what ventilation or fume extraction the Metal Shop has.

Paint and finishing

• The paint and spray booth in the Flex Space is the ventilated area for finishing. Use it for spray work so overspray and fumes are contained.
• See Flex Space: Spray Booth for the booth procedure.

Soldering

• Solder flux smoke irritates the eyes and lungs. Work with ventilation or a fume extractor in the Electronics Lab and keep your face out of the smoke.