General Safety Guidelines

These are the habits that apply everywhere in the shop, no matter which area you are working in. They are covered at New Member Orientation; this page is the written version.

Before you use any tool

• Get trained first. All corded tools require training before use. Even experienced makers must complete training, because our tools may not match the ones you know. See Training and Certification: How Certification Works.
• Inspect before every use. We are hackers at heart and equipment here may have been modified beyond its factory state. Always assume a tool has been altered and look it over before you start. See Training and Certification: Pre-Use Inspection.
• Wear the right PPE. See Shop Safety: Personal Protective Equipment.
• Do not use power tools if you are impaired. That includes after drinking alcohol, when you are drowsy, or when anything else is affecting your judgment.

While you work

• Keep your head in the game. If you are unsure how to do something, stop and ask a board member or an experienced member, or ask on Discord.
• Stay aware of the people around you and avoid creating unsafe distractions for others.
• Keep walkways and shared workspaces clear. Only store items in designated areas or on carts, and put large projects on wheels so others can move them.
• Never block fire lanes, electrical panels, sprinkler heads or fire extinguishers.

Speak up for safety

• If you see something unsafe, say something.
• Approach others with kindness and a helpful attitude. Everyone is learning, and we are all here to keep each other safe.
• Report accidents, injuries and near-misses. See Shop Safety: Incident and Near-Miss Reporting.

Guests and minors

• Guests are welcome to tour the space but may not use any equipment under any circumstances. Only active members who have completed the proper training may operate tools and machines.
• Minors are not permitted in hazardous work areas. See Shop Safety: Minors in the Shop.

When you are done

• Clean up after yourself and leave the area as good as, or better than, you found it.
• If a tool is broken or not working right, do not leave it for the next person to discover. See Shop Safety: Tagging a Tool Out of Service and Reporting It.