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.