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.