Basic Makerspace safety

Safety is everyone’s responsibility – if you see something unsafe, it is your responsibility as a maker to step in.

General personal safety

  1. Before operating ANY piece of equipment, review the hazard sheet for risks and required PPE (personal protective equipment) for that piece of equipment.
    An example of a vertical band saw safety sheet

  2. While operating powered tools or equipment: hair must be pulled back, no loose clothing can be worn, no other “danglies” may be worn, and closed toed shoes must be worn.
    An example of a safety requirement sign

Machine shop personal safety

  1. If ANY powered equipment is running, safety glasses and closed toed shoes must be worn on the far side of the black/yellow safety line.
    An example of a black and yellow safety line on the Makerspace floor

  2. While operating rotating machinery (drill press, mill, lathe), no thick gloves may be worn.
    An example of thick gloves with a large red "X" indicating that they should not be used

    An example of correct, thin gloves with a large green checkmark indicating that they can be used

Fire safety training

  1. The laser cutter may only be used when someone that has had fire extinguisher training is present in the Makerspace.
    The Makerspace's laser cutter

    Fire extinguisher training must be done annually per OSHA requirements. You must have fire extinguisher training to get a Red certification level. Contact the Makerspace Manager if you need fire extinguisher training.
    A safety badge with red certification level

OSHA regulations

  1. All containers labeled – we are a lab space, so all containers must be labeled with their contents (even water spray bottles).
    A bucket labeled "Chemical Waste"

    A container of Isopropyl Alcohol labeled as such

  2. Flammables cabinet – All flammable materials must be stored in the flammables cabinet; nothing can be stored on top of flammables cabinet.
    A cabinet labeled for flammable material

  3. Clear space around breaker boxes – the floor in front of the breaker boxes in the shop are marked with red/white safety tape and must be clear at all times. If you see anything there, move it to another location and stop anyone else from putting anything there (even temporarily).
    A breaker box with a safety line taped to the floor in front of it

  4. Clear space in front of eye wash station – the area in front of the eye wash station is marked with red/white safety tape, and must be clear at all times. If you see anything there, move it to another location and stop anyone else from putting anything there (even temporarily).
    An eyewash station with safety tape marking an area on the floor around it

  5. Fire extinguishers must be accessible – there must be a clear line of access to all fire extinguishers at all times. If anything is blocking the fire extinguisher, move it.
    A fire extinguisher which has been unsafely blocked by a sign and a tripping hazard

    A fire extinguisher which is accessible and safe to approach

  6. Extension cords are temporary – extension cords cannot be used as a permanent means of power. After using an extension cord, it must be wrapped up and put away.
    An extension cord which has unsafely been left laying around the shop floor

  7. Stairwell doors stay closed – all stairwells at the Innevation Center are fire safety zones. No doors leading directly to a stairwell may be propped open.
    A fire door which has been incorrectly left open

    An example of a fire door which has been closed

Makerspace safety badges

  1. Your safety badge must be worn whenever using ANY Makerspace equipment/tools.

  2. Instructions for wearing and using the badge are located on the back of the badge; review them.
    The back of a safety badge

  3. The front of the badge shows your qualification level on different equipment; icons on safety badges match the icons on the hazard sheets near each piece of equipment.
    The front of a safety badge, color-coded for an advanced makerspace user

    The front of a safety badge color-coded for a maker-in-training

  4. Pink badges designate Makerspace Staff. They have purple stickers on the pieces of equipment they are qualified to train you on.
    A safety badge for Makerspace staff

  5. Always hang your safety badge back up on the badge board before leaving the Makerspace. The badge board is located on the back of the door next to the Beta Space.
    The safety badge board covered in hanging badges

Makerspace & machine shop rules

  1. Always put away tools and material as soon as you are done. Always clean up your workspace as soon as you are done.

  2. The Makerspace code of conduct poster is located above the drinking fountains in the 3D Print Lab as a reminder of the rules for using the Makerspace.
    The Makerspace rules poster

    The Makerspace strives to create an inclusive, welcoming, innovative, and collaborative workspace to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual identity, age, body size, disability, sex characteristics, gender identity, level of experience, education, socio-economic status, nationality, or personal appearance. This is a place for all to learn, explore, innovate, and unleash their creativity. There is a zero tolerance policy of harassment in any form.

    1. Respect and welcome everyone who comes to use the space.
      • Everyone is a Maker.
      • Offer help if help is needed.
      • Be considerate of each other’s projects.
    2. Follow all proper safety precautions
      • Don’t be afraid to ask for help quickly and often.
      • Use equipment per the certification level on your safety badge.
    3. Leave the space better than you found it.
      • Put tools back in their proper locations.
      • Keep projects organized and labeled or forfeit project materials.
      • Equipment is expensive, be mindful and use them with care.
    4. “If plan A doesn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters – 204 if you’re in Japan.” –Claire Cook
  3. The machine shop rules poster is located above the laser cutter as a reminder of the rules for using the machine shop.
    The machine shop code of conduct sign

    1. Leave the space better than you found it.
    2. Follow proper personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for each machine.
    3. Safety glasses and closed toed shoes are required past the safety line while equipment is running.
    4. Do not operate red level equipment without another person present.
    5. Liability waivers must be complete before operating equipment.
    6. Never attempt to use equipment you have not been trained on.
    7. Do not block fire extinguishers or eyewash stations.