DRAFT 7/16/17

Annapolis Makerspace Rules and Procedures

Purpose

Annapolis makerspace was founded as a non-profit to provide a shared workspace for its members, and to educate the community on a variety of making - related topics.  Keeping this in mind, here are some general rules to abide by when using the space.

Emergencies

In the event of injury, administer first aid and call 911 if warranted.  Our address is 2014 Renard Ct Unit C, Annapolis MD 21401.

Report all injuries to board of directors.

General Rules

Membership is subject to approval by the board.

Members must be a minimum of 18 years old.

Membership is charged on a monthly basis and must be paid with credit / debit card through the website.

Members are expected to clean up after themselves. Projects cannot be left in the space without prior approval from board member.  

Report all damage to machines or space promptly to a board member so that it can be repaired.  The space is for creating and learning, and accidents will happen.  

Guests are only permitted during weekly open house, or if they have registered for a class through the website.  Please apply for membership on the website if you would like 24 / 7 access to the makerspace.

Guests who are attending class must leave the space upon completion of class.

All memberships applications are subject to final decision by board of directors. New members must attend orientation class and sign a waiver before full membership is granted.

Parking is limited during business hours.  Do not park directly in front of neighboring units during business hours.  Park around the outer ring. After business hours it is ok to park in front of other units as long as they are not in the building.

All types of harassment for any reason is prohibited in our community environment.

We share the space with New Ascent; do not touch their equipment unless given approval directly by them.

New Ascent may ask makerspace members to step into the parking lot for 1-2 minutes for safety reasons when the New Ascent device is operated. This will generally happen a few times a day during business hours.

Do not take pictures of New Ascent’s equipment unless given approval by them.

Do not modify any makerspace equipment without approval from board member

No tools or machinery may be operated while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Do not remove the conference room chairs from the conference room.

If you are the 1st member to arrive, please open the front door after you enter through the roll up door.  The last member to leave is responsible for locking the front door, and then exiting through the roll up door.

While using the space, members have the responsibility to confront unfamiliar people coming in and verifying that they are either a member or a new ascent employee.  If using the space at night, it is recommended to lock the front door and lower the roll-up door so that only key-carrying members can enter.

With the exception of small hand tools, members must take an orientation and safety class on machines prior to using.

The following machines are not to be used unless either approved by board member or if you have taken the appropriate safety and operational class at Annapolis Makerspace:

• Table saw

• Band Saw

• CNC Router

• Lathe

• 3D Printer

• Laser Cutter

Annapolis Makerspace Safety Policy

General Safety

Makerspace is a place where equipment is shared, so everyone in the Makerspace is responsible for their own safety and should also be watchful of the people, machinery and processes around them. If you see an unsafe situation, speak up!

1. No one can be in the Makerspace unless:

1. They are an active member who has completed General Safety Training, OR

2. They are supervised by an active member who has completed General Safety Training

2. Safety Goggles or Safety Glasses must be worn by all people on the shop floor

3. Certain equipment, as posted, is restricted in use to those members who have completed Safety Training on that specific equipment.

4. Everyone in the Makerspace shop floor must wear closed toed shoes

5. No one on the shop floor can wear loose or hanging clothing, accessories, jewelry or other personal ornamentation

6. If you have long hair, it must be tied back or otherwise secured when you are on the shop floor. (Basically, if your hair is long enough to tie back, then do so.)

7. No open flames or devices generating high heat are allowed in the Makerspace facility. Any exception to this policy must be approved by the board.

8. When using any stains, paints, aerosols or any other materials or supplies, you must adhere to the manufacturer’s safety precautions. If safe use requires Personal Protection Equipment beyond safety goggles then you are responsible for obtaining them and making sure they are in good working order and correctly worn.

9. Supplies or procedures are not allowed if they require Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and can affect  areas beyond your immediate work area. Ex. Certain solvents require special protection against fumes.  These shall not be used in the Makerspace, even if you personally are wearing the appropriate PPE, since it can affect another member who enters the area.

10. No spraying without prior approval from the board.

11. You are responsible to insure that any dust or fumes you generate do not create a safety hazard or annoy other members.

12. A messy work area is a dangerous work area. You shall ensure that the floors and work surfaces for your session are clean and free of debris before you start working. Even if the mess was left behind by another inconsiderate member, safety takes priority and you shall clean the area to ensure a safe working environment. You shall ensure it remains sufficiently clean and safe during your project and, when you are finished, is completely clean for the next user.

13. Any cutoffs, waste or debris should be immediately cleared from the aisles

14. Never operate any machinery when impaired by alcohol, drugs, tiredness or any other cause

15. Never adjust any machine or tool when it is running

16. If there is a broken, damaged or hazardous piece of equipment or area, please unplug it, block it off, label it and report it to a Board Member immediately.

17. The interior door between the conference room and  the shop should remain closed

18. Never use gloves with rotating equipment

19. Do not leave any flammable waste materials on site. (Ex: oil or cleaner soaked rags)

In 1983 Fine Woodworking Magazine polled its readers about shop injuries. An astounding number of people mentioned that they knew they were “pushing it” when their injury occurred.  They were tired, but only had a few pieces left to do, or they didn’t have a push stick handy and rationalized that they would just be extra careful, or they stood on a chair they knew was rickety to reach that high shelf. SO - If you think you might be doing something unsafe, JUST STOP.  It’s not worth the injury.