2 Makerspace Safety

Safety is a Shared Responsibility

In the Makerspace, safety is of the utmost importance. Safety is a shared responsibility, which means all users must be aware and conscientious of safety. Adhering to safety policies insures equipment is not damaged and most importantly, users are not injured. To ensure the space continues to be open for use, keep in mind these policies when it comes to safety:

Equipment

• Only use equipment that you have been certified to use.
• If you are uncomfortable or need a refresher on how to use equipment, ask staff for assistance.
• No outside equipment without asking Staff first.
• Review Safety Data Sheets before using unfamiliar chemicals or materials.
• Review and follow requirements outlined in the Safety Control Bands.
• Report broken or malfunctioning tools to staff immediately. Do not try to do repairs yourself.
• Do not leave machines running unattended. The exception is 3D printers, but if you are a certified Maker we also recommend that you check back periodically to monitor your print progress and catch errors and jams.
• Check that all pieces and tools are properly secured before operating equipment.
• Do not attempt to stop running equipment with any part of your body.
• Only one person should be operating a machine at a time.

Working in the Makerspace

• Ensure that you are working in a properly lit space free of clutter and obstacles such as bags, coats, etc. There are lockers available in the hallway directly adjacent to the main makerspace that you can use to store your things while working.
• Ensure you meet Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements for the activity. If you are using the Formlabs printer you should be using safety glasses and latex gloves.
• Wear appropriate apparel in the Makerspace.  No loose clothing, long jewelry, or open-toe shoes. Long hair should be tied back. Nothing on your person should hang away from your body.
• Be aware and on alert when in the Makerspace. Only use the space when you are well-rested and never while intoxicated. Do not listen to music on noise-cancelling headphones as this can make you unaware of what is occurring around you and slow down your response time. Be mindful of all equipment around you, especially tools with moving parts.

Incidents

• Report all incidents and near-misses to Staff immediately.

3D Printer Safety

There are a few key safety measures to consider when using 3D Printers. See Chapter 13 for more details.

• Don’t touch a 3D printer’s extruder or print head, as it is over 200 degrees celsius and will burn you. Always use tweezers to remove any filament from the extruder/print head.
• The print bed warms to 60 degrees celsius, and while it shouldn’t burn you, be mindful that it gets hot. Never remove a print while the print bed is still warm, and if the print bed has a removable surface, take it off before attempting to remove the print.
• When in doubt, power off the machine.
• Pay attention to what type of filament you are using. Some may melt at different temperatures and require a change in settings.