This page is a work-in-progress and will be continually updated & refined throughout the development of QC Makerspace. As we add more resources and tools to QC Makerspace this document will update to reflect those offerings. (Or to use software development parlance, our safety guide is currently in beta phase.)
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The purpose of this document is to introduce users to the safety guidelines and general policies of QC Makerspace. Safety policies do not cover every aspect of how to operate equipment. Additional training will be made available by other means.
Access to equipment may be revoked at any time if these guidelines & policies are not followed.
Room 101
QC Makerspace is currently located in Room 101 of the Rosenthal Library, the former “Multimedia Commons” room. A nominal amount of equipment managed by Multimedia Commons, along with the Early Childhood Collection (“ECC”), & Room 101A are still accessible from within Room 101. These areas should be left alone by QC Makerspace members unless you are specifically accessing those resources; you may need to consult Rosenthal Library staff on Floor 3 about accessing those resources.
Safety
There is no room named ‘safety’ - it is a state of mind.
All users must be trained before operating any equipment in the QC Makerspace.
The material in this Safety Guide provides important information required to work safely.
Sickness & Well-being
Post-COVID & because it makes sense: if you exhibit symptoms of sickness you may be asked to leave the makerspace. If you know you are sick please do not enter the makerspace. The makerspace is a very 'hands-on' facility and we take the health & well-being of our members very seriously.
General Dress Code
Any time you enter the QC Makerspace, you must adhere to this general dress code:
General Safety Policies (When Operating Equipment)
Makerspace Zones
The QC Makerspace facility is divided into several ‘zones.’ Each zone may have its own policies or rules to follow. Pay attention to any notices posted.
The ‘Comm Zone’ (short for Community & Communication) is like a co-working space. Food and drink may be consumed here (be mindful of others). But don’t “eat lunch” in this area. What does that mean? If you are actively working in the Makerspace you may eat your lunch here, but do not bring lunch into the Makerspace just to eat it in private and then leave when you’re done.
Please clean up after yourself when you are done working in any zone.
Safety Net
Makerspace team and the community observe user actions and behaviors in the facility. When the actions of a user are unsafe, this is reported and the team takes action. Additionally, authorized users of the makerspace are trained to call out when another user is not properly using equipment. They demonstrate through best practices how to more safely use the equipment.
“Smart”phones
If you are consulting with or talking with a Makerspace team member please do not keep glancing at your smartphone. Focus your attention on us and our responses to your queries.
“Head”phones
Music is allowed in the COMM ZONE only, however music must be purely instrumental. (No lyrics.) Think synthwave, classical, chill-hop, brass band, etc. If possible listen to your music with headphones - again ONLY in the COMM ZONE! Music is not allowed in any work zone (while using power tools, while operating the laser, while setting up a 3D-printer, etc). If you are seen wearing “earbuds” you may be asked to remove them because we cannot be sure you can hear our safety instructions or not. THINK: “SAFETY FIRST” AT ALL TIMES.
Makerspace Equipment
This section is primarily focused on top-level tips and will be expanded as more equipment is added to the QC Makerspace.
3D-Printers
Digital Stitching (aka 'Sewing Machine')
Soldering Irons
Workstations (& Comm Zone)
Gratitude
We are thankful to the Boise State MakerLab for informing us about their Safety Policies document, which was in turn based on think[box] Lab Policies documents. Sharing is caring & together we truly can make the world a better place for all.