Safety at Melbourne Makerspace

Introduction

As a do-ocracy, safety culture is extremely important. There has never been a major incident at the Melbourne Makerspace, and the community hopes to keep it that way! Seasoned members will speak up if they see something that may pose a safety risk, and all members are encouraged to learn the necessary precautions before jumping into their projects. With regard to safety and use of shop equipment, this is not an “ask for forgiveness later” environment. If you are entering the space dressed inappropriately or appear to be operating beyond your depth, then don’t be surprised if you are confronted or reprimanded.

General

Many members are intimately familiar with safety practices from their experience outside of the shop and follow a Safety Third philosophy. However, any board member will operate on the basis of Safety First due to liability concerns. Individual members may have their own philosophies as well, but being a member of the space means agreeing to adhere to rules which are dictated through signage and documentation. Documentation includes but is not limited to operational manuals as well as Wiki pages.

Fire

Fire extinguishers are located (taken from Pinederby pages) No pyrotechnics i.e. no jet engines, petrol/alcohol engine, etc.

First Aid

First aid kits are located

Emergency Response

Check, Call, Care emergency contact procedure info for ER across street

Technical

There are several considerations to safety that are specific to what you are doing in the makerspace. This can range from using a thimble for sewing projects or wearing closed toed shoes in the woodshop to ensuring that you understand all the safety interlocks and switches on a lathe or know how to properly position yourself to use a pottery wheel. The remainder of this page provides a starting point for these. Please exercise due diligence and understand that this is only one resource and not a comprehensive guide.

Directory

Environmental and Material Safety

ventilation, aerosols, carcinogens, skin and eye exposure to chemicals

Personal Protective Equipment

Location of these in each area