Policies

When using the Pratt School of Engineering Fabrication Spaces (The Engineering Design POD, The Foundry, and the Student Shop), I agree to:

Safety:

  • Call 911 in case of emergency.
  • Seek medical attention in the event of an injury and let an instructor or lab manager know as soon as possible.
  • Report dangerous behavior to my instructor or facility manager.
  • Never work alone. When working in the space or using power tools, at least two people authorized to use the lab and who can see each other must be present. In the Student Shop, staff must be present.
  • Follow appropriate cleanliness rules: A clean space is a safe space.
    • Allow appropriate amount of time (minimally 15 minutes) for cleanup.
    • Put away all tools in their proper location.
    • Return batteries to their charges.  
    • Sweep and then vacuum all surfaces around my workspace. Empty the vacuum when finished. Unclog vacuum hose if necessary.
    • Never use compressed air to blow chips or dust.
    • Treat and remove any oil or dust spill by following the Fabrication Space’s protocols. These spills are potential slipping hazards.
    • Leave the space (machine, table top, floor, and lab) better than I found it.
  • Only use tools I have been properly trained to use.
  • Never attempt to defeat a safety switch in order to operate a tool or machine in any manner (safe or unsafe). If this occurs, the student or group will be removed from the Fabrication Space access immediately and is not allowed to return until the offense can be reviewed and addressed.
  • Report broken tools to facility manager upon discovery. Label the broken tool before leaving it.
  • Ask for help if at any point I am unsure about operational procedures, safety, or tool usage.
  • Properly secure materials when using tools. Clamps, vices, and worktables are available to secure materials when working.
  • Never work when impaired. Impaired includes but is not limited to: being too tired, stressed, or rushed, under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any mind-altering substance.
  • Wear closed-toe shoes in the space at all times.
  • Wear appropriate clothing for the job. No loose clothing, jewelry, gloves around moving or rotating machinery. Hair must be tied back. Hand protection should be used for handling hot objects, glass, chemicals, or sharp-edged items.  Long pants must be worn if working with metal. Additional restrictions apply in the Student Shop.
  • Wear eye protection. Eye protection (safety glasses or a face shield) is required when working with ANY tool. Additional PPE (personal protection equipment) may be required depending on project work. Nitrile gloves, face shields, hearing protection, dust masks, etc. are available for use.
  • Never wear ear buds or headphones when working with tools.
  • Keep aisles and access to exits, first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, and eye wash stations clear at all times. Backpacks should be place in the designated area or hung off the ground. Corridors cannot be used as a work or storage area.
  • Dispose of any item removed from first-aid kits. If an item is removed from the kit, it is considered used.
  • Never prop open doors and only swipe myself into the space.
  • Use battery recharging containers for recharging Lithium-based batteries.
  • Use cutting tools smartly. Drills should not be used directly on tabletops. X-acto knives and blades should be used with a cutting mat.
  • Never drill without checking what is beyond the material I am drilling. 
  • Cap or close all sharp blades as soon as I am finished using them.
  • Exercise proper chemical safety practices. Follow manufacturer’s instructions and read chemical SDS before using chemicals.  As well as the following chemical restrictions:
    • Know where the yellow fire cabinet and the SDS notebook are located.
    • No animal fat-based coolant in the space.
    • Spray paint and other aerosols may not be used indoors. Spray only outside, avoiding hard surfaces (use of grass is permitted). 

Responsibility & Work Ethic:

  • Respect the time reserved. If signed up for a specific time slot, limit use of the tool or machine to that time. Release the reservation if you are not going to need or cannot make the time reserved at least 3 hours before the start of the reservation.
  • Respect other users. Limit activities that produce loud noises or fumes to times when others are not using the space concurrently.
  • Return and put away tools, materials, etc. within a short period after use.  Do not store tools in your project storage bins. Notify lab staff if there is damage or breakage to any tool used.
  • Remove and store projects properly. Items left out will be trashed, scrapped, or recycled.
  • Not use community tools as part of a project or prototype.
  • Label any materials or supplies that are left in the space. Indicate if they are available for community use or, if not, who they belong to and when to expect the removal of these items.
  • Reset the room and furniture to its original state and configuration.
  • Sort trash, recycling, and scrap and place in the appropriate bins. Large items should be taken directly to the dumpsters.
  • Wear a face covering at all times while in the space.
  • Sanitize all tools before placing them in the used tool bin. Used tool bins will be properly marked around the space. Tools will be additionally sanitized before returning to normal locations.
  • Maintain a six-foot distance between yourself and others.
  • Obey all posted room occupancy limits.

COVID-19 Safety:

  • Wear a face covering at all times while in the space.
  • Sanitize all tools before placing them in the used tool bin. Used tool bins will be properly marked around the space. Tools will be additionally sanitized before returning to normal locations.
  • Maintain a six-foot distance between yourself and others.
  • Obey all posted room occupancy limits.