Safety Policy

In addition to MakerLabs’ Code of Conduct, all members and drop-in makers must observe the following safety rules outlined on this page to minimize the likelihood of injuries. The following procedures shall apply to all workshops/spaces and to the work of MakerLabs members/users who are permitted to work in those spaces.


An important part of your experience in making will be learning to follow practices and procedures that will prevent injuries to YOURSELF and OTHERS.


Develop a good attitude toward safety. This means that you have a strong feeling toward the importance of safety and are willing to give time and attention to learning the safest way to perform your work. It means that you will be certain to work carefully and follow the rules.


Safety Orientation Classes

All persons using MakerLabs’ tools must take the relevant introductory/safety orientation class for that tool, no matter their previous experience with said tool.

(Refunds or credit for future classes will only be provided if we are notified by email to hello@makerlabs.com at least 24 hours in advance of the class. No refunds will be provided for late cancellation, but we do offer a 50% credit towards a future class.)



General Safety Guidelines

Please note that experience in a Lab does not equal good safety awareness. Many accidents occur not to beginners but from experienced workers that feel more comfortable in the Lab and therefore become more casual in their approach to safety guidelines.

  • NEVER be afraid to ask a supervisor for help.

  • NEVER use a new machine without first asking for assistance from a supervisor.

  • Avoid working alone. There should always be at least two persons present in a Fabrication lab.

  • Do not operate power tools when you are sick, fatigued, or taking strong medication.

  • Never work in a lab if you are in a hurry, this almost always ruins the work and often results in injury.

  • Know the hazards associated with your work. Be sure you are fully educated on the proper use and operation of any tool before beginning a job. If you cannot do a job safely in the fabrication lab, don’t do it.

  • No daisy-chaining of extension cords (extension cord plugged into extension cord). Daisy chaining increases the likelihood of electrical hazards/fire. Use an appropriate length of extension cord for your power and make sure it an appropriate strength.

  • All accidents or incidents involving users and/or staff must be reported to MakerLabs staff and an incident must be filed. Please fill out an incident report form which can be found under Safety on the Wiki as well as the front page.

  • Only use tools that were covered in the safety orientation you have completed, and only if they are in safe working conditions.

  • Report details of any tools not in safe working condition by submitting an email to hello@makerlabs.com. MakerLabs staff will review and resolve as soon as able to.

  • Do not service a machine/tool without permission from MakerLabs staff.


Dress Code:

  • Ideally you are wearing appropriate safety gear and protective clothing such as:

    • Safety glasses when working with any lab equipment. Additional protection using goggles or face shields may be necessary for work such as grinding, chiseling or chipping.

    • Closed toe shoes

    • Ear plugs

    • Dust masks/respirators should be worn when dealing with heavy sanding

  • Avoid the following:

    • loose fitting clothing

    • neckties

    • jewelry (Including earrings, watches and rings)

    • long hair left down (always tie up/back)

    • gloves (while operating machinery; they can get caught/entangled)


Facility Safety Rules:

  • Take appropriate fire prevention precautions when your work generates heat or sparks, or involves open flames or flammable liquids

  • Know where the fire extinguishers are located and how to use them.

  • Take appropriate steps to prevent release of dusts or noxious fumes; always work outdoors for such work.

  • Oily rags may not be disposed of at MakerLabs. You are to take them off site and arrange for their safe disposal.

  • Always clean up after yourself. Before you leave the lab be sure all tools are returned to their appropriate position and all the machines are clean and the floor is swept.

  • Avoid earphones, cell phone use and texting. We need to be able to get your attention and you need to hear what’s going on around you. Cell phone use and texting are distractions. Simply go elsewhere to use your phone

  • Keep the work area free from debris, clean spills immediately and remove all sawdust and wood chips. Do not bring food or drink in to the fabrication lab.



Before using any machine:

  • Before starting any machine be sure to check that it is set up correctly and fully operational.

  • Check power cords and plugs on portable tools before using them.

  • Keep your fingers clear from the point of operation of machines by using special tools and devices such as push sticks and paddles. Never use a rag near moving machinery.

  • If you are unsure about how to safely execute the operation of a tool, ask for help. Have the fabrication lab supervisors assist, demonstrate, and observe to help you become familiar and comfortable.

  • If you have not worked with a specific material before, consult the fabrication lab supervisor for precautions, methods and instruction prior to beginning work.

  • Use gloves or special tool for the removal of chips, shavings and debris. Do not use your hands to clean shavings or cuttings – they can be sharp!



Power Tools

Power tools can be extremely dangerous if they are used improperly. Common accidents associated with power tools include abrasions, cuts, lacerations, amputations, burns, electrocution, and broken bones. These accidents are often caused by the following:

  • Touching the cutting, drilling, or grinding components

  • Getting caught in moving parts

  • Suffering electrical shock due to improper grounding, equipment defects, or operator misuse

  • Being struck by particles that normally eject during operation

  • Touching hot tools or workpieces

  • Falling in the work area

  • Being struck by falling tools


In addition to general lab guidelines, follow these guidelines for working with power tools:

  • Use the correct tool for the job. Do not use a tool or an attachment for something it was not designed to do.

  • Select the correct bit, blade, cutter, or grinder wheel for the material at hand. This precaution will reduce the chance for an accident and improve the quality of your work.

  • Do not rely on strength to perform an operation. The correct tool, blade, and method should not require excessive force. If undue force is necessary, you may be using the wrong tool or have a dull blade.

  • Keep a firm grip on portable power tools. These tools tend to "get away" from operators and can be difficult to control.

  • Keep all guards in place and in perfect operating order. Cover exposed belts, pulleys, gears, and shafts that could cause injury. Do not use a machine without the proper guards.

  • Always operate tools at the correct speed for the job at hand. Working too slowly can cause an accident just as easily as working too fast.

  • Watch your work when operating power tools. Stop working if something distracts you.

  • Never reach over equipment while it is running.

  • Never disable or tamper with safety releases or other automatic switches.

  • Know the physics of the machine and where the cutting force wants to throw the material

  • When feeding material through a machine with the hands, be aware of the direction you are pushing (away from blade or cutter).

  • When the chance for operator injury is great, use a push stick to move material through a machine.

  • Disconnect power tools before performing maintenance or changing components. Never clean the machine or make an adjustment unless the power is off. The tool must come to a complete stop.

  • Before clearing jams or blockages on power tools, disconnect from power source. Do not use your hand to clear jams or blockages, use an appropriate tool.

  • If something doesn’t sound right, or feel right - turn off the machine and inform the supervisor or monitor.



Saw-specific Guidelines

  1. Always use the mitre gauge or rip fence.

  2. Only use both the mitre gauge and the rip fence when they can both be positioned on the same side of the blade.

  3. Feed wood with a push stick when the fence is positioned within 6 inches of the blade and when making the last 6 inches of a cut.

  4. When cross cutting, remove rip fence.

  5. Never reach behind or over the blade.

  6. Avoid awkward positions that could lead to a sudden slip and contact with the blade.

  7. Support material that extends beyond the table using table extensions or roller tables.

  8. Do not cut material that contains metal, nails, screws, etc.


ABOVE ALL, THINK BEFORE YOU PERFORM ANY TASK. KNOW THE TOOL'S CAPABILITIES AND THE WORK IT IS INTENDED FOR. IF YOU FEEL UNSURE, STOP AND ASK FOR ASSISTANCE.