You can't work on projects when you're injured! But also, it's no fun for anyone. At Brisbane Makerspace, safety is extremely important. In an environment like ours, there are certain risks that a lot of people aren't normally exposed to.
You must never do anything that poses an unreasonable safety risk.
If you see someone about to do something that poses an unreasonable safety risk, you should politely but firmly advise them to stop and explain why. You should report the matter to the committee if they continue.
You must never be under the influence of any illegal drugs or substances while on site. You will be asked to leave if you are caught using or being under the influence of an illegal drug or substance.
You must never use a tool whilst under the influence of alcohol or any medication/drug (prescription or otherwise) that may impact your ability to safely operate that tool.
The use of any tool poses certain risks. Some are low risk like a pair of scissors, and others are high risk such as our laser cutter. We try to reduce the chances of any safety incidents happening through extensive training, documentation, and procedures.
It is a requirement before using a tool for the first time, that you read its wiki page if it has one, and complete any required inductions. Our Tool Inductions policy explains how our traffic light induction system works.
Some tools have a specific procedure that must be followed every time you use the tool. A summary of the most important steps is attached to some of these tools and is called "just in time documentation" (or JIT doc for short). If you see a JIT doc, you are required to follow all relevant steps.
Due to the various hazards that exist, we require everyone on site to wear closed in shoes while in the basement or operating hand tools (sandals etc. are not permitted).
Closed in shoes are strongly recomended, but not required upstairs when not using hand tools.
We recommend that you remove all jewellery and tie up long hair before working with tools, and require this on all tools that would pose a risk otherwise.
We have a range of basic PPE such as safety glasses and gloves. You are encouraged to bring your own PPE as it's likely to be more comfortable and better fitting. We require that you wear appropriate PPE for what you are doing at all times.
Our lease disallows storing explosive or flammable goods on site due to the fire risk. As such, members are prohibited from storing any chemical or substance on site that carries a dangerous goods warning label relating to fire or explosion.
There is also a limit on the amount of batteries a member may store on site. Members must not store more than a total of 100Wh of batteries at any one time unless you have permission in writing from the Head Maker. This balances the fire safety risk batteries pose.
Due to the nature of the tools and resources available, we sometimes have to deal with chemicals and dangerous substances. We have requirements in place to ensure we maintain a safe workshop and that we have the necessary documentation in the event of an incident.
All chemicals and dangerous substances that are bought on site must have an MSDS inserted into the MSDS folder near the chemical storage area.
Before bringing something new on-site, you must have permission from the Head Maker to do so. A chemical or dangerous substance is not allowed to be bought on-site, even temporarily, without a relevant MSDS and approval from the Head Maker.
If you bring any chenmical or dangerous subtance on-site, you are responsible for removing it from site, and safely/legally disposing of it.
The following list presents a low enough risk to be pre-approved. That means anything on this list is allowed to be bought on-site and used, as long as you follow the relevant safety procedures.
When dealing with anything that is at risk of being splashed or spilt, at a minimum, you must wear gloves and safety glasses.
The list of pre-approved chemicals and substances: