Safety Guidelines

General Safety

NO ONE is permitted to work in the makerspace without the supervision of a MACCLab employee.
All equipment and tools must be used in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and safety protocols provided by MACCLab staff.
Safety procedures and SOPs for each machine are printed and placed near the machine.
All persons are required to supply and use the appropriate personal protective equipment for the machines they are using. Some goggles and ear protection will be available for use if an individual forgets their own, but we DO NOT have enough for everyone.
Members in an affected work area should be made aware of safety issues as they arise ( e.g. requesting someone nearby put on safety equipment or temporarily relocate).
Members must not allow unsafe practices by other members – it is your responsibility to speak up for the overall safety of the lab. If you see someone operating unsafely alert MACCLab staff immediately.
Individuals should inspect equipment and tools before each use to ensure they are in proper working condition. Any defects or malfunctions should be reported immediately.
Clean up after yourself and do not leave an unsafe environment for others (e.g. liquids, unsecured equipment leaning, unstable objects)
Do not leave equipment operating unattended (3D printer is the exception).
All tools must remain in the Makerspace at all times and may NOT be removed from the space. At no point will tools be allowed outside of the lab and its adjacent supporting areas.
Emergency exits, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and other safety equipment are strategically located throughout the makerspace. All individuals should familiarize themselves with the location of these resources.
Never work impaired, whether from drugs or alcohol or lack of sleep. Always be fully alert when operating machinery
Do not work in the lab if you are in a hurry, rushing can ruin the work and risk injury.

Personal Safety

If an individual has a condition that would make it unsafe to operate heavy or hazardous equipment we must be notified and use of said equipment must be suspended. We do not assume responsibility for any harm that may come as a result of use when directed not to do so by a medical professional.

If an individual is determined to be unable to use the space, or certain equipment, without jeopardizing the health and safety of themselves or other users, MACCLab has the right to suspend use until the situation can be assessed.

If the individual has a disability that could affect the ability to safely use the space, but risk to the individual’s, and other users, safety could be mitigated through accommodations, this need for accommodations must be addressed before or during MACCLab Orientation. If the need for accommodations arises after membership has begun please alert staff ASAP. If appropriate, reasonable, accommodations can be made to allow the individual to use the equipment without jeopardizing the health and safety of themselves or others in the space we will do our best to create an inclusive environment for all. The individual must work with the Makerspace Director to determine what accommodations will be the responsibility of the space and what must be provided by the individual member. We are open to additional software acquisition, if not cost prohibitive, and reasonable adjustments in the physical configuration of the equipment or space if doing so will aid in better serving our members and users. Provision of personal assist devices and specialized personal protection equipment is the responsibility of the member, not the makerspace.

MACC’s official Non-Discrimination Policy C.040 states:
Moberly Area Community College is committed to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital or parental status, pregnancy, religion, genetics, ancestry, or veteran status, in admissions, educational programs, activities, and employment.

As an Equal Opportunity employer and institution, Moberly Area Community College is further committed to the prohibition of discrimination against any individual and their status in one or more of the protected classes outlined in 29 CFR 38.25.

We are committed to MACCLab being a safe place for all to learn and work.

Allergies
Though proper ventilation has been installed it is the responsibility of each member to make staff aware of any allergies that must be taken into consideration each time you enter. If you are sensitive to latex the first aid kit is supplied with latex free bandages and all gloves supplied by the makerspace are nitrile. If allergic to dust please alert us and be aware of your surroundings and the requirements to use desired equipment. We will do our best to make accommodations for allergies whenever possible.

Personal Appearance

Dress for the equipment you plan to use.
Put on safety glasses before you enter the wood, metal, or CNC shop or when using caustic materials in the main lab.
Do not wear loose fitting clothing that may get caught in a machine. Any strings must be tucked in.
Sleeves must be pushed up to the elbows or higher.
Clip your membership badge to you when operating machines in a place that is least hazardous for operation and visible to makerspace staff (e.g Consider clipping to back waist when operating woodshop equipment)
Remove all jewelry and accessories so nothing is dangling off your body that could get caught.
Wear closed toe shoes at all times when in the makerspace.
Tie up long hair.
Wear ear protection when necessary.
Only use work gloves when instructed to do so.
All coats will be hung on the coat rack using the hangers provided or stored within a member’s locker. No coats or personal belongings are to be piled in corners, set on work surfaces, or draped across chairs. Bags or personal belongings must be tucked under tables, out of the flow of traffic. These can easily become tripping hazards to other members.