Shop Safety and Etiquette

Overview

Here are the Asylum's priorities in order of importance.

1. Ensuring the safety of people
   • Renters
   • Tool operators
   • Bystanders
2. Ensuring the safety of the Asylum's equipment
   • When used within the scope of its capabilities, equipment should not be damaged.
   • Doing something which is unsafe, or will damage tools, is showing disrespect for other members.

If you choose to use tools (or other resources) in an unsafe manner, or outside the scope of their capability, don't expect future access to those resources.

Basic Shop Rules

• You must pass a certification test on most tools you want to use before you use it, even if you are already experienced in using that tool.
  • Hand tools and soldering irons are the only exceptions, as we do not offer testing for these tools
  • Use the right tool for the job. Misusing a tool because it’s handy can damage it and your project.
• Do not use any machine you are not trained on and comfortable using. If at any time you are unsure of what you are doing, Stop immediately and ask for help. Do not force tools.
• Do not use any machine that is not in good working order. Stop, leave a note on the machine and notify maintenance@artisansasylum.com
• Wear safety glasses at all times when in the shop area, including near the machine shop.
• Ear protection is also recommended, many of the tools operate above 90 decibels and without protection, you are losing hearing.
• Eye washing stations are located ...
  • It costs quite a lot to replace the single-use cartridges, so be careful not to bump them.
• When using power tools (including hand power tools):
  • No open-toed shoes or loose clothing
  • Remove objects on hands and wrists (including rings, bracelets, & watches)
  • Remove dangly necklaces, hair ornaments, and earrings
  • Restrain long hair to prevent entanglement
  • Do not wear gloves
  • Do not leave machines running unattended.

Shop Specific Rules

• Basic Woodshop Safety Rules
• Basic Welding Safety Rules

Most other shops have safety rules on their shop page.

Safety Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• PPE is required when in any shop area whether working or not.

Eye Protection

To protect from chips, sawdust, splinters or other foreign objects.

Foreign Object damage

• Safety glasses
• Cover goggles
• Prescription safety glasses with side shields. Prescription safety Glasses (regular glasses without side shields are not acceptable)
• Face shields
• Welding Protection

Foot Protection

When working in the shops, foot injuries are common. Items often drop, can be tripped on, or sparks can fly.

• Shoes must be worn in any shop area.
• The minimum footwear must cover the entire foot.
• No one wearing sandals, toe shoes (vibrams, skeletoes), or open top shoes (mary jane) will be allowed to enter any shop area.

Hearing Protection

Hearing protection is not required form all shops, but encouraged.

• Disposable foam earplugs are available at the safety station near the wood shop.
• Disposable foam earplugs are a good choice when welding to keep sparks from traveling down the ear canal.
• Ear muff (princess leia) style protection are a better choice which keep all foreign objects out of the ear.

Hand Protection

Gloves are available for both safety and can be a hazard.

• No gloves should be worn when using moving tools (bandsaw, lathe, drill press, etc.) They can be pinched and rip off fingers or entire hands.
• leather work gloves are ideal when handling material to protect from splinters and cuts. They often have nylon backs on them and should not be used for welding, or any handling of hot metal.
• MIG welding gloves are heavy to resist sparks and heat.
• Oxy fuel gloves are slightly lighter to still resist heat, but allow for greater control of the filler wire.
• TIG gloves are the thinnest and allow finer control of the filler material. They are more sensitive to heat.
• Rubber gloves may be needed for working with different chemicals. Allergies (latex) are common enough that the material should be checked prior to use.

What You Can Borrow While Working at Artisan's Asylum

• Safety Glasses
• Ear Muffs
• Welding masks
• Welding sleeves
• Welding gloves

What You Can Keep (Disposable Items)

• Foam earplugs
• Dust masks

What You May Need to Bring

• Dust masks
• Chemical resistant gloves
• Respirator for organic vapor
• Prescription Safety Glasses

When something breaks…

• If you break equipment or find something broken tell us at maintenance@artisansasylum.com.