Maker Space
Safety Training Levels
In order to ensure safe operation of the Baum Family Maker Space, all students are required to attend a basic orientation and safety training session prior to doing any work in the space. Before using any of the more advanced tools in the Maker Space students must undergo additional training in the use of those tools. If a student is coming to the space just to pick up work done for them by the Maker Space staff, they are not required to have any training.
The training packages described below are meant to get students started using the Maker Space and its equipment. Faculty who plan to have their class make use of the Maker Space can contact the Maker Space staff and work with them to design a training package specific for the needs of their class.
Level 1. Orientation and Safety
Orientation and Safety Training includes the basic Maker Space orientation and is required for any student who wants to use the space for doing work of any kind. A student who has taken the Orientation and Safety Training can enter the Maker Space and work at one of the work benches using non-powered hand tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, files, hand saws, etc.). This training is required to be completed before a student may request training for any more advanced tools/equipment.
The Maker Space orientation is described in Orientation and Safety Training, and covers the following topics.
- Location of lab manager and staff office
- Location of exits including exiting through the north and south patio areas
- Location of fire extinguishers
- Location of first-aid kits
- Location and operation of emergency shower and eye wash stations
- Location of trash receptacles
- Location of landline phones and emergency phone numbers. These should be used in an emergency rather than cell phones.
- Demonstration of how to release the lock mechanism on the freezer from the inside.
- Location of the six tool chests in the Work Shop and description of the sorts of tools that can be found in them
- Location of where skateboards can be stored in the Maker Space.
The Level 1 Orientation and Safety Training can be conducted by any of the Maker Space staff including student workers.
At the present time Level 1 training is being offered from 5:00 to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday. If you have conflicts and can not attend at that time, come to the Maker Space and talk to the staff about alternative times.
Level 2. Basic Power Tools
The Level 2 training is intended for students who need to do basic fabrication tasks, most likely with wood or plastics. This level should be appropriate for students in the Freshman Academy whose class intends to hold one or more sessions in the Maker Space, and for member of the various competition teams who need to do fabrication tasks requiring the use of power tools. Students will be given training on how to use the following tools.
- Handheld power drills (corded or cordless), including location of where to find drill bits and backing boards for use when drilling
- Drill press
- Band saw for cutting wood and metal
- Orbital sander
- Dremel rotary tools
- Hot melt glue guns
- Pedestal Grinders
- Angle grinder
- Cut-off saw (optional by special request)
- Router (optional by special request)
- Jig saw (optional by special request)
The Level 2 training can be conducted by any of the Maker Space staff including student workers.
At the present time Level 2 training is being offered at 6:30 PM and at 8:00 PM Thursday and Friday evenings. Clubs and classes will be accommodated by special arrangement if the faculty advisor or professor contacts the Maker Space at least one week in advance.
Level 3. Electronics
The Level 3 training is for students who wish to do electronic fabrication and testing in the the Maker Space. This includes the following items:
- Soldering
- Oscilloscopes
- Digital multimeters
- Function generators
- Power supplies
- User of shrink tubing and the hot air guns
- Electronic connector crimping tools
Level 3 training can be done by a member of the Maker Space staff or by a trained student worker with electronics experience.
At the present time Level 3 training is being offered at 4:00 PM and at 5:00 PM Wednesdays.
Level 4: Laser Cutters
The Level 4 training is for students who wish to use one of the laser cutters for cutting and engraving materials. This includes the following items:
- Laser cutter
Level 4 training can be done by a member of the Maker Space staff or by a trained student worker with experience using the laser cutters.
Level 5: Machine Tools and Printers
Additional training can be arranged for students who wish to use the more advanced tools in the Maker Space machine shop. Training on these tools is done on an individual tool basis so students can request training on just the equipment they need for their work.
Note: Due to the length of time required to conduct this type of training, and the limited number of Maker Space instructors, at the present time training on these machines is only available to student workers in the Maker Space and to designated members of the competition teams.
- Bridgeport milling machines
- Manual Lathes
- Trak CDC lathe
- OMAX waterjet cutter
- Haas CNC mill
- Horizontal band saw
- Fume hood for working with chemicals in the Wet Lab
Level 5 training is conducted only by Maker Space staff or trained graduate student with documented professional-level experience. Requirements for Level 5 training are:
- Must have taken the Level 2 training
- Training is tools specific and only applies to one tool
- Includes extended hands-on use training and experience
- Students must demonstrate proficiency using the tool
- Training is documented for each individual tool.
References
This information is developed in accordance with the following regulations and standards:
- 29 CFR 1910 Subpart J, “General Environmental Controls”
- 29 CFR 1910 Subpart O, “Machinery and Machine Guarding”
- 29 CFR 1910 Subpart P, “Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Other Hand-Held Equipment”
- “Safeguarding Equipment and Protecting Employees from Amputations” – OSHA publication 3170-02R
- “A Guide for Protecting Workers from Woodworking Hazards” – OSHA publication 3157
- “Hand and Power Tools” – OSHA publication 3080
- A variety of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) safety standards
Published on December 7th, 2020
Last updated on November 20th, 2023