Safety in DaBL
The Design and Build Lab is a working laboratory; as such, proper safety precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and productive working environment. The most important point to remember is: if you don't know what a particular tool is, or don't know how to use a tool, don't use it; ask a Creative and Technical Specialist for help. This is an educational space; CaTS are on duty explicitly to answer your questions and help you learn.
Contents
Equipment dangers
The following list covers all general equipment within DaBL. Any dangers specific to a particular workstation (e.g. 3D printer, Electronics station) will be covered in that equipment's certification workshop.
Equipment dangers typically fall into five categories
- Sharp and blunt things
- Hot things
- Bright things
- Spinning things
- Particulating things
Sharp and blunt things
Tools like saws, box cutters, and drill bits are sharp and have to potential to cut you. Tools like hammers and prybars are blunt and have the potential to smash you.
Hot things
Tools like soldering irons are hot enough to cause serious burns.
Bright things
Equipment like the laser cutter, which has a powerful laser with which to cut organic material, has the potential to do serious damage to your eyes. Do not look directly at the laser, and do not attempt to cut anything reflective in the laser. These precautions will be covered in more depth in the laser cutter's certification workshop.
Spinning things
Tools like the electric drills, the sewing machine, and the drill press spin. Anything loose around them has the potential to be grabbed and pulled in. If that loose thing is connected to you, you will be pulled in. Therefore:
- All long hair must be pulled back into a ponytail.
- All necklaces, bracelets, and anything else around the neck and wrists must be removed.
- Any loose-fitting clothing must be secured.
- Long sleeves must be rolled up.
Particulating things
Any tool which created particles (any tool which "particulates" material) has the potential to throw those particles into your eyes and throat. Please use the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times when operating equipment which particulates.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
DaBL has a full range of personal protective equipment.
| PPE | Use case | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety glasses | Any time particulate is created | Main desk, beside RFID Badge-In station | - Can also be found in the top drawer of all workstations. - Over-glasses type also available. |
| Dust mask | Any time particulate is created | Main desk, beside RFID Badge-In station | |
| Nitrile gloves | Paints, adhesives, protection from getting hand oils on sensitive assemblies | Drawers below main shelving |
First aid kit
Location: main desk, beside RFID Badge-In station.
Emergency procedures documention
In the case of an emergency, please consult this document. It covers what to do in the case of severe events, such as a lock-down, weather, or medical crisis.
Location: on the wall beside the left entrance door.
