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''Italics = Instructions; do not read out loud!!!''
{{inductioninfo}}


'''''There should be a list of people who have been banned from rLab, this should be checked against for new people signing up before they are invited to attend an induction!
'''''
== On the tour: ==
''Point out:
* E-Stops
* Honesty boxes
* Chemicals cabinet
* First aid kits''


== Signup requirements: ==
* Check everyone is over 18 years old
* Under 18s cannot join as members, but are welcome to attend as the guests of their parents or guardians.
* Check everyone has photo ID on them
* If they don’t, they can proceed with the induction, but can’t join until they show their ID.
* Check everyone has proof of address on them
* They can proceed with the induction, but can’t join until they show proof of postal address (by email is fine). People who live an itinerant lifestyle are required to provide the number plate of their primary vehicle.


'''General induction script used by Gavin '''


== Completion of the induction: ==
Induction tour script
If I am satisfied you have taken on board enough information to be able to use the space safely then I will give you the opportunity to sign up as members.
In the event that I am not certain of this the matter will be referred to our board of directors and we will get back to you.


Our history:


''If for any reason you don’t think the potential new member(s) can be trusted to conduct themselves ethically and safely by the end of the induction please contact the board of directors.
• The Hackspace started as two guys sitting in a shed 8 years ago
''
• Tom and Ryan had seen other hackspaces in London and other countries and were keen to start their own
• They found some like-minded people, and initially the group met in a range of temporary venues, such as the Rising Sun arts centre, before taking a couple of rooms at a storage company in Woodley
• Ultimately that did not work out, and the group took the bold step of moving here to Weldale Street
• The building is owned by one of members – Tom – who is not just understanding about our needs, but positively incites us to ‘hack the space’
• Nonetheless, Tom has a mortgage to pay and the monthly rent on the building is £1200
• With only ~30 members when we first moved in, we were not covering the rent, and some members were dipping into their own pockets to make ends meet
• Fortunately, with over 100 members we are now in a much stronger position – we can fully cover our costs
• We do not receive any grants, we are not a charity, and therefore we are masters of our own destiny – we can do what we want


== Our history ==
Governance:
The Hackspace was started by two guys who wanted to share tools in a shed in 2010. They found more like minded people, and eventually moved here to Weldale Street.


The principle of sharing tools with like minded people has remained the same throughout the Hackspaces history.
• We are light on governance and have a level structure. There are no committees, no officers, and fundamentally no member is any more important than any other.
• Three of our members are directors of a limited company - Reading Makerspace Ltd - that has been set up solely to provide us with sufficient legal identity to pay the rates, energy bills (which you can imagine are quite large), and buy things such as insurance
• Our current directors are Ian, Tony and Andrew [point to photo board]
• Members often describe our governance arrangements as a ‘do-ocracy’ – things get done by people on the basis of consensus
• This is important – we are obviously happy to be financially self-sufficient, but we only achieved this position though the hard work of members
• Put simply – this place would not exist without the ‘sweat equity’ invested by members over the years


We do not receive any grants, and although we do accept no-strings-attached donations, we are not a charity.
Playing your part


We are self governing, and have declined multiple offers made to buy us out.
• We do not employ anybody. The directors do not take any money out of the business.
• We do not, for instance, employ cleaners.
• It is important that you clean up after yourself, ideally leaving your workspace in a better condition than you found it
• If you do not clean up after yourself, other members will call you out on it – and you should do the same
• Cleanliness is a Health and Safety issue. If we have a build-up of dust, or rubbish on the floor, it creates a hazard – a fire hazard and a slip hazard
• So play your part in keeping the place clean


• Fundamentally we are a community. We share not just this building and the tools inside, but also our knowledge and skills
• Our members are drawn from a wide range of backgrounds – engineers, designers, IT specialists, teachers – and as a group we are incredibly knowledgeable
• As a member you will learn a lot, please play your part in sharing what you learn with other members


== Introduction ==
• A lot of the communication between the group happens on our Google Groups mailing list [provide link if necessary].
* Bikes can be stored inside as long as they don’t obstruct the fire exit / other facilities
• It is generally a well-mannered group, though we occasionally have our disagreements. They tend to calm down as quickly as they flare up. Please think about how your message might come across before posting.
* Free parking outside shared with mechanics, feel free to ask them to move
• Your first post will be moderated by one of the directors – after which you will be able to post freely.
* Please don’t sleep in the Hackspace parking spots or in the building
* Free tea and coffee available in the kitchen
* Drinks and snacks also available for 50p each
* Point out honesty boxes


• We also encourage people to become involved in outreach activities


== Governance ==
Diversity
* We are light on governance and have a very flat hierarchical structure
* Fundamentally no member is any more important than any other
* Four of our members are directors of a limited company - Reading Makerspace Ltd
* That was set up to provide us with sufficient legal identity to pay bills and insurance
* Our current directors are Philip, Stuart, Mark and NJ
* We are a “do-ocracy”, changes get made by our members making them


• We are a diverse group – if you look around you will see our membership is drawn from a wide range of backgrounds, different races, genders, sexual orientation
• Our diversity is important to us and we do not tolerate prejudice.
• Full stop.


== Communication ==
• There is a safeguarding policy on our wiki.
* We primarily communicate online via our Discord server (invitation sent when you join)
* We keep a large volume of information on our wiki page wiki.rlab.org.uk (including the notes for this induction)
* We send mail outs for important notifications such as votes on new equipment and directors
* Physical notice board and events display in kitchen


Your possessions


== Sharing the space ==
• We cannot take responsibility for things that you bring with you into the space
* Treat the space as if it were a public space, if you wouldn’t bring/show/do it in public, don’t do it here
• To date we have been very fortunate – we have had almost two hundred people as members, and so far have not had any thieves within the group,
* We have CCTV, which is GDPR complaint, and only the directors can access
• but one day it may happen
* The Hackspace exists in its current state because of time and resources contributed by its members
• We have CCTV, with footage stored securely
* If you want to see an improvement to the space, discuss it with other members, or go ahead and do it yourself
• Please take care of your possessions while you are here
* This excludes changes to tools you’re not inducted to maintain / significant remodelling and is subject to common sense
• There are some guidelines on bringing things into the space on the wiki – please read them
* Mostly, ask around before changing or getting rid of existing things that work
• We can also offer you a locker downstairs if there is anything that you would like to leave here between visits
 


Health and Safety


== Reimbursements ==
• The most important point that I’ll make during this whole induction is this – you are responsible for your own health and safety whilst you are here at the space
These figures are inclusive of P+P, and VAT
• We have some insurance, which fortunately has not been tested, and we hope it never will
* Tool and consumable purchases for less than £50 can be made by individual members without prior approval
• However, if there was a serious incident here, it is likely that we would have to close the space down, and all of the effort that has been put into making this happen so far would be lost
* Spending between £50 and £150 requires prior approval from a single director
* Spending between £150 and £250 requires prior approval of two directors
* Spending between £250 and £1,000 requires prior approval from three directors
* Spending over £1,000 requires a proposal to be put forward for the memberships approval
Once you have made the purchase, please send the receipt or invoice, along with your payment details to expenses@rlab.org.uk


• Taking responsibility for your Health and Safety while you are here means the following:


==Leaving things at rLab==
o Do not use a tool unless you are confident that you know, not just how to turn it on and off, but also how it might fail.
* We accept no liability for any possessions left here
o The example that I normally use is an angle-grinder – any monkey can pick up an angle grinder and turn it on, but is the guard in the right place? Is the disk fitted correctly? (remember these are shared tools) What would happen if it broke? Are you standing safely? If you are cutting metal, where are you spraying sparks? Onto wood-dust? Onto another member?
* There is limited storage available for projects being worked on (wood store, shelves by the entrance)
o Best advice is to stay mindful – ‘in the moment’ – when you are using power tools
* Please label everything with the date it was left and your name
o If you are at all uncertain, stop
* Bulky objects should be left with contact details in case they need to be moved
* In our context “hack” means to alter, so “Do Not Hack” (or “DNH”) means “Do Not Alter”
* If there’s no label then consumables are free to hack (within reason)


== rLabs possessions ==
o Do not use a tool that could hospitalise you whilst you are here on your own
* Please do not remove any tools from rLab
o We have a wide range of tools, including some that could seriously harm you
* Some materials have prices marked on them
o Make sure there is someone in the building to hear your screams and call an ambulance if necessary
* Please pay via honesty boxes or via bank transfer
o The same thing applies to working with mains electricity
* If you break any tools, please check if we have spares, if not either order replacements yourself if it’s <£50, or report the damage on our Discord
* You won’t get in trouble for breaking tools unless you were being reckless
* Hiding damage you caused to tools will get you in MORE trouble


o Be aware of the impact that your work may be having on other members
o If you think you might be endangering them – stop.
o If you feel endangered by someone else’s work, ask them to stop and have a discussion about how you might adjust your work to remove the danger
o Be civil and find a compromise


== Cleaning and tidying ==
o Wear PPE
* We do not hire cleaners, so please clean and tidy up after yourselves once you are finished in an area
o We have plenty of PPE downstairs and there is absolutely no excuse for not using it
* You should leave every area you use in a better state than you found it
o We have gloves, aprons, glasses, masks, ear defenders – all there for your use
* Feel free to call out any other members who you see not doing this
o Bring your own if you prefer
* If you see we are low on any consumables, please either report this on Discord or reorder them yourself
o But wear appropriate safety equipment for your activity
o If you see another member not using PPE, feel free to interrupt them (safely) and urge them to wear the appropriate gear




== Sharing skills and experience ==
* We are a community, and many of us are happy to share our knowledge
* If you have any questions, most members will be happy to advise you
* Do not expect help from other members, it’s theirs to give
* Please help other members with advice when they ask, if you’re able
* Members volunteer their time to give inductions


== Tool Inductions ==
Health and Safety tour
* Some tools require inductions, indicated by black and yellow or orange stickers
* Even if you have used a tool before, a short induction is still required to use it here for insurance purposes
* Please do not touch tools you are not inducted on
* Using an induction required tool without an induction is a bannable offence
* Inductions can be requested on Discord under “Induction Requests”


If you are unsure of how a tool that requires induction in the main workshop works, please stay at least 2m away from it while it’s in use unless the person using it says you may come closer.
• I will now take you on a brief tour of the space and point out some of the hazards
• [Point out fire extinguishers as you conduct tour]
• [Remind people to leave air cleaner ON]


== Health and safety ==
* You are responsible for your own health and safety at all times
* If you see anyone do something you think is unsafe please discuss this with them
* All relevant PPE is available, please use it as appropriate
* There are first aid kits by the PPE in the main workshop and in the computer room
* Point them out
* If you don’t know how to use a tool safely, don’t use it, even if you’re inducted; you can repeat inductions if necessary
* There are certain safety mechanisms throughout the workshop such as card readers, and guards on tools; bypassing these is a bannable offence
* Check the condition of tools before using them
* Think about the hazards you will be causing to the area around you
* Think about the hazards in the area around you while using tools
* Don’t use any tool that could hospitalise you while you’re alone in the building
* There are E-Stops throughout the downstairs workshop which connect to every socket downstairs; you are free to use any of them if doing so will prevent injury or damage
* We have insurance, but a single serious claim would probably shut us down for good


== Fire ==
* In the event of a fire you should put your own safety first
* The fire exits are the front door and at the back of the workshop
* Please keep the routes to these clear from obstructions at all times
* There are fire extinguishers by the front door, in the computer room, and main workshop; instructions and use-cases can be found on the side of the extinguisher
* If you feel confident to use these then feel free to do so, but don’t put yourself at risk
* Do NOT hold the black cone on CO2 extinguishers while using them (this causes frostbite)
* There’s a fire blanket in the small machine room for use with the laser cutter
* If the fire can not be contained, evacuate the building, then call 999
* Heat producing tools should never be left unattended when switched on; excluding the 3D printers
* The oven can be left switched on while someone who is aware of it is in the workshop downstairs


== If you’re the last one to leave the building ==
At front door
Make sure:
• To open the front door, press the red button. [Demonstrate]
* All of the lights are switched off
• [Demonstrate fire alarm]
* All 3 heater units are switched off
* Point these out
* All heat producing tools are switched off; excluding the 3D printers
* The laser cutter is switched off at the wall (Step 1 is written by it)
* All the internal and external doors are closed
* You have your access card and belongings with you


In workshop, in tool storage area
• To your left there are a wide variety of tools, typically things that you might have at home or be able to buy at a DIY store
• They are smaller than some of the other tools, yet still pose a hazard
• Please make sure you know how to use them


• Ahead of you, are the more exotic tools – things like thicknessers, belt-sanders, welding equipment, wood-turning equipment and a wide range of different ways of removing digits
• If you do not know how to use them, we have members that can show you how, including Ian, who used to be a CDT teacher


== Conduct ==
• In the cupboard by the door, there is first aid equipment [open door and show them]
* We are a COMMUNITY workshop, we rely on people conducting themselves in a socially acceptable, legal, and ethical manner
• Please do not stack things in front of the first aid cupboard
* Occasionally people will disagree and debates will start; it is important to keep these debates civil
• On the back of the door, there are eye-baths in case you get something in your eye
* Members should never bring the community into disrepute, this is potentially a bannable offence
• There is a bleeding control kit – we have a member that is also a paramedic, who will be happy to give you advanced first aid train if you would like
* There is a safeguarding policy in place, and directors welcome and investigate reports of misconduct; intentional misuse of this service is a bannable offence
• On the top shelf, there are cold-presses in case you take a knock
* Reading Makerspace Limited is not a political organisation and will not discriminate people based on their political views
• In the pouch, there are plasters, bandages etc – all the things that you would expect to see in a first aid kit
* However, we are a diverse and welcoming environment, and discrimination / bullying of any kind will not be tolerated at rLab


== Payment ==
In workshop, by chemical store
* Payment for Hackspace membership works on an honesty based system
• Here is the chemical store – it contains strong acids, strong alcohols (not for drinking) and solvents
* However a monthly payment is required to keep your membership active
• Everything in the cupboard is (a) labelled, and (b) recorded on a register
* The recommended amount is £25 per month
• This is so that if there was ever a fire, we would be able to tell the fire brigade exactly what is in the cupboard so that they could take precautions
• If you bring some chemicals in, please ensure that they are added to the register
* If you are short of money then you can pay less, and are always welcome to pay more
* All fees except the membership, and snacks are doubled for commercial use
• If you are ensure how to use a chemical, read the label and research on the internet – it will tell you what precautions you need to take
* Please be fair, and aim to give back as much as you take from the Hackspace
• We are not licensed to store explosive toxins or pre-cursors – this includes chemicals such as higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Please do not bring such chemicals into the space
* Please put your full name as the payment reference (this must match the form)
• Top tip – when you open the cupboard, step back for a moment to let the fumes escape, else you will get a face full of esthers
Payments are to be made to:
Reading Makerspace Ltd
Sort code 23 05 80
Account number 44019094


== Sign up ==
In workshop, by lathe
* Get them to enter their details into the form
• This is the metal lathe. It has three-phase power, and is a powerful high-precision machine
* Take their photo
• [Point at and explain the yellow signs above the lathe]
* Create membership card for them
• There is an emergency stop button
* Remind them not to write rLab or the address on the card
• We ask members not to use it unless they have had a familiarisation session and demonstrated their competence
* Give them the computer password
• We can provide training, but we cannot certify you as trained – it is still incumbent on you to satisfy yourself that you are fit to use the machine
* Send/schedule email with Discord invitation


[[category:inductions]]
• Here, to the left of the lathe, is the PPE equipment [point] – use it

In workshop, at fire exit
• Here is the fire exit - please keep the space in front of it clear
[demonstrate opening]
• The fire escape route is round the back of the building, and round the side
• Please keep the escape route clear of objects
• Behind the sign there is barbed wire. If the sign is missing, there is a risk that you might get caught on it, so take a sharp left if you have to flee the building

In workshop, by stairs
• Here is the welding equipment and brazing hearth, along with a bottle of gas
• If you are unfamiliar of the risks associated with using them, then again, we can provide training
• Please keep the space at the bottom of the stairs clear of objects

In workshop, in loading bay
• Here is the tablesaw – another powerful and high precision piece of equipment. It has three-phase power [point to power socket]
• The hazard here is pretty clear – it has a large spinning blade in the top.
• It has dust extraction fitted, which will collect much of the dust the you will create - please use it
• Again, we ask that you do not use the tablesaw unless you have had a familiarisation session

• The distribution units are here on the wall. If you trip the power, you will have to reset with the key.

• Also, here is the light switch for the loading bay, next to the e-stop

• And then finally, on the wall there is the Thien Separator – which you can use to hoover up the dust that you make. There also blue Nilfisk vacuums around [find one] – they are very good at sucking up dust as well. Please clear up all of the dust that you make before you leave.


In small machine room
• In here, we have the laser cutters and the 3d printer
• You will need to take training on the laser cutter before you can use it. This is in part to protect what is an expensive piece of equipment, but also because it is a fire hazard – it burns through things with a laser-beam
• Please do not leave either the laser cutters or the 3d printer unattended when they are working. Either can catch fire. I know that waiting for a 3d print can be boring, and it would be tempting to pop out and get some lunch, but it would be a shame if you were to return to find that the building has burnt down.

Main room upstairs
• Finally, here is the main room. In here we have soldering irons and reflow stations, they get hot. Please make sure that you pick the soldering irons and heat guns by the right end. Be aware that knocking the heat gun off its cradle may cause to to start blowing very hot air

-----
 

Payment

• Over here on the wall, there are our bank details.
• Our preference, because it easier to reconcile transactions, is that you pay by standing order
• If you do, please make sure that you put YOUR name – repeat YOUR name – in the reference field, else we will not know how has paid us
• You can set up the payment to leave your account on a day that suits you – you don’t have to pay us immediately. If you want to set it up to come out of your account on the day after you get paid, that’s fine.
• Just make sure that you are making regular, monthly payments else we will cancel your card

• The majority of our members pay £25 per month
• However we work on the principle that you pay what it is worth to you. If for instance, you are away for part of the year, you might want to pro-rate your payment to reflect this
• If you are out of work, on benefits, and are less able to pay, we are open to you making a smaller contribution
• Similarly, if you hit hard times, talk to us about it
• We would rather have the member than the money – but you will have to make a payment, even if only a nominal amount

Sign-up

• Before taking your details with an online form, we ask you to read this page on our wiki. Much of this I have already said, but I’d be grateful if you could read it and confirm that you understand it before we sign you up

[Step 1]

• [The sign-up page is here. You may need to click past warnings as the https certificate has expired. You will need a laptop with a webcam]

• Your details will be encrypted and stored securely by the directors.
• Please ensure that you put the right details in the right fields

• [If necessary, show them how to take a picture. Ask for photo ID with address on it – check against details entered. Check email address is sensible. Get card from drawer. Select correct card ID from drop down list. Cross fingers, press submit button. You should get a thank you pop-up]

• [Take member to front door. Brace door open against your foot. In quick succession, place your card, their card, and then your card against the reading zone. Test their card has been activated by putting it in zone again]

• [If successful, close door, give card to member and invite them to open it with their card. If unsuccessful, repeat from step 1 and email directors with details of faulty card]

• Congratulations, and welcome to Reading Hackspace. Your card will give you 24/7 access to the space. Please treat as you would your keys – so not write rLab or our address on it! Keep it safe


[[Category:inductions]]

Latest revision as of 15:28, 25 June 2024

Italics = Instructions; do not read out loud!!!

There should be a list of people who have been banned from rLab, this should be checked against for new people signing up before they are invited to attend an induction!

On the tour:[edit]

Point out:

  • E-Stops
  • Honesty boxes
  • Chemicals cabinet
  • First aid kits

Signup requirements:[edit]

  • Check everyone is over 18 years old
  • Under 18s cannot join as members, but are welcome to attend as the guests of their parents or guardians.
  • Check everyone has photo ID on them
  • If they don’t, they can proceed with the induction, but can’t join until they show their ID.
  • Check everyone has proof of address on them
  • They can proceed with the induction, but can’t join until they show proof of postal address (by email is fine). People who live an itinerant lifestyle are required to provide the number plate of their primary vehicle.


Completion of the induction:[edit]

If I am satisfied you have taken on board enough information to be able to use the space safely then I will give you the opportunity to sign up as members. In the event that I am not certain of this the matter will be referred to our board of directors and we will get back to you.


If for any reason you don’t think the potential new member(s) can be trusted to conduct themselves ethically and safely by the end of the induction please contact the board of directors.

Our history[edit]

The Hackspace was started by two guys who wanted to share tools in a shed in 2010. They found more like minded people, and eventually moved here to Weldale Street.

The principle of sharing tools with like minded people has remained the same throughout the Hackspaces history.

We do not receive any grants, and although we do accept no-strings-attached donations, we are not a charity.

We are self governing, and have declined multiple offers made to buy us out.


Introduction[edit]

  • Bikes can be stored inside as long as they don’t obstruct the fire exit / other facilities
  • Free parking outside shared with mechanics, feel free to ask them to move
  • Please don’t sleep in the Hackspace parking spots or in the building
  • Free tea and coffee available in the kitchen
  • Drinks and snacks also available for 50p each
  • Point out honesty boxes


Governance[edit]

  • We are light on governance and have a very flat hierarchical structure
  • Fundamentally no member is any more important than any other
  • Four of our members are directors of a limited company - Reading Makerspace Ltd
  • That was set up to provide us with sufficient legal identity to pay bills and insurance
  • Our current directors are Philip, Stuart, Mark and NJ
  • We are a “do-ocracy”, changes get made by our members making them


Communication[edit]

  • We primarily communicate online via our Discord server (invitation sent when you join)
  • We keep a large volume of information on our wiki page wiki.rlab.org.uk (including the notes for this induction)
  • We send mail outs for important notifications such as votes on new equipment and directors
  • Physical notice board and events display in kitchen


Sharing the space[edit]

  • Treat the space as if it were a public space, if you wouldn’t bring/show/do it in public, don’t do it here
  • We have CCTV, which is GDPR complaint, and only the directors can access
  • The Hackspace exists in its current state because of time and resources contributed by its members
  • If you want to see an improvement to the space, discuss it with other members, or go ahead and do it yourself
  • This excludes changes to tools you’re not inducted to maintain / significant remodelling and is subject to common sense
  • Mostly, ask around before changing or getting rid of existing things that work


Reimbursements[edit]

These figures are inclusive of P+P, and VAT

  • Tool and consumable purchases for less than £50 can be made by individual members without prior approval
  • Spending between £50 and £150 requires prior approval from a single director
  • Spending between £150 and £250 requires prior approval of two directors
  • Spending between £250 and £1,000 requires prior approval from three directors
  • Spending over £1,000 requires a proposal to be put forward for the memberships approval

Once you have made the purchase, please send the receipt or invoice, along with your payment details to expenses@rlab.org.uk


Leaving things at rLab[edit]

  • We accept no liability for any possessions left here
  • There is limited storage available for projects being worked on (wood store, shelves by the entrance)
  • Please label everything with the date it was left and your name
  • Bulky objects should be left with contact details in case they need to be moved
  • In our context “hack” means to alter, so “Do Not Hack” (or “DNH”) means “Do Not Alter”
  • If there’s no label then consumables are free to hack (within reason)

rLabs possessions[edit]

  • Please do not remove any tools from rLab
  • Some materials have prices marked on them
  • Please pay via honesty boxes or via bank transfer
  • If you break any tools, please check if we have spares, if not either order replacements yourself if it’s <£50, or report the damage on our Discord
  • You won’t get in trouble for breaking tools unless you were being reckless
  • Hiding damage you caused to tools will get you in MORE trouble


Cleaning and tidying[edit]

  • We do not hire cleaners, so please clean and tidy up after yourselves once you are finished in an area
  • You should leave every area you use in a better state than you found it
  • Feel free to call out any other members who you see not doing this
  • If you see we are low on any consumables, please either report this on Discord or reorder them yourself


Sharing skills and experience[edit]

  • We are a community, and many of us are happy to share our knowledge
  • If you have any questions, most members will be happy to advise you
  • Do not expect help from other members, it’s theirs to give
  • Please help other members with advice when they ask, if you’re able
  • Members volunteer their time to give inductions

Tool Inductions[edit]

  • Some tools require inductions, indicated by black and yellow or orange stickers
  • Even if you have used a tool before, a short induction is still required to use it here for insurance purposes
  • Please do not touch tools you are not inducted on
  • Using an induction required tool without an induction is a bannable offence
  • Inductions can be requested on Discord under “Induction Requests”

If you are unsure of how a tool that requires induction in the main workshop works, please stay at least 2m away from it while it’s in use unless the person using it says you may come closer.

Health and safety[edit]

  • You are responsible for your own health and safety at all times
  • If you see anyone do something you think is unsafe please discuss this with them
  • All relevant PPE is available, please use it as appropriate
  • There are first aid kits by the PPE in the main workshop and in the computer room
  • Point them out
  • If you don’t know how to use a tool safely, don’t use it, even if you’re inducted; you can repeat inductions if necessary
  • There are certain safety mechanisms throughout the workshop such as card readers, and guards on tools; bypassing these is a bannable offence
  • Check the condition of tools before using them
  • Think about the hazards you will be causing to the area around you
  • Think about the hazards in the area around you while using tools
  • Don’t use any tool that could hospitalise you while you’re alone in the building
  • There are E-Stops throughout the downstairs workshop which connect to every socket downstairs; you are free to use any of them if doing so will prevent injury or damage
  • We have insurance, but a single serious claim would probably shut us down for good

Fire[edit]

  • In the event of a fire you should put your own safety first
  • The fire exits are the front door and at the back of the workshop
  • Please keep the routes to these clear from obstructions at all times
  • There are fire extinguishers by the front door, in the computer room, and main workshop; instructions and use-cases can be found on the side of the extinguisher
  • If you feel confident to use these then feel free to do so, but don’t put yourself at risk
  • Do NOT hold the black cone on CO2 extinguishers while using them (this causes frostbite)
  • There’s a fire blanket in the small machine room for use with the laser cutter
  • If the fire can not be contained, evacuate the building, then call 999
  • Heat producing tools should never be left unattended when switched on; excluding the 3D printers
  • The oven can be left switched on while someone who is aware of it is in the workshop downstairs

If you’re the last one to leave the building[edit]

Make sure:

  • All of the lights are switched off
  • All 3 heater units are switched off
  • Point these out
  • All heat producing tools are switched off; excluding the 3D printers
  • The laser cutter is switched off at the wall (Step 1 is written by it)
  • All the internal and external doors are closed
  • You have your access card and belongings with you


Conduct[edit]

  • We are a COMMUNITY workshop, we rely on people conducting themselves in a socially acceptable, legal, and ethical manner
  • Occasionally people will disagree and debates will start; it is important to keep these debates civil
  • Members should never bring the community into disrepute, this is potentially a bannable offence
  • There is a safeguarding policy in place, and directors welcome and investigate reports of misconduct; intentional misuse of this service is a bannable offence
  • Reading Makerspace Limited is not a political organisation and will not discriminate people based on their political views
  • However, we are a diverse and welcoming environment, and discrimination / bullying of any kind will not be tolerated at rLab

Payment[edit]

  • Payment for Hackspace membership works on an honesty based system
  • However a monthly payment is required to keep your membership active
  • The recommended amount is £25 per month
  • If you are short of money then you can pay less, and are always welcome to pay more
  • All fees except the membership, and snacks are doubled for commercial use
  • Please be fair, and aim to give back as much as you take from the Hackspace
  • Please put your full name as the payment reference (this must match the form)

Payments are to be made to: Reading Makerspace Ltd Sort code 23 05 80 Account number 44019094

Sign up[edit]

  • Get them to enter their details into the form
  • Take their photo
  • Create membership card for them
  • Remind them not to write rLab or the address on the card
  • Give them the computer password
  • Send/schedule email with Discord invitation
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