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''Italics = Instructions; do not read out loud!!!''
'''General induction script used by Gavin '''


'''''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!
Induction tour script
'''''
== On the tour: ==
''Point out:
* E-Stops
* Honesty boxes
* Chemicals cabinet
* First aid kits''


== Our history ==
== 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.


* 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 150 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


== Completion of the induction: ==
== Governance ==
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.


* 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


''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.
== Playing your part ==
''


== Our history ==
* We do not employ anybody. The directors do not take any money out of the business.
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.
* 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
* A lot of the communication between the group happens on our Google Groups [https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/reading-hackspace mailing list]
* 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 and despite it's sometimes contentious debates you'll miss out on a lot of the more interesting stuff that happens at the lab if you're not on there.
* Your first post will be moderated by one of the directors – after which you will be able to post freely.
* We also encourage people to become involved in outreach activities


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


We do not receive any grants, and although we do accept no-strings-attached donations, we are not a charity.
* 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.
* There is a [[policy/safeguarding|safeguarding]] policy on our wiki.


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


* We cannot take responsibility for things that you bring with you into the space
* 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, but one day it may happen
* We have CCTV, with footage stored securely
* Please take care of your possessions while you are here
* There are some [[policy/bringingin|guidelines]] on bringing things into the space on the wiki – please read them
* We can also offer you a locker downstairs if there is anything that you would like to leave here between visits
 


== Health and Safety ==
== Introduction ==
* 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


* 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
* We have some insurance, which fortunately has not been tested, and we hope it never will
* 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


== Governance ==
* Taking responsibility for your Health and Safety while you are here means the following
* We are light on governance and have a very flat hierarchical structure
'''** 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.'''
* Fundamentally no member is any more important than any other
** 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?
* Four of our members are directors of a limited company - Reading Makerspace Ltd
** Best advice is to stay mindful – ‘in the moment’ – when you are using power tools
* That was set up to provide us with sufficient legal identity to pay bills and insurance
** If you are at all uncertain, stop
* Our current directors are Philip, Stuart, Mark and NJ
'''** Do not use a tool that could hospitalise you whilst you are here on your own'''
* We are a “do-ocracy”, changes get made by our members making them
** We have a wide range of tools, including some that could seriously harm you
** Make sure there is someone in the building to hear your screams and call an ambulance if necessary
** The same thing applies to working with mains electricity
'''** Be aware of the impact that your work may be having on other members'''
** If you think you might be endangering them – stop.
** 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
** Be civil and find a compromise
'''** Wear PPE'''
** We have plenty of PPE downstairs and there is absolutely no excuse for not using it
** We have gloves, aprons, glasses, masks, ear defenders – all there for your use
** Bring your own if you prefer, but wear appropriate safety equipment for your activity
** If you see another member not using PPE, feel free to interrupt them (safely) and urge them to wear the appropriate gear
** If you think that we need more or different PPE then start a discussion with the group about it, it's normally very easy to get the purchase of new PPE agreed


== Health and Safety tour ==


== Communication ==
* I will now take you on a brief tour of the space and point out some of the hazards
* We primarily communicate online via our Discord server (invitation sent when you join)
* [Why I am telling you this stuff]
* We keep a large volume of information on our wiki page wiki.rlab.org.uk (including the notes for this induction)
* [Point out fire extinguishers as you conduct tour, and show how to use]
* We send mail outs for important notifications such as votes on new equipment and directors
* Physical notice board and events display in kitchen


=== At front door ===
* [Demonstrate fire alarm]


== Sharing the space ==
=== In workshop, in tool storage area ===
* 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 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
* We have CCTV, which is GDPR complaint, and only the directors can access
* They are smaller than some of the other tools, yet still pose a hazard
* The Hackspace exists in its current state because of time and resources contributed by its members
* Please make sure you know how to use them
* If you want to see an improvement to the space, discuss it with other members, or go ahead and do it yourself
* 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
* This excludes changes to tools you’re not inducted to maintain / significant remodelling and is subject to common sense
* 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
* Mostly, ask around before changing or getting rid of existing things that work
* In the cupboard by the door, there is first aid equipment [open door and show them]
* Please do not stack things in front of the first aid cupboard
* On the back of the door, there are eye-baths in case you get something in your eye
* 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
* On the top shelf, there are cold-presses in case you take a knock
* In the pouch, there are plasters, bandages etc – all the things that you would expect to see in a first aid kit
* A lot of tools here make dust so above the benches there's an air cleaner, please turn it on whenever you're working down here, the remote is by the door. It uses next to no power so it's OK to leave it running on the timer when you leave.
* By the door is the honesty box [point it out], most tools are free to use but usage fees for those downstairs tools that have them go in there.
* If you're using a lot of nuts, bolts, sandpaper, other small consumables then consider donating a few pence but it's not compulsory unless you're using a hell of a lot
* Here we also have the drill press, it's a high powered 3-phase machine and will quite happily wrap you around the spindle if you get careless with it
* This is the Boxford CNC Mill, it's a complicated and expensive tool, and we ask that you attend a familiarisation session before trying to use it. To be honest you're probably more of a threat to it than it is to you, but it's still possible to get hurt if you use it wrong enough.


=== In workshop, by chemical store ===
* Here is the chemical store
* It is split across 2 cupboards
** The Flammable materials store is under the sink here, it contains strong alcohols (not for drinking), solvents, flammable resins etc.
** The flammables cupboard is not locked, but must be kept closed whenever you're not actually taking something out of it.
** The corrosive materials store is over there under the bench, it contains strong acids, caustic alkalies and other corrosive materials
** The corrosives cupboard is kept locked and you'll have to ask a director for the key if you need access
* Everything in the cupboards is (a) labelled, and (b) recorded on a register
* 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 want to bring some chemicals in, please ensure that they are cleared with the people looking after then chemicals and added to the register
* 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
* We are not licensed to store explosives, toxins or pre-cursors – this includes chemicals such as higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Please do not bring such chemicals into the space
* 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 fumes
* Opposite the sink and chemical cupboard we have the chop saws and the linisher
* This one [points to left one] is for metal, the other one is for wood
* They throw sparks or chips around the workshop, if mis-used they can throw your entire work piece at you, inductions are required for the chopsaws but not the linisher
* Under the chop saws here [points it out] is the store for scrap timber. If you have offcuts big enough to be useful please put them here, if you want to use something here they're free-for-all, take whatever you need but please consider a donation if that's a lot.


== Reimbursements ==
=== In workshop, by lathe ===
These figures are inclusive of P+P, and VAT
* This is the metal lathe. It has three-phase power, and is a powerful high-precision machine
* Tool and consumable purchases for less than £50 can be made by individual members without prior approval
* [Point at and explain the yellow signs above the lathe]
* Spending between £50 and £150 requires prior approval from a single director
* There is an emergency stop button
* Spending between £150 and £250 requires prior approval of two directors
* We ask members not to use it unless they have had a familiarisation session and demonstrated their competence
* Spending between £250 and £1,000 requires prior approval from three directors
* 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
* Spending over £1,000 requires a proposal to be put forward for the memberships approval
* The PPE equipment is kept by the main door [point] – use it
Once you have made the purchase, please send the receipt or invoice, along with your payment details to expenses@rlab.org.uk
* Opposite the Lathe is the pedestal grinder that we use for sharpening lathe tools
* It has 2 grinding wheels that when spinning have the energy of small bomb and can explode if abused, we ask members not to use it unless they're thoroughly familiar with grinding wheel safety
* By the side of the lathe here [points it out] is the store for metal offcuts and larger bits are kept under the sticking&slipping shelves. If you have offcuts big enough to be useful to people please put them here, if you want to use something here they're free, take whatever you need.


=== 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


==Leaving things at rLab==
=== In workshop, by stairs ===
* We accept no liability for any possessions left here
* Here is the welding equipment, the forge, the compressor and the blasting cabinet, along with a bottles of gas
* There is limited storage available for projects being worked on (wood store, shelves by the entrance)
* If you are unfamiliar of the risks associated with using them, then again, we can provide training, the forge and welder require it.
* Please keep the space at the bottom of the stairs clear of objects
* 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 ==
=== In workshop, in loading bay ===
* Please do not remove any tools from rLab
* Here is the tablesaw – another powerful and high precision piece of equipment.
* Some materials have prices marked on them
* The hazard here is pretty clear – it has a large spinning blade in the top.
* Please pay via honesty boxes or via bank transfer
* It has dust extraction fitted, which will collect much of the dust the you will create - please use it
* 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
* Again, we ask that you do not use the tablesaw unless you have had a familiarisation session
* You won’t get in trouble for breaking tools unless you were being reckless
* The distribution units are here on the wall. Around the workshop you may have noticed the red emergency stop buttons on the walls, if pressed they shut off all power to all the sockets down here but not to the large 3-phase tools. If you trip the power, you will have to reset with the key [point to key].
* Hiding damage you caused to tools will get you in MORE trouble
* Also, here is the light switch for the loading bay, next to the e-stop
* There are blue scheppauge vacuums around [find one] that are ment specifically for wood dust – as well as a variety of other vacuums and brooms. Please clear up all of the dust that you make before you leave.


=== In small machine room ===
* In here, we have the laser cutter.
* 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 the laser cutters unattended when they are working. It can catch fire.


=== Main room upstairs ===
== Cleaning and tidying ==
* We do not hire cleaners, so please clean and tidy up after yourselves once you are finished in an area
* 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
* You should leave every area you use in a better state than you found it
* The 3D printer and hot-glue guns are also kept in this room, neither is likely to cause a fire but they could injure you if you're not careful with them. Hot glue is obviously hot and can burn skin. The 3D printer has parts that get up to 260C as well as numerous pinch points where a finger could get caught.
* Feel free to call out any other members who you see not doing this
* Nobody should ever be leaving live circuits unattended, and should give clear warning if they're working with mains power
* If you see we are low on any consumables, please either report this on Discord or reorder them yourself
* That said... Never touch a circuit or project unless you've checked it's completely de-energized and
* Don't plug anything in unless you've checked it's safe to do so.  


== Payment ==


== Sharing skills and experience ==
* Over here on the wall, there are our bank details.
* We are a community, and many of us are happy to share our knowledge
* Our preference, because it easier to reconcile transactions, is that you pay by standing order
* If you have any questions, most members will be happy to advise you
* If you do, please make sure that you put YOUR name – repeat YOUR name – in the reference field, else we will not know who has paid us
* Do not expect help from other members, it’s theirs to give
* 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
* Please help other members with advice when they ask, if you’re able
* Members volunteer their time to give inductions
** 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 ==
== Tool Inductions ==
* 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.
* 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


== Health and safety ==
* [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]
* 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 ==
* Your details will be encrypted and stored securely by the directors.
* In the event of a fire you should put your own safety first
* Please ensure that you put the right details in the right fields
* 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 ==
* [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]
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


* [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]


== Conduct ==
* 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
* 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 ==
* 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 ==
* 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


[[Category:inductions]]
[[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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