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General Policies

Here are some of our general policies regarding how we operate and rules we've established.

Children

Chatt*lab is a dynamic space with potential hazards requiring a mature attitude towards safety. Due to the nature of this environment (and the extra precaution required) unattended minors under the age of 18 are prohibited from Chatt*lab, except when accompanied by a legal guardian.

When accompanied by a legal guardian, minors must have a Waiver filled out by that guardian.

Although Chatt*lab allows accompanied minors, keep in mind that we do not make any effort to maintain a kid-friendly environment.

Cleanliness

It's every member's (and their guests) responsibility to clean up their mess which includes putting up tools, sweeping up sawdust and putting their personal property up.

Also, the trash doesn't get taken out by itself. It's everyone's responsibility to help take it out.

When using the woodshop and making dust, be sure to use the dust collection AND the ambient air cleaners to keep dust down and out of everyone's lungs.

Consumables

For most activities, you should plan to bring your own consumables. Chatt*lab has an ample supply of basic needs, but anything large or specialized will not likely be found at the space.

There is a boneyard shelf in the hallway containing all kinds of free stuff. Items such as tape, glue, zip-ties, soldering equipment (i.e. flux, solder), hot-glue, and wiggle-eyes are also free and are in the card catalog.

Filament for the 3D printer costs $0.10 a gram. There is a scale next to the 3D printer to weigh your prints. You must pay for your plastic, even if your part is a disastrous failure! This fee helps pay for maintenance and plastic.

The laser cutter is free for non-commercial purposes, and $1 per minute for commercial purposes. More details can be found on the page for the Full Spectrum Laser. Scrap material for the laser is located underneath the table.

Scrap wood are in the woodshop and should be marked as such. Any wood with a red or yellow dot is not available for your use.

Items in the boneyard are also free.

Snacks and drinks are located in the hallway near the inner door. Drinks are 50 cents, and the snacks are priced accordingly. The snacks are paid for by the honor system. One bin for cash, another for change.

Safety

It's everyone's responsibility to be safe when operating the tools or machinery.

Safety Glasses

Use safety glasses when using any saw, laser cutter or anything that makes sparks or debris. They are provided for you on the front shelf marked “SAFETY”. Please be sure to use them.

Gloves

When carrying heavy plywood or metal, it's smart to protect your hands, so gloves are also provided on the same shelf the safety glasses are located.

First Aid

In the event you do injure yourself, we have a first aid kit located in our office. It should have anything you should require, including tourniquets.

Eye Wash

Hopefully you know this before you actually need it, as you probably won't be able to read this with debris in your peepers, but we have an eyewash station located on the side of our fire cabinet.

Fire Cabinet

Anything flammable needs to be stored in our flame cabinet. It is a sealed container that has a limited supply of oxygen provided it stays closed. If the door is cracked, you'll here an annoying beeping. This means you need to shut the door snug!

Fire!

In the event there is a fire, fire extinguishers are located throughout the space. Look for the red “Fire Extinguisher” signs around the space.