Introduction and Statement of Purpose

The equipment and materials maintained and housed in the GVU Craft Lab can cause serious injuries or health complications if improperly used, maintained, and managed. As such, the staff of the Craft Lab maintain a core set of policies and procedures which must be followed in order to ensure the safety of every user and visitor to the lab. All users of the lab are expected to be aware of and follow the rules and policies set forth and should also recognize the potential consequences that may be levied in the event that a rule is broken.

This page will be kept up to date with general lab policies. While any new policies will be announced as widely as possible, it is ultimately the responsibility of lab users to ensure they are familiar with the rules of the lab.

Rules of the Lab

  • Every tool in the lab has specific safety requirements which are covered in the orientation session with the most up-to-date information possible. All users of the GVU Craft Lab are expected to follow all safety regulations for equipment, tools, and materials at all times. Safety information may be located in any of the following areas:
    • On the dedicated page for the tool/equipment on this website.
    • Posted on signage within the lab.
    • Provided in documentation from vendors.
    • Posted on the tool/equipment/material itself.
  • The Craft Lab may be used for research, academic, and personal projects, however there are limitations to acceptable projects, as follows:
    • No work may be done on a project from which you intend to make a profit.
    • No work may be done on a project which violates any Federal or State laws.
    • No work may be done on a project involving items which may be considered dangerous, i.e., weapons, explosives, highly toxic chemicals, etc.
  • Never remove tools or equipment from the lab without first receiving approval from the Lab Manager.
    • Special permission must be obtained from the Lab Manager prior to taking any Craft Lab equipment outside either of the main doors.
    • No other individual (regardless of faculty, staff, or student status) may approve the removal of tools/equipment except in situations related to health and safety.
    • When requesting a loan of equipment, be aware that you will be asked to provide your GTID number and contact information.
    • Any loan of equipment is temporary and will have a specified time and date by which equipment must be returned.
  • Clean up after using the lab. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
    • Vaccuuming tools and the floor after generating sawdust, material chips, etc.
    • Disposing of excess material appropriately as trash or scrap.
    • Breaking down large pieces of trash so as not to overflow trashcans.
    • Returning tools to their appropriate location after use.
  • In order to be considered a user of the lab, individuals must complete a safety orientation.
    • All other individuals are considered visitors, and visitors are not allowed to use tools.
    • Visitors must be accompanied by a user or staff member at all times in the lab.
      • If a user allows a visitor into the lab, intentionally or unintentionally, that user is responsible for the visitor's actions.
    • A crucial component of the orientation is our safety waiver. If you would like a copy for your own records or review, use this link to view the blank waiver.
  • Notify staff if something breaks.
  • Notify staff immediately of danger.
  • Do not leave unlabelled project materials, supplies, or components in the lab.
    • In the event that a project is left in the lab without contact information, the staff may dispose of it in its entirety without warning.
    • Lab staff may still dispose of project materials after providing the project's contact with a warning if the project is left for an extended period of time.
  • Use appropriate safety equipment such as ear, eye, and respiratory protection.
  • Never leave dangerous equipment running unattended.
    • A tool is considered dangerous if it contains any of the following:
      • If the tool contains a heating element (heat press, hot glue gun, soldering iron, etc)
      • If the tool contains any high velocity parts (sewing machine, knitting machine, etc)
    • All tools should be turned off when not actively in use.
    • Tools with exposed heating elements should be unplugged as well as powered off.
  • Don't use aerosols in the lab.

Potential Consequences

Any situation involving an individual or group breaking one or more of these rules will be evaluated on a case by case basis and will be met with a consequence appropriate to the severity of the offense. These consequences may include, but are not limited to:

  • A request to leave the lab for the day.
  • A temporary revocation of access to the lab.
  • Permanent revocation of access to the lab.
  • Placing a hold on GT accounts.
  • Treatment of offense as a crime and involving Georgia Tech Police.

Conclusion

The above rules are in place to keep everyone safe. While everything in the lab is perfectly safe when used properly, a single mistake can lead to disaster for everyone using the equipment, within the lab, and within TSRB. Please keep these rules in mind at all times to help ensure the Craft Lab is an effective resource for the Georgia Tech community.

If you have any questions about these rules or how your specific circumstances may relate, please feel welcome to contact the Craft Lab staff at craftlab@cc.gatech.edu.