A good prototype starts in a safe workshop. Here are the six ground rules everyone in our lab follows.
1. Protective equipment
Glasses at all times; a mask and gloves for welding, ear protection for noisy jobs.
2. No loose clothing or jewellery
Loose sleeves, long hair and jewellery can get caught in rotating machines. Tie your hair back and take jewellery off.
3. No machine without an advisor
Even if you know the machine, work with a workshop advisor present.
4. Clamp the workpiece firmly
A loosely held part machines badly and can fly out.
5. A clean, tidy bench
Clear offcuts with a brush, never by hand. Put tools back when you're done.
6. Know the emergency stop
Find the emergency stop button before you start working.
Every new member joins a safety and orientation session of about 1 hour before starting. See the membership page for details.