Makerspace / Safety Protocol

The makerspace is where ideas become real. Throughout this session, you'll learn how to safely use tools, machines, and materials while thinking like a designer and engineer.

Safety isn't about following rules because someone tells you to, it's about protecting yourself, your teammates, and your projects so everyone can continue creating.

What makes someone a great maker?

Why do designers need to think about safety?

Have you ever used tools or built something before?

What should you do if you don't know how to use a tool?

Why shouldn't we distract someone using a machine?

Orientation

Materials Management

We will walk around the makerspace and discover the different work areas. As we explore, we will identify the following:

1. Where are the emergency exits?
2. Where is the first aid kit?
3. Which tools are hand tools?
4. Which machines require adult supervision?
5. Where do finished projects go?
6. Where do scraps and recycling go?

We will have labels for each area:

🟢 Safe Zone – You can work here independently.

🟡 Caution Zone – Requires extra attention.

🔴 Restricted Zone – Only with instructor permission

Exploring the Space

Tool usage

1. How to train students to use the tools
2. How to organize the tools/materials to support student agency/use

CHALLENGE

GUIDANCE

؜There are levels of tools and materials that students have varying access to

Example:

"Gates of Use"

Material Organization

Easy to access

How the tools and materials are laid out in the space can indicate these 'gates of access.

Harder to reach

Tool usage

1. How to handle mixed capabilities/ grade levels in a makerspace

CHALLENGE

Progressive tool use

Scaffold tool learning at varying grade levels

GUIDANCE

GUIDANCE

Tool usage

1. Tool misuse - how to combat? Opportunities to gain back access after a misuse.

CHALLENGE

GUIDANCE

GUIDANCE

؜Earned Access

1. Students can use tools once they prove they can use them correctly/ safely.
2. Make use of interns/ student experts

؜Safety Protocol

Safety is part of the design process—not a restriction.

Follow the steps

Go over the following posters on the slides (General rules & Tools)

؜1st

Going over several scenarios

؜2nd

Get your makerspace tool after completing the foundation lab

؜3rd

Tools Safety

You'll work in teams to investigate different makerspace situations.

For each setup, decide:

1. What is happening?
2. Is it safe or unsafe?
3. What could go wrong?
4. How would you fix it?

Spot the Safety Problem

Scenario 1

A student is laser cutting while wearing a hoodie with long drawstrings hanging over the machine.

1. What do you notice?
2. Could the clothing get caught?
3. What should the student do first?

Scenario 2

Someone leaves a hot glue gun plugged in after finishing.

What could happen?

1. Who should unplug it?

Scenario 3

A battery feels hot while testing an Arduino project.

1. Should you keep testing?
2. Who should you tell?

Scenario 4

Decide what should happen first.

The laser cutter suddenly starts producing smoke.

What should you do?

Should you:

1. Keep watching?
2. Open the lid?
3. Tell the instructor immediately?

Scenario 5

Your friend cuts their finger while using cardboard.

What should happen next?

Should you:

1. Ignore it?
2. Find a teacher?
3. Put tools away first?

Scenario 6

Someone is running through the makerspace carrying scissors.

1. What would you say?

Scenario 7

You want to change your cutter blades

1. What would you do first?

Safety Gear Challenge

1. Cardboard Cutting
2. Spray Painting
3. Laser Cutting
4. 3D Printing
5. Electronics
6. Wood Cutting
7. Hot Glue Gun
8. Sanding

Safety Gear Challenge

1. Cardboard Cutting: Wear safety glasses, keep long hair tied back, wear closed-toe shoes, and always cut away from your body using a cutting mat.
2. Spray Painting: Wear a respirator or paint mask, safety glasses, nitrile gloves, and an apron or old clothing to protect yourself from fumes and overspray.
3. Laser Cutting: Wear safety glasses when handling materials, keep long hair tied back, secure loose clothing, wear closed-toe shoes, and never operate the laser with the lid open.
4. 3D Printing: Wear closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair, avoid loose clothing, and never touch the hot nozzle or print bed while the printer is operating.
5. Electronics: Keep your workspace dry and organized, remove power before making changes, and avoid wearing metal jewelry that could cause short circuits.
6. Wood Cutting: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection when using power tools, a dust mask when sanding or creating dust, closed-toe shoes, and keep long hair and loose clothing secured before using any machine.
7. Hot Glue Gun: Wear closed-toe shoes and gloves, keep fingers away from the hot nozzle and glue, always place the glue gun on its stand, and unplug it when finished.
8. Sanding: Wear a dust mask, safety glasses, and hearing protection if using power sanders. Tie back long hair and keep your workspace clean to reduce dust buildup.