
Code of Conduct, Shop Safety Rules & Policy for Operations
HatchSpace’s mission as a not-for-profit community workshop is to promote the value and practice of craft by providing the instruction, tools, and space to support a community of woodworkers. We celebrate and advance the learning, practice and cultural varieties of woodworking and strive to provide anyone with access to the tools and training necessary to develop creative confidence and build the things they love. This includes preparing them for careers in the trades and crafts.
In service of this mission, we expect all members of the HatchSpace community to uphold certain standards of conduct and shop safety requirements to ensure our space remains a safe and inclusive environment for all.
VALUES
With this mission in mind, all members of the HatchSpace community, inclusive of students, members, staff and volunteers alike, strive to uphold HatchSpace’s Values:
- Learning and confidence. We’re committed to fostering a culture of curiosity and problem-solving that encourages life-long, hands-on learning and builds creative confidence in woodworking.
- Access and inclusion. We prize a welcoming environment at all times, and we seek the participation of groups historically marginalized from woodworking and other trades including women, BIPOC and GNC community members, New Americans, and returning citizens.
- Community and cultural equity. We value the positive social bonds that form when people come together. We welcome all woodworking traditions, encourage multicultural exploration, and seek ways to support the livelihoods of historically marginalized groups.
- Creativity and play. We recognize that the talent, skills and ingenuity of our members are the currency of our community; we strive to make room for risk-taking, discovery and fun in everything we do.
- Reliability and sustainability. We are committed to delivering a reliable, high quality experience in our shops and recognize that this is the foundation of a viable, enduring business.
Nondiscrimination Policy
HatchSpace is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. HatchSpace strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment against an employee or an applicant for employment, or member of the HatchSpace community on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status and/or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. This Policy applies to conduct that occurs on the premises of HatchSpace, in the course of HatchSpace-sponsored programs or activities, or that occurs off premise but has continuing adverse effects and/or causes disruption on premises. HatchSpace’s full nondiscrimination policy and sexual harassment policy are available through the community portal (currently nexudus) and/or on the website. To report an incident, contact the executive director in writing via email to shelton@hatchspace.org. In the event an incident involves the executive director, the incident may be reported to a member of the board of directors and/or staff member who will direct the report appropriately.
Shop Safety Rules
This is the Code of Conduct that members of the space are expected to abide by. There are many “common sense” shop rules, some very specific rules, and some housekeeping rules. Just keep in mind that rules exist for a reason, no matter how silly they sound.
- Consumption of drugs or alcohol is prohibited. No tobacco, alcohol or drugs - legal or otherwise - are permitted on the premises, nor within 50 feet of the building. If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, do not enter the premises. Exceptions for alcoholic beverages may be made at sanctioned events as designated by staff. No power tools can be operated during such events except as needed for approved demonstration purposes.There is no smoking or vaping allowed indoors, nor within 50 feet from the building.
- Personal Protective Equipment is Required. Safety Glasses are required at all times in our shops. Hearing protection is recommended and provided by HatchSpace. PPE can be found in the entry hallway. Dust masks and/or respirators are recommended, and are available for purchase through the member portal.
- Firearms are strictly prohibited, and may not be worn, concealed, brought to, stored or manufactured at HatchSpace. No exceptions.
- Those using the shop must adhere to the following dress code:
- Long hair must be pulled back and secured
- No loose clothing may be worn
- Hoodies must ensure draw strings are tucked in
- Long sleeves should be rolled up and shirttails must be tucked in
- Shoes must be rubber soled and close-toed, no sandals
- No loose jewelry can be worn, including watches or dangling earrings
- Backpacks and other belongings must be stored outside the Woodshop area
- Do not use equipment you have not been certified and authorized to use. Conduct yourself with care and consideration, and remember these best practices.
- Be aware of all people and equipment around you, especially moving parts.
- Do not leave machines running unattended (including dust collectors).
- Check that all work pieces and tooling are properly secured before operating equipment.
- Remove all chuck keys, wrenches, and other tools from the machinery after making adjustments.
- Work with a partner when appropriate–do not try to move heavy objects nor support heavy pieces by yourself.
- Never operate power tools alone. It is HatchSpace policy that no one can operate tools on the shop floor alone. There must be at least two individuals in the shop at any time for machines to be on and in use.
- Never approach someone operating equipment. If you need to speak with someone who is at work, do not approach, yell, or tap on their shoulder to get their attention. Instead, stand off to the side until they are finished, and then approach.
- Ask for help if you are unsure about a course of action.
- Notify staff of any problem with the facility or machines in the space as soon as you notice them.To do so, please use the help ticket function in the member portal. Tool maintenance is assigned for staff and shop stewards only.
- Report any injury. Always call 911 in a true emergency. Then report to a HatchSpace staff member or steward who will complete an incident report form. When determining the severity of the injury, always err on the side of caution.
- Clean up after yourself.
- Rule of thumb: Leave everything cleaner or sharper than you found it. Please vacuum around machines after use.
- Tables and work surfaces should be cleared.
- Tools should be organized. Put things back where you found them. Don’t put away any tool that is not in a condition to be used by others.
- Spills: Make sure to clean up any spills immediately and appropriately, as they are a hazard. Take large trash and dispose of it yourself.
- Place solid wood in red barrels to be cut down for kindling. All other waste (plywoods, shavings, sand papers etc.) should be placed in lined trashed barrels
- Leaving projects to dry: if you need to let something set overnight, put it safely out of the way and leave a note with your name and the date it will be done. DO NOT leave projects for more than 3 days.
- Make bookings when appropriate: Some of our tools require bookings. These include all CNC tools (Glowforge,Shaper Origin, X-Carve, ShopBot, Phantom) as well as the Festool Domino, Festool Track Saw. These tools will be clearly marked with QR codes to make booking with Passport app easy. Bookings for other equipment are recommended, especially if you require extended use.
- Keep your personal belongings stowed. Please hang coats and bags in the hallway to keep the shop floor clear.
- Do not store anything inside or outside without permission from the staff. Anything left inside or outside with no name on it will be disposed of if left overnight
- No one under 18 is allowed to use any power equipment, with the exception of youth enrolled in a formal course of instruction. Youth may visit the shop with a parental / legal guardian supervision. Please make staff aware ahead of time if you plan to supervise a minor in the shop.
- Replace consumables you use a lot of. If you just use small amounts of consumables (like sandpaper, glue, welding wire, etc) it’s considered part of your membership. If you use a lot of something, either replace it or put in some money towards replacing it. Consider covering the cost of damage done to tools and equipment.
- Only one person should be operating a machine at a time.
- Do not eat or drink on or near the machines.
- Ensure that you are working in a properly lit space. We have portable lighting to assist with this.
- Do not use compressed air on machines or yourself. It can damage the machines and can hurt you.
- Report lost or damaged equipment immediately.
- Check the Calendar. Members are expected to be understanding of the fact that our shop serves our students and members. Please pay attention to posted classes and events and adjust your work plan accordingly.
HatchSpace reserves the right to suspend privileges or remove anyone from the premises for violating safety or harassment policies.