Culture (adapted from Olin College's Shop Culture)
We-Lab is a shared space in which to learn, support, ask, help, and explore. Everyone in the space is responsible for working safely, asking for help, supporting others, ensuring this space is inclusive, and maintaining and improving the space.
To that end: ask for help when you don’t know how to do something. If an operation goes wrong, ask for help to figure out what happened and to fix anything that was broken. Things break as part of the learning process, and you’re not in trouble, but we need to know what happened in order to replace the object, identify why it broke, ensure safety, and maintain We-Lab for all.
Even if you’ve used a machine extensively before coming here, you still have to demonstrate your ability the same way that everyone else does, by training to use our machines the way that we have deemed safe.
People make We-Lab what it is. As a member of We-Lab, you have the power and responsibility to perpetuate the culture of inclusion, safety, and support.
We-Lab is generally open for use whenever the SC is open (during the semester, 8 am - midnight 7 days/week). Students may not be in the space alone - you must have a buddy. Please note that We-Lab is closed during class times and special events.
Safety Rules & Expectations1. Your safety is more important than any project: only use tools when you are alert and focused.
2. Never work alone.
If you are in We-Lab, another person must be with you.
3. Never give un-monitored access to this space … if you bring a buddy, you must stay with them for the entire time that they’re in the space and ensure that they follow all of the below rules. Show them the lab phones and remind them of the campus
police number: x5555.
4. Tools marked with a green sticker may be used without training (but you are always welcome
to ask for training). For all other tools, you must receive training from Amy, Larry, or a We-Lab Tech.
5.
Know where to find We-Lab safety equipment: phone, eye wash, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and fire alarm pull stations. Know how and when to use this equipment.
6.
Email Amy Banzaert to report broken, damaged, dull, worn, or missing tools, used up supplies, and suggestions for new tools and supplies for the lab.
7. Report any injuries and incidents (e.g. fires), no matter how minor, to Amy Banzaert and using the form(s) found here: https://www.wellesley.edu/facilities/ehs/accidents. For any injury requiring attention (get checked if you’re not sure), visit the Health Service (students) or a healthcare provider (non-students), or call Campus Police x5555 for immediate help.
8.
Always clean up the space if you are leaving for more than 20 minutes:
a.
Use project boxes labeled them with your name(s).
b.
Put tools away when you are finished using them. Tools must not be kept in project boxes.
c.
Put away all unused materials.
d.
Clean up any debris (sawdust, paper scraps, etc.), using the vacuum as needed.
e.
If it’s full, take out the recycling (discard in big blue bin near the elevators).
f.
Follow the campsite rule: leave the studio cleaner when you leave than when you arrived.
9.
This space has many unique resources. Don’t assume that anything is junk or free for use/taking without asking. Please respect others’ projects.
10.
Tools and materials may not be removed from the space without explicit, written permission from Amy Banzaert.
Personal Protective Equipment1. Eye protection must be worn in the machine shop section of the space at all times. In addition, use eye protection whenever there is a possibility of injury, due to what you or anyone else in the lab is doing. Safety glasses are located behind the main We-Lab door. Face shields (for people who wear glasses and don't want to put safety glasses on top) are to the right of the black tool chest.
2. Use ear protection as needed. Foam ear plugs are located
to the right of the black tool chest.
3. Tie back long hair, remove or tuck loose clothing, and remove loose jewelry, all of which can get caught by tools. Spare hair bands are located
to the right of the black tool chest.4. Nitrile gloves (for working with adhesives and paint) and work gloves (for carrying sharp material, NOT for using powered tools) can be found
to the right of the black tool chest. Request additional personal protective equipment as needed.
5. Wear closed toed shoes.
In signing this form, you will be automatically added to the email list
we-lab-members@wellesley.edu, which is used to announce safety issues and similar for this space. To retain OneCard access to this space, you must stay on this list and regularly check the messages.
Last updated 8/25/2025
