There is no cost to being a member!

Current Washington University students, faculty, and staff are all eligible for free membership at the makerspace. Membership to the Spartan Light Metal Products Makerspace allows you to:

Makerspace Code of Conduct

ELIGIBILITY
  • Current Washington University undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and staff are all eligible for membership at the makerspace. Membership must be renewed annually and ends when the member’s association with the University ceases.
  • Membership and access to the makerspace is granted after completion of Makerspace Orientation and Safety Training.
  • Access may be revoked, at the discretion of the staff, for failure to observe the code of conduct.
  • Access to the makerspace is restricted to those who have become members or are accompanied by staff.
  • Training for specific equipment is available for all members. Training and staff approval are required to use the 3D printers, laser cutter, bandsaw, and drill press in the studio space.
  • Access to the Advanced Machine Shop space and equipment is limited to times when machine shop staff are present.  A Washington University ID card must be swiped to enter the machine shop from the studio space.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
  • Members keep each other safe.
  • Members use the makerspace’s resources to advance its mission.
  • The activities of members within the makerspace reflect the makerspace’s values.
  • Members create a safe and fun place to learn, make, and share by being good citizens of the makerspace’s physical resources and being courteous to other members and staff.
  • Members keep in mind their own and other members’ right to safety and a positive learning experience.
  • The studio and its facilities may only be used for non-commercial and non-profit purposes.
SAFETY
  • If there is an accident and someone is hurt in the makerspace:
    • Call 314-935-5555 from your mobile phone or 5-5555 from a campus phone.
    • Get help from staff. Do your best to provide assistance while the emergency response team arrives.
  • Follow all Washington University safety policies and procedures.
    • Follow all posted instructions and the directions of staff.
  • Do not do anything that is not safe. If there is any uncertainty about whether an activity is safe, please consult a staff member before proceeding.
  • If you see a fellow member doing something that might be unsafe, tell them.
  • If you see something dangerous in the makerspace, inform the other occupants of the Makerspace as well as the staff immediately.
  • Let the staff know immediately if any tools are broken or malfunctioning.
  • All accidents, including minor injuries, and all hazardous conditions or activities must be reported immediately to staff.
  • Chemicals, including paint and solvents, may not be brought into the makerspace without staff approval.
  • Only use tools and equipment that you are qualified to operate. If you are not absolutely sure about how to use a tool or piece of equipment, or you are not sure if you are qualified, ask a staff member for help.
ATTIRE

Appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment must be worn.

  • Closed-toed shoes must be worn in the makerspace. 
  • Remove scarves, jewelry, headphones, or any other loose clothing, and tie back long hair before operating power tools.
  • Safety glasses must be worn when operating tools or equipment.
  • For more information, refer to specific rules posted in each area of the studio
STUDIO ETIQUETTE
  • No food or drinks may be brought into the makerspace by members.
  • Tools and equipment can only be used in the makerspace and should not leave the Makerspace.
  • Use lockers for short-term storage of active projects:
    • No food or objects that produce fumes or odors should be stored in the lockers. If any such items are detected in a locker, all items will be removed and locker use terminated.
    • Daily-use lockers must be emptied before the makerspace closes each evening.
    • Weekly-use lockers must be either renewed or emptied before the specified end date.
    • Be mindful of other activities occurring nearby when you access the lockers.
  • Leave all spaces clean and organized:
    • Do not leave trash or personal belongings in the makerspace. Reclaim any forgotten items promptly from staff.
    • Return all equipment and furniture to default configurations when finished.
  • Leave the space clean for other members:
    • Projects should only be out when members are actively working.
    • Return tools and equipment to their designated storage location when you are done with them. 
    • Work areas should be swept, vacuumed, or wiped clean when finished.

Acknowledgments

These guidelines were adapted from those of the Center for Engineering Innovation and Design at Yale University.