Equipment Safety & Clearance Policy

Your safety, and the safety of everyone in the space, matters. To ensure everyone can work confidently and responsibly, all equipment in the makerspace requires clearance before use.

Clearance means you’ve been trained, tested, or approved to safely operate a specific tier of equipment. We use a simple color-coded system so members and staff can quickly see what tools you’re cleared to use.

How to Get Cleared on Equipment

Take A Class

Most classes automatically include clearance for the equipment used in that course.

  • If you complete the class and demonstrate safe use, you’ll be cleared for that tier.

  • Your clearance will be recorded in our system.

  • Not all classes include clearance — this will be clearly stated in the class description.

Pass a Skills Check (Testing Out)

Already experienced? You can request a skills check.

  • A staff member or instructor will review safe operation, setup, and shutdown.

  • You must demonstrate proper use and understanding of shop rules.

  • If approved, clearance is granted without taking the class.

Skills checks will be available during Open Studio time and by appointment.