Safety Guidelines

Safety Guidelines

Children's Use

Clothing

• Wear appropriate work attire - Comfortable clothing that won't get caught in machinery (work clothes, athletic wear, etc.)
• Keep cuffs and hems secured - Button cuffs, tuck hems into pants
• Avoid loose clothing - Baggy clothes, ties, scarves can get caught in machinery
• Remove accessories - Take off rings, necklaces, bracelets, watches
• Wear appropriate footwear - Sandals, Crocs, and high heels are prohibited. Wear sneakers or work shoes

Hair

• Tie back long hair - Hair longer than shoulder length must be tied back (ponytail, bun, etc.)
• Wear a work cap (recommended) - When using rotating machinery, we recommend wearing a work cap or headband

Critical Warning for Rotating Tools

• Applicable machines - Drills, lathes, drill presses, grinders, CNC mills, etc.
• Prevent entanglement - Never bring hands or clothing near rotating parts
• Check after stopping - Even after stopping the machine, wait for complete stop before touching

Equipment-Specific Safety

🔴 Laser Cutters

• Safety glasses required - Always wear safety glasses that correspond to the laser wavelength to prevent eye damage or blindness from laser light
• Ensure proper ventilation - Laser processing generates harmful gases and fumes. Always operate exhaust fans during processing and check that exhaust ducts are functioning properly before use
• Never leave machine unattended - Due to fire risk, always stay with the machine during operation
• Prohibited materials - PVC, mirrors, metals (except certain models) cannot be processed. They can produce toxic gas, damage the machine, or cause fires
• Know fire extinguisher location - Familiarize yourself with fire extinguisher locations in case of emergency

🟢 3D Printers

• Beware of hot parts - Nozzles and heated beds become very hot. Do not touch during operation
• Ensure ventilation - Melting plastic can produce odors. Maintain good ventilation
• SLA resin handling - Resin can cause skin irritation and allergies. Always wear gloves and wash immediately if contact occurs

🔵 CNC (Milling Machines)

• Beware of rotating tools - End mills and drills rotate at high speed. Never bring hands near
• Stay present during cutting - Monitor for abnormalities (unusual sounds, vibrations) by staying with the machine
• Handle chips carefully - Cut chips are sharp. Use a brush or vacuum, not bare hands
• Check material fixation - Ensure workpiece is securely fastened before starting

General Safety Rules

• Never leave machines unattended - For all equipment, stay present during operation
• Stop immediately if abnormal - If you notice unusual sounds, smells, or vibrations, stop the machine and report to staff
• Ask if unsure - If you don't know how to operate equipment, always ask staff. Improper operation can cause accidents
• Complete initial training - Complete equipment training before first use of each machine
• Don't work when unwell - Avoid operating machinery when sick or sleep-deprived
• Keep workspace tidy - Clean up tools and materials after use

For Safe Use

While FabLab Westharima provides safety training and maintains equipment, working with machinery such as laser cutters, CNC mills, and 3D printers involves inherent risks despite all precautions.

We recommend considering the following insurance for unforeseen accidents:

Anticipated Scenarios at FabLab

• Accidentally injuring another user during work
• Damaging facility equipment due to operational error
• Damaging another user's work or belongings due to carelessness

How to Obtain Coverage

Personal liability insurance can be obtained through:

• Adding a rider to existing home, auto, or accident insurance
• Credit card coverage (automatically included with some cards)
• Standalone products from insurance companies or cooperatives

For details, please contact your current insurance company or agent, or inquire with a local insurance provider.