Fab Lab Safety & Emergency Manual

Purpose of This Document

This document establishes blanket emergency response procedures and general safety rules for the Fab Lab. It is intended to:

• Protect users, staff, and visitors from injury
• Reduce damage to equipment and facilities
• Provide clear, calm guidance during emergencies
• Standardize responses across all machines and activities

This document does not replace machine-specific Safety or Operations Manuals. Always follow the most restrictive rule available.

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Scope & Applicability

This document applies to:

• All Fab Lab equipment (3D printers, laser cutters, CNC tools, electronics benches, etc.)
• All users regardless of experience level
• All operational hours, including supervised and unsupervised use (if allowed)

General Safety Principles

All Fab Lab users must follow these core principles at all times:

1. Safety over productivity – no print, part, or deadline is worth injury.
2. If unsure, stop – pause work and ask staff.
3. One operator at a time per machine unless explicitly permitted.
4. Never bypass guards, interlocks, or safety systems.
5. In general, if an injury occurs, use the equipment in the safety area and call emergencies services if needed.

Required Conduct & Attire

4.1 Personal Conduct

• No horseplay, running, or distractions near equipment
• Stay alert; do not operate equipment when tired, impaired, or distracted

Required Attire (All Areas)

• Wear appropriate clothing for each machine’s use

• Defined in the machine-specific safety manuals

• Confirm with the machine’s manufacturer’s documents

PPE (As Required by Task)

• Safety glasses
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Cut-resistant gloves
• All other PPE specified in machine specific safety manuals

Emergency Response – General Rules

In any emergency situation:

1. Stop the activity and machine immediately if safe to do so
2. Move to a safe distance from the hazard
3. Alert Fab Lab staff immediately
4. Do not resume work until cleared by staff

If staff are unavailable or the situation is severe, follow institutional emergency procedures.

Fire Emergencies

If You See Fire or Smoke

• Stop the machine if safe
• Do NOT open enclosed machines if fire is internal
• Alert staff immediately
• Activate building fire alarm if fire grows or spreads
• Evacuate if instructed

IF YOU SEE AN OPEN FLAME, USE THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Electrical Emergencies

Includes sparks, exposed wiring, electrical burning smell, or shocks.

What to Do:

• Stop the machine immediately
• Do not touch exposed components
• Disconnect power only if safe
• Notify staff

Do not attempt electrical repairs.

Mechanical Emergencies

Includes entanglement, crushing, unexpected motion, or tool breakage.

What to Do:

• Use Emergency Stop if available
• Step away from the machine
• Do not attempt to free stuck parts while powered
• Notify staff immediately

Thermal & Burn Injuries

Includes hot surfaces, molten material, heated tools, or lasers.

What to Do:

• Stop the machine
• Avoid contact with hot components
• Use appropriate PPE if assisting others
• For burns, use the first aid kit as needed

Chemical & Air Quality Emergencies

Includes fumes, strong odors, resin spills, solvent exposure, or dust.

What to Do:

• Stop the process
• Increase ventilation if safe
• Avoid breathing fumes
• Notify staff immediately
• Evacuate if instructed

IF YOUR PROJECT IS EMITTING FUMES OR THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE, IT WILL GET SHUT DOWN

Medical Emergencies & First Aid Procedures

This section defines approved first aid actions that may be taken in the Fab Lab. Users must only provide first aid within their level of training. Do not exceed your qualifications.

General Rules for First Aid

• Stop work immediately and secure the area
• Do not place yourself in danger
• Wear gloves if bodily fluids are present
• Do not administer medication
• Do not move injured persons unless necessary to prevent further harm
• Notify Fab Lab staff immediately

Minor Cuts & Abrasions

Examples: small cuts from tools, sharp edges, filament

Procedure:

1. Stop work and notify staff
2. Wash hands or wear gloves
3. Clean wound with water or antiseptic wipe
4. Apply sterile bandage
5. Seek additional medical care if bleeding persists

Burns (Thermal or Contact Burns)

Examples: hot nozzles, heated beds, hot materials

Procedure:

1. Stop the machine if safe
2. Use the first aid kit as needed
3. Notify staff and seek medical attention for severe burns

Eye Injuries

Examples: debris, dust, splashes

Procedure:

1. Do not rub the eye
2. Use eyewash station if needed
3. Notify staff immediately
4. Seek medical assistance

Foreign object in eye:

1. Do not attempt to remove
2. Cover the working eye
3. Place a cup over the punctured eye if possible
4. Notify Staff immediately
5. Seek medical assistance

Fume or Particle Inhalation

Examples: plastic fumes, dust exposure

Procedure:

1. Stop the process
2. Move the affected person to fresh air
3. Loosen tight clothing
4. Notify staff
5. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist (dizziness, coughing, nausea)

Crush, Pinch, or Entanglement Injuries

Examples: moving machinery, pinch points

Procedure:

1. Activate Emergency Stop if applicable
2. Do not attempt to reverse machinery
3. Call for staff assistance immediately
4. Apply pressure to control bleeding if trained
5. Call emergency services for serious injuries

Severe or Life-Threatening Injuries

Examples: heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness, suspected fractures

Procedure:

• Call emergency services per institutional protocol immediately
• Do not leave the injured person unattended
• Follow instructions from emergency responders

For Any Injury:

• Stop work immediately
• Alert staff
• Do not leave injured person unattended

Severe Injuries:

• Call emergency services per institutional protocol
• Provide first aid if able to

Evacuation Procedures

• Stop all active work
• Follow exit signs

Prohibited Actions (Zero Tolerance)

• Operating equipment without authorization
• Bypassing safety systems
• Unauthorized repairs or modifications
• Using unapproved materials
• Ignoring staff instructions
• Horseplay/Recklessness

Responsibilities

Users

• Follow all safety rules
• Ask questions when unsure
• Report hazards immediately

Staff

• Enforce safety rules
• Respond to emergencies
• Maintain equipment safety