From ECWiki
Overview and Layout
- The makerspace is split into 3 rooms (divided by clear curtains)
- The clean room contains Class 1 Tools: equipment that does not generate sawdust/sparks and are generally less powerful/dangerous. Equipment such as soldering irons, sewing machines, screen printing materials and craft materials can be used alone.
- The dirty room contains Class 2 Tools: handheld and floor standing power tools, compressed air, and air powered tools. These tools are more hazardous. When any such tools are in use in the dirty room, PPE must be worn at all times and there must always be at least two people in the makerspace.
- The storage room is only to be used to store raw materials such as wood. No tool use is permitted in this room.
Read Before Using The Space
Training & Access
- Access: Tap access to the makerspace is granted after training by ToolComm.
- Training: is conducted by toolcomm using the following curriculum: Makerspace Training Curriculum.
- The log of people who have received training can be found here: Training Log
- ToolComm is responsible for scheduling a few training sessions at the beginning of the semester. If you require training outside of the posted sessions, please contact [| ec-toolcomm@mit.edu]
- Any MIT community member is eligible to receive training. However, tap access is only granted to trained East Campus residents.
- MIT community members who have not received training are allowed to be in the makerspace and use Class 1 tools as long as they are accompanied by a trained person at all times. No one is permitted to use class 2 tools without training.
- If any tools are being used in the makerspace, at least one trained person must be present at all times.
- People who are not MIT community members may visit the makerspace but they are not permitted to use any equipment.
Shop Policies
- Buddy requirement: All class 2 tools and all tools in the Dust Room require a shop buddy present.
- Dress & PPE: Closed-toe shoes; no loose/dangling clothing or jewelry; long hair tied back. PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, hair ties, select gloves) is available. In the Dust Room: always wear eye & ear protection, no gloves.
- Training scope: Use only tools you are trained and comfortable using; help is always available. Failure to follow policies may result in loss of access.
- Materials: Wood only in the Dust Room. Plastics are situational; no metal work. Get approval before bringing outside chemicals.
- Cleanliness: Clean as you go; report large spills or messy equipment to ToolComm; don’t attempt unfamiliar cleanup on machines. Keep work tables clear (short glue-ups ok for a few hours).
- Communication: Report any damage or issues to ToolComm immediately.
- Governance & oversight: ToolComm manages the space, conducts weekly inspections, and liasons with EHS.
Safety Procedures
- Universal practices: Wear required PPE, secure work, use tools as intended, and stop if anything feels off. Weekly inspections and immediate hazard remediation are standard.
- Emergency readiness: First aid kit, fire extinguisher, sink & eyewash are on-site. Students are not encouraged to fight fires; alert ToolComm and MIT Police.
- Emergency numbers: MIT Police 617-253-1212 (or 100 from a campus phone). Know egress routes (entry door or outside door in storage).
- Inspections, maintenance, repairs: Weekly tool/space inspections by ToolComm; remove damaged tools from service; escalate to House Manager/EHS/MIT Police when required.
Incident Reporting
- For all hazards, near-misses, injuries, equipment incidents, inspections, and removals, create an entry on Makerspace Incident Log and follow external reporting requirements to EHS/Housing where applicable. Orientation materials include a quick refresher on when/whom to call in emergencies.
Who to Contact
- ToolComm (manages safety, training, inspections; EHS reps; weekly checks). See posted roster and email on signage.
If anything here conflicts with posted signs or ToolComm direction, defer to posted safety signage and ToolComm. For questions or corrections, contact ToolComm and update this page accordingly.
