Manuals & Guides

START HERE

Ask before you guess.

You do not need to be an expert. Introduce yourself, find out what is happening, ask questions and learn from the people already using the space.

First visit checklist

• Introduce yourself to someone in the space.
• Ask what activities, workshops or projects are happening.
• Find out which areas and tools you are allowed to use.
• Ask another member if you are unfamiliar with a tool or process.
• Keep your work area organised and leave it ready for the next person.

Before using a tool

1. Know what it does. Read the label or guide and understand the intended use.
2. Ask if you are new to it. Another member can show you the safe operating procedure.
3. Inspect it. Look for damaged cables, loose parts, broken guards or other hazards.
4. Use the right protection. Wear appropriate eye, hearing, hand or respiratory protection where required.
5. Power down after use. Switch off, unplug or isolate equipment when the activity is complete, as appropriate.

The same rule applies to borrowing: know where the item belongs, return it clean and complete, and report anything that needs repair or replacement.

Lab practice

• Label test equipment and cables when building a temporary setup.
• Ask before changing shared network configurations.
• Use isolated test networks for experiments that could affect other devices.
• Do not plug unknown devices into shared infrastructure without checking first.
• Document IP addresses, configurations and changes so the next person can understand your setup.
• Restore shared equipment to the agreed configuration after an experiment.
• Power down equipment when required and keep ventilation clear.

Electronics Bench & Components

Test & Measurement

Bench rules

• Check polarity and connections before applying power.
• Use a current-limited supply when appropriate.
• Keep liquids away from electronics and power supplies.
• Use soldering equipment only after receiving appropriate guidance.
• Turn off and allow hot equipment to cool before putting it away.
• Keep component drawers and shared materials organised.
• If you are unsure how to use an instrument, ask another member rather than guessing.

Measurement practice

• Understand the measurement you are about to make before connecting probes.
• Use the correct measurement mode and range.
• Never exceed the instrument's voltage or current ratings.
• Ask an experienced member if you are unsure about a connection.
• Do not modify shared test equipment or its calibration settings without permission.
• Turn off equipment and return probes and leads neatly after use.

3D printing

• Confirm that the printer is available and not being used by someone else.
• Check the material, nozzle, build plate and filament path.
• Ask for an orientation if you have never operated the printer.
• Keep hands away from moving and hot parts.
• Do not leave a failed or dangerous print running unattended.
• Remove your print and clean the build area when finished.
• Power down only according to the printer's normal shutdown procedure.

CNC, machine tools & digital fabrication

• Use guards and emergency-stop controls as instructed.
• Wear required PPE and secure loose clothing, hair and jewellery.
• Keep hands clear of cutting, drilling and moving mechanisms.
• Check the material is suitable for the machine and securely fixed.
• Keep the work area clear of unnecessary people and objects.
• Switch off or isolate equipment before cleaning, changing tooling or clearing a jam.
• Clean the machine and surrounding area after use.

Crafts, art & textiles

• Choose a workspace suitable for cutting, gluing, painting, sanding or other processes.
• Ask before using unfamiliar powered tools or chemicals.
• Provide ventilation when a process creates fumes, dust or strong odours.
• Ask for an orientation before using an unfamiliar sewing machine.
• Keep fingers away from needles and moving mechanisms.
• Switch off sewing equipment before threading, changing a needle or clearing a jam.
• Store fabric, offcuts and sharp tools safely.
• Clean lint, scraps and other waste from the work area after use.

Materials & digital fabrication practice

• Confirm that the material is compatible with the machine and process.
• Use the correct settings for the material and process.
• Ask for machine-specific training before using unfamiliar equipment.
• Do not bypass interlocks, guards or ventilation systems.
• Stay aware of heat, moving parts, fumes, dust and fire risks.
• Inspect the finished work and clean the machine before leaving.

• Handle cables, connectors, projectors and controllers carefully.
• Ask before changing the shared media setup.
• Keep food and drinks away from sensitive electronics.
• Set appropriate volume levels for the space and surrounding activities.
• Power off projectors and other equipment using their normal shutdown process.
• Return controllers, cables and accessories to their labelled storage locations.

Before, during and after preparing food

• Wash hands and keep preparation surfaces clean.
• Use appropriate utensils and handle knives, heat and appliances carefully.
• Ask for help if you are unfamiliar with a cooker, oven, microwave, blender or other kitchen equipment.
• Do not leave cooking equipment operating unattended when doing so creates a safety risk.
• After preparing a meal, switch off appliances and equipment that should be turned off.
• Clean utensils, surfaces and equipment after use and return them to their proper locations.
• Dispose of food waste appropriately and do not leave spoiled food in shared storage.
• Respect allergies, dietary restrictions and other members' food.

• Use intentionally vulnerable or isolated systems for practice.
• Do not collect or expose another person's credentials or private data.
• Keep experiments separated from shared production infrastructure.
• Document what you changed so systems can be restored.
• Report vulnerabilities responsibly rather than exploiting them.
• Ask another member if you are unsure whether an activity is authorised.

1. Propose. Explain what the activity is, who it is for and what it needs.
2. Check the space. Confirm timing, capacity, equipment and safety requirements.
3. Prepare. Make sure tools, materials, instructions and facilitators are ready.
4. Run the event. Welcome participants, explain safety and help newcomers.
5. Close. Clean the space, return equipment and shut down anything that should be off.
6. Document. Capture useful notes, photos where appropriate, outputs and lessons for future events.