Code of conduct

The Code of Conduct are the rules that all members of the Maker Shop Boise agree to abide by when at the shop.

They are as follows:

  1. Golden Rule: RESPECT ALL PEOPLE, equipment and space.

  2. Personal Protective Equipment and Dress Code (Exception: during public/private events (ex. Open House, company team-bonding events, maker’s markets) where tools are not in use).

    1. FOOTWEAR: Closed toed shoes are required at all times.  Soft soles and stable platforms provide the most secure footing. No high heels or open-toed shoes. 

    2. CLOTHING: Nothing on your person should hang away from the body. Loose sleeves, pant legs, watches, scarves, etc pose a safety risk and should be secured before entering the workspace. Long pants will protect you from debris and are highly recommended.  

    3. JEWELRY: Studs on the ears and face are fine. Bracelets, rings, necklaces, and watches are recommended to be removed. 

    4. WEAR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) Be smart & aware by using PPE suitable for the work at hand, (i.e face shield when turning, eye/ear protection, boots,  PPE is readily available – please ask if you are unable to find the equipment you need! Ear protection is highly recommended as the shop is very noisy and permanent hearing loss can occur. 

  3. Prohibited Activities

    1. Being under the influence of, and/or consuming alcohol is prohibited. (Exception: at sanctioned events as designated by management. No power tools may not be operated during such events.

    2. Being under the influence of, and/or consuming drugs is prohibited.

    3. No smoking or vaping allowed indoors, nor within 25 feet from the building.

    4. No eating or drinking on or near the machines or at workstations. Food and drink are okay in the Classroom.

  4. Cleaning and Care of the Space

    1. Leave your work area cleaner than you found it. 

    2. Tools should be organized, please put them back in their proper place.

    3. Clean up any spills immediately & appropriately.

    4. Please take care of “difficult to deal with” trash and do not leave for others to clean up. Items that cannot be fit in standard sized trash or recycling bins should be disposed of in the dumpster. 

    5. If you leave a mess behind, you may be contacted to return and clean it up, or at risk of the “strike” policy.

    6. Leaving something overnight: put it safely out of the way and leave a note with your name and the date. DO NOT leave projects for more than 3 days without management’s consent, or you may be charged for storage. Staff at Maker Shop reserve the right to move projects as needed.

  5. Tool Safety

    1. If a piece of equipment is broken, or operating outside of normal functions, please unplug the machine and inform the staff immediately. Do not attempt repairs without asking for approval from the staff.

    2. You must gain approval by way of a Safety Checkout before you can use power tools. Safety Checkouts are administered by Maker Shop staff. Tool certifications are conducted between staff and members; these can be scheduled and performed at a scheduled date if necessary. If you need training on a piece of equipment, ask a staff member that is trained on that equipment for help.

    3. Do not take risks when operating equipment. If you are unsure about a course of action, ask a staff member.

    4. Do not move heavy/large materials without help. Save your back and ask staff or members as needed.

    5. Do not leave machines running while unattended.

    6. Do not attempt to stop running equipment with any part of your body or other materials. Use the power switch or unplug it.

    7. Be aware of all equipment and people around you, especially moving parts.

    8. Check that all pieces and tooling are properly secured before operating equipment. (i.e fences, featherboards, stops, clamps etc.) 

    9. Remove all chuck keys, wrenches, and other tools from the machinery after making adjustments. 

    10. Work with a partner when appropriate–do not try to move heavy objects nor support heavy pieces by yourself.

    11. Only one person should be operating a machine at a time. 

    12. Pay attention to the machinery. Something that does not feel or sound right is likely not working right. 

    13. No thin kerf table saw blades, they’re not approved for use by SawStop ©

  6. Use of Resources/Consumables

    1. When using large quantities of consumables, such as CA glue, sandpaper, tape, etc, please consider purchasing your own supply, and/or replace some or all of what you’ve used, or make a donation.

    2. If a machine’s consumable (blade, sawstop brake, sandpaper, etc) is damaged from misuse you will be asked to contribute towards a replacement. Drum sander and other larger sanding fixtures will have 100 grit sandpaper on them provided by Maker Shop. If you wish to use another grit, you will need to provide those materials.

    3. If you wish to use a different blade than mounted on the machine please notify a staff member. If we do not have the blade you wish to use then it will need to be provided by you and approved by a staff member for use.

    4. Shop consumables can be used but it is preferred that members bring their own, or purchase the needed materials from the nearby Woodcraft, D&B, or Lowes.

  1. Project and Materials Storage

    1. Keep your belongings within your locker if you have one. Ask staff for availability, if you don’t have one. Anything left out of your personal storage space is liable to be moved at any time by the staff. 

    2. Stow materials, tools, and scrap appropriately. Do not pose a tripping hazard or put tools at risk for damage.

    3. Do not store anything inside or outside without permission from the staff. Anything left inside or outside with no name on it will be disposed of if left for more than 2 weeks.

    4. Any tools left in the space must be approved by staff.

  2. Cart Use

    1. Carts are intended for moving tools and material. They may be used as temporary working stations but Maker Shop Boise reserves the right to move all materials and tools off the cart if they deem necessary. Tools are not to be left on the cart overnight without staff permission. 

Being a Courteous Member

We are a community workspace, and one of the sources of our strength as an organization is a diversity of perspectives. We are made up of members from many backgrounds and abilities. Please help us to keep this place welcoming to everyone, and keep the following in mind as you interact with others:

  1. Be respectful of those around you; avoid language or actions that might make others uncomfortable. 

  2. Intimidation, bullying, harassment, (specifically including sexual harassment) will NOT be tolerated.

  3. If you are offering help to someone, please understand that some people may prefer to work or learn on their own. Speak as if to an equal, and if your offer is declined, accept it gracefully.

  4. Be understanding if someone suggests that how you are working may present a safety concern; this is a community responsibility. Refer the concern to Maker Shop staff if you disagree.

  5. Radios and speakers are not to be used, this is a public space and we don't all agree on what to listen to. Bring your headphones if you wish to listen to something. 

Communication is important in all communities. If someone is making you uncomfortable, point it out to them. If someone expresses a concern to you, please be receptive. If you need help, feel unsafe, or need to express a concern privately, please speak with the Manager. They will assist, or connect you with the right person to help.  

10. Additional Conduct

  1. Notify staff of any problem with the facility, machines, or other members in the space as soon as you notice them. Contact info can be found on the bulletin board in the Classroom.

  2. No Router Sleds, they are too noisy, dirty, and disruptive for our community space. Hinterland MFG at Woodcraft Boise provides surfacing services.

  3. Classes and Events: Members are expected to be courteous when there are events taking place and not create excessive noise or inconvenience to attendees. Look at the calendar and plan noisy work around these events to help make people’s class experience the best.

  4. Volunteering: We encourage all members to give back to the community however they can, be it through taking time to clean an area, helping to maintain the equipment.

  5. Lost and Found: There is a bin located in the Classroom for placing abandoned/lost projects or items. Items abandoned for 30 days may be disposed of.

  6. Visitors are welcome! Members are encouraged to bring in friends and family to give them a tour of the shop. A member bringing someone in is responsible for their safety, and must inform people they are not to touch the power tools.

  7. Buddy Pass: You may bring a friend to work with you for a day for $15. This price is limited to two times use for non members. You will be responsible for their safety, as well as if they do any damage to the tools or the facility. They must sign a safety waiver.

  8. Donations of supplies/tools/materials to the shop must be approved by our management team. Things that show up out of nowhere will be put in the Lost and Found or disposed of.

  9. Report any lost RFID badges, tools, or machinery immediately.

    *Changes to the Code of Conduct may be made from time to time, with or without notice. By continuing your membership you agree to abide by any such changes.  It is your responsibility to stay up to date on the latest additions to our Code of Conduct.

Strike Policy and Failure to Follow Rules

All members are asked to follow the rules outlined in the “Code of Conduct”. Members that do not comply will be given a warning, or a “strike”. After three “strikes” membership status will be revoked and no refund will be given.

Date: 12/9/2022