Member Handbook

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Welcome

A few sentences from the steering committee welcoming people to the makerspace. a statement of our purpose and guiding principles.

Structure of the Makerspace

Ipswich Makerspace is a Private Limited Company by guarantee. It was incorporated in July 2014

Below is an overview of the Ipswich Makerspace 'Operating Model' It describes the interaction between the various groups, these being:

  • Steering Committee
  • Operating Committee
  • Members

Please refer to Committee Responsibilities for detailed responsibilities.

Operating Model.png

Code Of Conduct

This code of conduct applies to your behaviour on all Ipswich Makerspace communication channels, and at any events that we run:

The Ipswich Makerspace is for adults. We therefore expect you to show respect for each other in everything you say and do. And we expect you to take responsibility for the consequences of your actions and words. Children are sometimes present at Makerspace events; it is particularly important that you model adult behaviour on those occasions.

Whenever you use any piece of Makerspace equipment, treat it with care, in accordance with any instructions you have received, and return it to its correct storage space before leaving the space. Report faults to any member of the Steering Committee.

People’s private lives are their own. Do not share details about others that they have not explicitly made public.

Although alcoholic drinks are allowed, you may not buy or sell alcoholic drinks on club premises. Persons who are obviously intoxicated will be asked to leave.

If you have any concerns about someone’s behaviour please speak to any member of the Steering Committee, or by emailing info@ipswichmakerspace.com

Rules

Rule Zero - Thou shalt not be aflame

A maker may not be on fire, cause a fellow maker to be on fire, or through inaction allow a fellow maker to be on fire.

Not just applicable to fire, this covers all forms of safety issues. We provide a range of PPE and it should be used when appropriate.

Some examples;

  • If using a Dremel cutting/grinding disc, you should wear glasses as the disc can shatter at great speeds with no warning.
  • When plugging your newly built BFG9000 into the mains for the first time, please ask someone to look over the circuit first, and use an RCD.
  • If you see someone using equipment incorrectly or unsafely, advise them carefully, and ideally before an incident occurs.

Safety

Comply with the Health and Safety, Training and Tool Usage Policy. If you do not know how to use an unregulated tool you must ask for the assistance of someone who does.

Whilst not restricted, correct use of a chisel or soldering iron will save both you and the tool from injury - some of these tools are surprisingly expensive. There will usually be someone willing to teach you.

Members must not operate hazardous equipment while their judgement or reaction times are impaired.

Whether due to alcohol, drugs, or any other condition.

Report any issues with health and safety or emergency equipment to the keyholder ASAP.

Raise any serious concerns to the Committee directly.

Premises

If something is broken, fix it. If dirty, clean it. If misplaced, tidy it.

If you can't, then report it.

If doing something non-trivial to the space itself then ask a committee member first.

This includes making more holes in the walls!

Tidy Up.

Clear up after yourself; put projects away, return tools to the correct locations, clear up piles of sawdust, wash up. Help with the general tidying (eg the bins, hoovering, cleaning the Workshop etc. is greatly appreciated.

Legalities

Compliance with UK law is assumed at all times.

Drugs, illegal weapons manufacture etc will not be tolerated.

Children and other small animals are welcome in the Space, as long as their owner clears up afterwards.

Under 16s may not enter the space without a responsible adult. Said responsible adult assumes all responsibility for the actions and safety of said minor. Anyone 16 or over may become a member, but unsupervised access for 16 and 17 year olds is at the discretion of the Committee, following an informal chat with parents/guardians.

Large animals are welcome by prior arrangement only.

After the 2016 incident, the surviving committee members unanimously voted via show of applicable limbs that velociraptors are no longer allowed, even on leads.

Materials & Finance

Equipment should be treated with care and respect.

If a tool is damaged while you're using it, you must tell the keyholder. If you damage a tool due to misuse the Committee may ask you to contribute time or money towards its replacement or repair - especially if the cause was avoidable and covered by training or on the Wiki.

Pay for consumables used

Including laser materials, printer filament, and tuck.

General supplies are usable by all members, within reason.

If you use something try to replace it or donate similar to the stockpiles, or chuck some money in a donation bucket. If the last of a consumable is used (or is about to be) please replace it, or add it to the Replenishment_requests.

All waste must be disposed of correctly.

Check material safety datasheets if you are unsure (eg. do not just pour acetone down the drain).

This includes using the correct bins for recycling and general waste.

Break this rule on Pain of Steve. A&E have ceased to see the funny side of extracting teabags from various orifices.

Keep your membership up to date.

Rent doesn't pay itself.

Possessions

Members are allowed to store personal items in the space, but they must be kept in your labelled box.

Empty boxes may be recycled for other members if needed. Sometimes more items (or larger items) may be allowed, but please note that space is limited. Bear in mind this is a public building and we cannot accept liability for articles left.

When donating items, consider carefully its true usefulness.

Disposal requires effort and space is limited. Seek permission for large items.

Don't remove anything from the Space which you didn't bring or make yourself.

Other than rubbish!

Items left on desk surfaces may be moved or disposed of.

Desk space is at a premium - be aware of this.

Health and Safety

Statement of intent

It is the general policy of Ipswich Makerspace to provide adequate control of the health and safety risks arising from our activities:

  • We will provide, maintain and oversee safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all members and visitors
  • We will provide such information and supervision as is needed for this purpose
  • We will implement suitable emergency procedures in case of fire or other significant incident
  • We will ensure safe handling and use of hazardous substances, in line with COSSH regulations
  • We will hold Public Liability Insurance

This policy will be reviewed and revised as necessary, no less than annually.

Responsibility

Overall and final responsibility for upholding the health and safety policy and carrying out any required risk assessments at events and activities organised by the Ipswich Makerspace lies with the Steering Committee. This responsibility may be delegated to a named volunteer for events or activities as deemed appropriate.

All members have a duty to:

  • co-operate with the Steering Committee on health and safety matters
  • not interfere with anything provided to safeguard their health and safety
  • take reasonable care of their own and others’ health and safety
  • use equipment correctly in accordance with instructions
  • only operate machines and equipment upon which they have been trained
  • report all health and safety concerns to an appropriate person.

Risk assessment

  • General Risk assessments of our permanent venue will be will be put in place and reviewed annually by the Steering Committee. Responsibility for observing the mitigation measures detailed in the risk assessment lies with all members.
  • Risk assessments for one-off events or activities will be carried out by the member who is planning that activity. That member is responsible for liaising with the volunteer in charge (may be the same person) to ensure hazards are dealt with as outlined in the risk assessment. This assessment does not have to be formal in nature, although significant hazards should be recorded on a written assessment; an appraisal of likely hazards and ways to mitigate them is all that will usually be required.

First aid and accidents

  • A First Aid Box (including eye-wash facilities) will be permanently located in the space, along with other personal protection equipment (goggles, ear-defenders, etc). The Committee are responsible for checking the contents every quarter.
  • All accidents are to be recorded in the Accident Book - the book is located by the first aid box inside the kitchen, completed records shall be kept locked away to comply with data regulations.

Fire

  • Suitable fire extinguishers will be located at key locations around the Space, easily accessible near potential hazards and highlighted on the fire plans located around the space.
  • A fire blanket will be present in the kitchen.
  • Fire extinguishers will be inspected annually and serviced as appropriate
  • Escape routes shall be well signed and kept clear at all times

Regulated and unregulated equipment

Some of the equipment is valuable, sensitive and/or dangerous (e.g. 3D printers, laser cutter, workshop power tools), and needs some measure of training to use safely and without causing damage to persons or property.  These items are to be indicated as such via red tape on the handles (or by the power buttons), differentiating them from all the minor tools (e.g. pliers, soldering iron).

  • Unregulated equipment can be used by anyone, subject to:
    • Be sensible; ask if you don’t know what you’re doing
    • You accept liability for any accidents (including damage to the equipment)
  • Regulated tools are only to be used by members, and only once they’ve had an induction from an appropriately skilled existing member, as per the training policy:
    • Consult the tool chart in that room to find members who can provide training - please contact them to arrange an induction
    • Once the induction is complete, you will need to self-certify that you feel competent to use the equipment - if you don’t feel competent, don’t use it!  
    • Some of the members may be able to provide additional guidance or support - contact them directly
    • The tool charts will be updated on a regular basis

Reasonable level of risk

We will take steps to avoid unnecessary risk and very high levels of risk. However, some activities inherently involve some risk. Learning about, and employing, risk management is a necessary part of “making”. We therefore aim to protect our members from unnecessary and high risk, and provide guidance and support to help members manage risk for themselves.


Fees and Payments

Details about when and how fees should be paid. Also include information on donations and founders bonds

Access and Security

key holder policy, what to do if you loose a key. parking

Web and Email Communication

information about wiki, facebook and mailing list.

Storage

Keiths storage policy

Children and Guests

our policy about bringing guests and children into the space

Intellectual Property

Ipswich Makerspace thrives on the interaction of its Members. The free exchange of ideas, improvements, techniques, and processes is a fundamental benefit of the Ipswich Makerspace community. Protection of intellectual property rights (of our members, of our community, and of other persons) is also an important feature of any operation. Each member understands that it is his/her own decision whether to divulge any information regarding a member’s ideas, designs, processes, and the like and that each member does so, or does not do so, voluntarily. Each member is responsible for the protection of their own intellectual property of whatever nature, and each member agrees that Ipswich Makerspace has no responsibility to protect any members’ intellectual property and no liability with respect to any member’s intellectual property.

Each member agrees that while at Ipswich Makerspace or using any of Ipswich Makerspace’s resources they will not knowingly infringe any intellectual property rights of another member or any third party, and if advised that any member activity does infringe any such rights the member will immediately cease the infringing activity. No equipment, space, computers, or other resources of Ipswich Makerspace will be used in any way to infringe the intellectual property rights of others (including, specifically, the counterfeiting or duplication of any third-party’s products or designs).

Appendicies

Constitution

  1. NAME
    a) The name of the Makerspace shall be Ipswich Makerspace, hereafter referred to as the Makerspace.
  2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
    a) The aims and objectives of the Makerspace shall be:
    i.To provide shared facilities that enable members to meet, learn, swap skills, and work on projects either as individuals or collaboratively;
    ii.To promote and encourage craft, technical, scientific and artistic skills through social collaboration and education.
    iii.To organize and host workshops and events focused on teaching specific or broad skills related to tinkering, using tools, and making things to members and the community
  3. EQUALITY STATEMENT
    a) The Makerspace is fully committed to the principles of the equality of opportunity. No participant, volunteer, job applicant or employee of the Makerspace will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, colour, disability, ethnic origin, parental or marital status, religious belief, social class or sexual preference than any other;
    b) The Makerspace will regard discrimination by any member, participant or volunteer as grounds for disciplinary action under the relevant Makerspace rules.
  4. POWERS
    a) To further its objectives the Makerspace may do all such lawful things as may further the Makerspace’s objectives and, in particular, the Makerspace has power:
    i. to raise funds, and to open a bank account to manage such funds;
    ii. to buy, take on lease or in exchange, hire or otherwise acquire any property and to maintain and equip it for use;
    iii. to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the property belonging to the Makerspace;
    iv. to enter into any partnership or joint venture arrangement with any other Makerspaceor organisation;
    v. to publicise and promote the work of the Makerspace and organise meetings, training courses, events or seminars;
    vi. to employ staff, engage consultants, and take on volunteers as necessary.
    vii. to enter into contracts or agreements for services provided to the Makerspace.
  5. MEMBERSHIP
    a) Membership and access to the benefits of membership, hereafter referred to as the Benefits, shall be open to all on payment of relevant fees (if applicable);
    b) The Makerspace may determine categories of membership, assign members to a category and determine the Benefits between such categories
    c) All members will be subject to the regulations of the Constitution and by joining the Makerspace will be deemed to accept these regulations and codes of practice that the Makerspace has adopted
    d) The Steering Committee shall have the power to refuse membership to an applicant, where it is considered such membership would be detrimental to the aims, purposes or activities of the Makerspace.
    e) The Steering Committee shall have the power to terminate the membership of a member for any behaviour in violation of the regulations or codes of practice. Notice of this termination shall be made in writing to the member.
    f) Any member of the Makerspace may resign their membership by giving to the Secretary written notice to that effect.
  6. FEES
    a) The rate of fees will be managed by the Steering Committee. Members shall be given 2 months advance notice of changes to the fees;
    b) The current rates of fees shall be prominently publicised;
    c) Fees shall be payable in advance in order to access the Benefits;
    d) Any Member who has unpaid fees in excess of 6 months may, at the discretion of the Steering Committee, have their membership and all associated rights, privileges and benefits revoked;
  7. MEMBERS RESPONSIBILITIES
    a) All members are responsible for their own safety, they should read and understand the Health and Safety Policy, together with the operating instructions for any equipment andtools they plan to use. Members who identify any Health and Safety risk, or any act or omission, that could harm members or bring the Makerspace into disrepute should rectify it and / or report it to a Committee member immediately;
    b) Members should satisfy themselves that they have adequate insurance to cover themselves for their personal injury and liabilities when undertaking their activities;
    c) Membership of the Makerspace is conditional upon:
    i. providing up-to-date contact details including name, address, phone number and email address (personal data will only be retained as is necessary for the purposes of the Makerspace, and will thereafter be securely erased);
    ii. abiding by all of the rules of the Makerspace and the reasonable directions of the Steering Committee, including but not limited to the Makerspace's Health & Safety Policy.
  8. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
    a) Directors of the Makerspace may appoint other Directors, by majority agreement of the existing Directors, at any General Meeting;
    b) Directors must appoint additional Directors until there are a minimum of three Directors;
    c) The Officers of the Makerspace shall be:
    i. Chair;
    ii. Secretary;
    iii. Treasurer.
    d) The Officers shall be appointed by the Directors at a General Meeting;
    e)All Directors and Officers shall be Members of the Makerspace;
    f) Directors may also serve as Officers.
  9. STEERING COMMITTEE
    a) The Makerspace will be managed through the Steering Committee;
    b) The Steering Committee shall consist of
    i. the Directors;
    ii. the Officers;
    iii. any Members appointed by the Directors.
    c) All Steering Committee members shall be Members of the Makerspace;
    d) The Steering Committee shall meet at intervals determined by the business of the Makerspace and a quorum shall be 3 members of the current Steering Committee on the day the meeting is held, of whom at least 1 shall be Directors of the Makerspace;
    e) Only members of the Steering Committee have the right to vote at meetings of the Steering Committee;
    f) The Steering Committee will be responsible for adopting new policy, codes of practice and rules that affect the Makerspace;
    g) The Steering Committee will be responsible for the financial affairs of the Makerspace including but not limited to setting budgets, allocating funds and maintaining accounts;
    h) The Steering Committee shall be empowered to appoint sub-committees and co-opt members as may be required from time to time for any special purpose or purposes;
    i) The Steering Committee will be responsible for disciplinary hearings of members who infringe the Makerspace rules/regulations/constitution;
    j) The Steering Committee will be responsible for taking any action of suspension or discipline following such hearings.
  10. OPERATIONAL COMMITTEE
    a) The Operational Committee will handle the practical aspects of running the Makerspace,including but not limited to such matters as construction, maintenance, installation and improvements, as instructed by the Steering Committee;
    b) Operational Committee Members shall be appointed by the Directors as required;
    c) All Operational Committee members shall be Members of the Makerspace;
    d) Steering Committee Members may also serve as Operational Committee Members.
    e) The Steering Committee will maintain oversight of the Operational Committee and may act to limit or override its decisions.
  11. GENERAL MEETINGS
    a) Member Voting:
    i. Every member shall have one vote at General Meetings;
    ii. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution a resolution put to member vote by the Chair at a General Meeting shall be decided upon by a show of hands, or paper ballot. Any such resolutions must be agreed by a majority of members present. In thecase of equality of votes the Chair shall have a second or casting vote;
    iii. The quorum for General Meetings will be 20% of membership on the day of the meeting, of whom at least 3 shall be Steering Committee members and at least 1 shall be Directors of the Makerspace.
    b) General Meetings:
    i. Any member may submit items to the agenda of General Meetings. To consider any resolution submitted by a member, any such Resolution shall be sent to the Chair duly proposed and seconded at least 14 days before the date of the General Meeting;
    ii. General Meetings of the Makerspace shall take place on a regular basis, at a minimum of every 12 months;
    iii. The purpose of these meetings is to ensure that Members are given the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process of the Makerspace, review the business planning and management processes and to ensure the Makerspace manages itself in accordance with its Constitution.
    c) Annual General Meetings:
    i. The Makerspace shall in each calendar year hold a general meeting of the Members as its Annual General Meeting (AGM);
    ii. The AGM shall take place no later than three months after the end of the financial year;
    iii. The business of an AGM shall comprise, where appropriate:
    (1) Consideration of accounts and balance sheets;
    (2) Approval of an annual operating plan;
    (3) Approval of a schedule of delegated matters and committee appointments.
    d) Calling a General Meeting:
    i. Directors of the Makerspace, may, in writing, call a General Meeting.
    ii. All General Meetings shall be called giving 28 clear days’ notice to all Members but may be held at shorter notice if so agreed in writing by a majority of the Steering Committee together comprising not less than 50% of the total membership of the Steering Committee.
    iii. It shall be the responsibility of the Steering Committee to arrange and publicise a date, time, a venue and an agenda for each meeting;
    iv. The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to, or non-receipt of notice of a meeting by any member shall not invalidate proceedings at that meeting.
    e) It shall be the responsibility of the Chair to chair all General Meetings or a designated deputy in his/her absence. All General Meetings must be minuted and the minutes shall be available to all members of the Makerspace.
  12. FINANCE
    a) The financial year of the Makerspace will run from 6th of April and end on the 5th April the following year.
    b) Any money acquired by the Makerspace, including donations, contributions and bequests, shall be paid into an account operated by the Steering Committee in the name of the Makerspace. All funds must be applied to the objectives of the Makerspace and for no other purpose;
    c) Bank accounts shall be opened in the name of the Makerspace;
    d) Any income/expenditure shall be the responsibility of the Treasurer who will be accountable to ensure funds are utilised effectively and that the Makerspace stays within budget;
    e) Official accounts shall be maintained and will be presented at the Annual General Meeting. The accounts will be available to all members upon request.
  13. FOUNDERS BONDS
    a) Each Member of the Makerspace is invited to lend to the Makerspace such money as they can afford
    b) Loans will be accepted in units of £100 each
    c) One numbered Founder's Bond Certificate will be issued to the Member for each unit of £100 lent
    d) Each loan will be for a minimum of three years, after which it will be repayable within 3months of the Member's resignation from Membership of the Makerspace or to the Member's estate on death or in such other circumstances as the Steering Committee may in its absolute discretion determine
    e) Founder's Bond holders will rank as ordinary creditors of the Makerspace
    f) Founder's Bond holders will become Foundation Members in place of the existing category of their membership
    g) The annual subscription rate for Foundation Members will be the annual subscription rate for the time being applicable to the former category of membership less an amount equal to 3 per cent of the value of the Founder's Bonds held, up to the value of the annual subscription
  14. DISCIPLINE AND APPEALS
    a) All complaints regarding the behaviour of members should be submitted in writing to the Steering Committee;
    b) The Steering Committee will meet to hear complaints within 28 days of a complaint being lodged. The Steering Committee has the power to take appropriate disciplinary action including the termination of membership if the complaint is upheld;
    c) The outcome of a disciplinary hearing will be notified in writing to the person who lodged the complaint and the Member(s) against whom the complaint was made within 28 days of the hearing;
    d) There will be the right of appeal to the Steering Committee following disciplinary action being notified. The Steering Committee will consider the appeal within 28 days of the Steering Committee receiving the appeal. The appeal must be lodged within 7 days of initial outcome being notified, to the Steering Committee;
    e) The Steering Committee or the Member against whom the complaint was made has the right to have the appeal heard by 3 members of the Makerspace who have not been involved in the complaint in the first stage.
  15. ALTERATION OF THE CONSTITUTION
    a) Amendments to this Constitution must be conveyed to the Secretary formally in writing. The Steering Committee shall then decide on the date of a meeting to discuss such proposals;
    b) This Constitution may only be altered by a majority vote at a Steering Committee Meeting and if an amended copy is subsequently circulated to all Members within 28 days;
  16. DISSOLUTION
    a) The Makerspace may be dissolved if deemed necessary by the Steering Committee in a majority vote at a General Meeting;
    b) Once all debts and costs of dissolution have been paid, any donated assets shall initially be offered back to their original donators. Any remaining assets or remaining funds will be transferred to local charities or similar Makerspaces at the discretion of the Steering Committee.