Rules and Regulations

HackPGH Rules, Regulations, and Everything in Between! (updated May 2018)

Membership

• Members have 24/7 access to the shop.
• To be considered a member in good standing, one must:
  • Be over eighteen years of age.
  • Pay dues in a timely fashion.
  • Keep up with organization news by attending members' meetings and/or reading the meeting minutes.
  • Always read the BoardBot announcements.
  • Attend at least one shop clean every quarter, or some other qualifying volunteer activity (such as garbage/recycling duty, event volunteering, etc.).
  • Have less than three strikes.
• All members will have access to HackPGH's Slack Channel. There, you can chat with other members, contact the board, get help on a project, and much more!
  • Most announcements are done through Slack. You can install the Slack app on your smartphone or on your personal computer. Contact a board member or the IT lead if you need help installing the program.

Guests

• Guests must sign a waiver of liability to be in the shop. There is a separate waiver for children.
• Guests cannot use tools or equipment unless they are taking a class.
• Guests must be accompanied by a member in good standing, except during public events, open tours, or classes.
• Only HackPGH members can use shop tools and equipment (Certain classes offered by HackPgh may allow exceptions for this)
• Visitors and individuals attending classes must follow all shop rules and guidelines
• No one under the age of 18 is allowed in the shop (including during classes) unless accompanied by an adult parent or guardian.
• Children under the age of seven are not permitted in the shop.
  • Children under 12 are generally not allowed on the dirty side unless specifically taking a class.

Conflict Resolution

We abide by the Bill and Ted philosophy: "Be excellent to one another." However, we understand that with a growing membership and a growing shop, disagreements and mistakes happen.

• HackPGH has a Strike Policy to reinforce safety and harmony in the shop.
  • A member will receive one strike if they break one of the rules listed herein or if and when the Board deems it necessary.
  • The strike remains in place for six months.
  • After three months, the member's slate is clean unless they break another rule within the original six-month period.
  • Three strikes and you are OUT.
  • A member with any number of strikes may not run for a position on the Board of Directors.
  • The Board has the discretion to revoke the membership of anyone who is not obeying the rules of the shop.
• Confrontation and Anonymous reporting
  • Anyone can ask anyone else to stop and verify that what they are doing is safe.
  • Is someone bothering you? Talk to them about it -- and be excellent while doing so. This is a pretty important step, and it usually has the desired effect. It should not be skipped if at all possible.
  • Did that not work? Seek assistance from one of the Board Members by either pulling them aside or emailing info @ our domain.org. The Board will respond to you within 24 hours.
  • If you wish to report harassment anonymously or privately, use this contact form https://hackpgh.org/report/
  • Anonymously reporting should only be used for grievous rule-breaking and/or harassment.

Shop Storage, Donations, and Parking Tags

• Every member may keep personal tools and project materials in either a locker or bin.
  • HackPGH is NOT a storage facility! Members (and former members) with multiple bins, lockers, or untagged items will be notified to remove their property as soon as possible.
  • We cannot guarantee the safety of your personal items. Use a lock on your locker or take your items home.
• Project materials and personal tools that cannot fit in a bin must be clearly marked by one of the Parking Tags listed below and are subject to time limitations.
• As a 501(c)3, HackPGH is always on the lookout for tools and useful materials to help our members Make! We will happily provide a tax-deduction receipt to anyone who donates money or tools to our space. However, there is a difference between donation and storage. Do NOT bring items for donation unless you have approval from a board member.
  • If the items are not approved by the Board and/or accepted by another member, they cannot be brought into the shop! Try contacting Construction Junction if your local waste management department will not haul away the material(s).
• Parking Tickets
  • Parking Permit (blue): This tag should be used for any personal items or materials used on a project that cannot fit in a bin. Parking Permits have a fourteen-day time limit. If a project runs over the monthly limit, the member must get board approval to get another Parking Permit.
  • Parking Ticket (red): Items that are left over a month, blocking a walkway, or missing a Parking Permit (or other acceptable tags) will be marked with a Parking Ticket. If an item has a Parking Ticket for over fourteen days, the property will be considered abandoned and either disposed of or declared "Up For Grabs."
  • Up For Grabs (green): Donations or items tagged with a Parking Ticket over fourteen days will be given an "Up For Grabs" tag. This means that any member can take or use the item in question. Items with an Up For Grabs tag have a time limit of two weeks. After these two weeks, the item will be disposed of.
    • Do not use the Up For Grabs ticket to store your items.
  • Borked or Broken (orange): This tag is used for tools or equipment that is not functioning in the way it is intended, signaling for the Board or other members to repair it. No one may use an item with a Borked or Broken tag until it is repaired!

Garbage/Recycling Disposal

• HackPGH has no paid employees, so it's up to all of us to keep the shop clean!
  • A clean shop is a SAFE shop. Leave all machines, tools, and shop areas as clean as you found it - or cleaner. Report all broken items to the Board and tag it with a "Borked or Broken" ticket.
  • If you eat in the shop, make sure all food and beverages are properly disposed of and/or put away. In the summer, open containers and garbage invite ants and fruit flies!
  • Due to past abuses, the Board of Directors will be checking the security cameras if they find large amounts of debris, broken tools, and/or exceptionally dirty areas.
• Garbage
  • There are several garbage cans throughout the shop, and one large green bin in the parking lot. To avoid insects, place all full garbage bags in the green bin!
  • HackPGH and the rest of the building use Iron City Express services for both garbage and recycing. The dumpsters are in the Watson Street parking lot.
  • BOTH dumpsters are emptied every Tuesday morning (unless it falls on a holiday). All garbage cans must be checked and emptied on Monday evening and during monthly shop cleans. Always replace bags!
    • Fresh garbage bags are located in the kitchenette area, on the bottom of the wire rack shelf set: black and white bags should be used for trash, blue for recycling.
• Recycling
  • There is a blue recycling bin under the kitchenette counter where members can dispose of empty plastic containers and cans. Please crush recyclables if you can!
    • Blue translucent recycling bags for this bin can be found in the "other garbage bags" locker (lower left).
  • There is a wooden box for clean cardboard and paper recycling to the left of the kitchenette lockers. Do NOT place pizza boxes in here!

Emergencies, First Aid, and Fire Protection

• In case of emergency (medical, fire, or police incident), call 911. Do not speak to the press, and contact a Board Member immediately.
  • Fill out an incident report to the best of your ability (they are located on clipboards across from the Jumonville Street entrance).
• There are several First Aid kits, on both sides of the shop.
  • The largest first aid kit as well as our "Health and Wellness Box" can be found in the kitchenette and contains bandages, medical tape, rubbing alcohol, finger splints, and more.
  • The Wellness Box contains a plethora of OTC meds (ibuprofen, aspirin, antacids, anti-emetics, etc.), epi-pens, and nalaxone.
  • Please use the items from the kitchenette kits if possible before using the smaller first-aid kits!
• A blood/bodily fluids/glass safety kit is located to the left of the kitchenette sink.
• We have two "stop the bleed" kits, one on each side of the shop.
  • Smaller first aid kits are clearly marked around both sides the shop.
  • An Emergency Eye Wash Station is located on across from the welding area (on the yellow cabinet).
• Fire safety
• There are five Fire Extinguishers throughout the shop: three on the dirty side, and two on the clean side. All extinguishers are clearly marked and inspected annually. Emergency flashlights are located nearby.
  • All Fire Extinguishers are powder, ("ABC") except for the one next to the laser cutter, which is a CO2 Extinguisher (for flammable liquids and electrical fires).
  • If you have to use a fire extinguisher (inside or outside the shop), please contact a board member so we can get them replaced or serviced.

General Shop Safety

Shop safety rules are in place to protect everyone. What is safe in your studio or at your job might not be safe at our shop. All HackPGH members are required to do a safety tour after joining. Please note, we do have security cameras both inside and outside of the shop for our members' safety!

• No sleeping at the shop!
  • This rule is simple: the shop is not your home. Sleeping at the shop is against both HackPGH rules AND the building/lease rules.
• You are always welcome to work or hang out no matter what the time of day or night. You do not have to be working on an active project to come to HackPGH!
  • If you get tired, please go home and sleep!
    • Rare exceptions:
      • Quick naps are permitted once in awhile but should not become a pattern of behavior. Remember, members are trying to work and/or socialize. The shop has loud tools, machines, and speakers. It's not a space that's conducive for restful sleep!
      • If there is a legitimate emergency such as medical issues, inclimate weather, or public transit interruptions that prohibit members from safely leaving the shop, then we understand that members may have to sleep at HackPGH. We do NOT want to put members in harm's way by leaving the shop in these circumstances.
      • Remember, these exceptions are RARE. Repeated incidents of sleeping at the shop should be reported to the board.
• No food or open drinks on the dirty side!
• No alcohol on the dirty side, and do not consume alcohol before using any tools or machines on the dirty side.
• Do not work alone when using any power/machine tools. These tools are marked with a yellow circular "2" sticker. Use the buddy system channel in Slack to ensure that someone will be there if you plan on operating one of these tool.
  • Remember, the second person does NOT have to be watching you or even on the same side of the shop.
• Guideline: Try to avoid working alone in general, if possible. It's also nice to have someone accompany you to your car or bus stop late at night.
• No fire art, pyrotechnics, or other dangerous/flammable projects inside the building. (Heat-based tools are okay, but acetylene torches are banned in the lease)
  • Example: no fire spinning or fireworks, but a hand torch for soldering copper is fine as long as it is done properly.
• No illegal projects or items permitted in the shop:
  • No RF jammers or pirate radio transmitters
  • Nothing that would get you arrested if someone complained, such as realistic looking air guns or fake bombs.
• Do not install or set up any cryptocurrency miners.
• Loud noises
  • Scheduled classes and events take precedence over personal projects and music: turn it down or put it off until the class is over.
  • Our landlords live upstairs. They like us and we'd like to keep it that way! There is also a co-working space and salon located above us.
  • Generally, we have been informed that the folks upstairs can't hear our tools or music. But be respectful with extremely loud tools and music late at night. Make sure all doors are closed (including the garage door).
  • There is ONE location in the shop where the people upstairs can hear EVERYTHING: the storage room. We are working on sound proofing this area but until then, don't use power tools, use headphones if you'd like to play music, and keep your voices down.
• Personal safety and clothing
  • When in doubt, wear eye protection! Safety glasses can be found on the cabinet across from the resin printers on the clean side, and in a bag to the left of the dirty side entrance in a bag. Please clean and return them when you're finished.
  • Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times! (It should go without saying, but shorts/skirts/pants are required too)/
  • No sexual activity inside the shop.
  • No long sleeves, loose hair, jewelry, gloves, or other snag-able items when using the lathe, mill, or power tools.
  • No gloves or rags on equipment with moving parts: lathe, drill press, mill, saws
  • Use discretion when wearing open-toed shoes and/or sandals. Generally, they should only be worn on the clean side of the shop.

Work Room, Class Room/Kitchenette, and Storage Room

• In March 2018, HackPGH expanded into the space next door, leaving us with a separate Work Room, Class Room/Kitchenette, and Storage Room.
  • The "dirty side" contains the CNC machine, wood shop, metal shop, welding area, etc. There is a bathroom in the back of the woodshop.
  • The "clean side" contains the conference tables, computers, lounge, laser cutter, ALL printers (including 3D printers, resin printers, and paper printers), soft arts, and electronics bench. There is a second bathroom up the stairs and through the door straight ahead.
  • The Storage Room can be found by going up the stairs on the clean side and making a right.

Food and Beverages in the Kitchenette

• Various sodas (regular and diet) are available for purchase in the vending machine. We also have a small Red Bull fridge (containing regular and sugar-free options) to the right of the kitchenette sink. Gatorades can be found in the fridge. Pay by using the "box of paymetization", going to our donation site and selecting "consumables", or sending money to us via PayPal. PLEASE pay for all honor system items!
• Bottled water is free. Cold bottles are in the fridge and room-temp bottles are under the coffee bar. Please keep our plastic consumption down by refilling your bottles with the filtered fridge water.
  • Please empty and recycle all unused water bottles!
• The vending machine has snacks and helpful items for purchase.
• Honor system snacks that cannot fit in the vending machine are always marked with a price. We often keep chocolate bars in a drawer in the fridge. Pay by using the "box of paymetization", going to our donation site and selecting "consumables", or sending money to us via PayPal.
  • PLEASE pay for all honor system items! If the board notices that people are not paying for consumables, all honor system items will be removed.
• K-Cups (coffee, decaf coffee, and cider), hot chocolate, and tea are free for all members. Please keep the Keurig clean and refill the water reservoir as necessary.
• Members may keep small meals in the fridge for a limited period of time. Unclaimed food items will be thrown out on the regular.
• The Board of Directors will periodically refill the fridge and vending machine. Members should let the Board know ASAP if food or beverages are running low! Do NOT wait until there is nothing left!
• Beer and alcohol may be brought in and consumed by members and visitors 21 or over.
  • Alcohol cannot be consumed before using ANY tools on the dirty side. Alcohol can ONLY be consumed on the clean side.

Specific Rules about Tools

• Clean and inspect tools before plugging them in. Make sure they are clean and in good working order after you are finished.
• There are instructions on most large tools on how to clean them properly. Contact a Board Member or Shop Lead if you have any questions about safe tool use and cleaning.
• Tag out any suspect or broken tools with an orange "Borked or Broken" ticket on the switch. Unplug the tool and contact the board via email or Slack.
• Clean up any and all waste after you work. This includes vacuuming, sweeping, wiping down tables, etc. If you do not have time to clean up after yourself, you do not have time to use the tool!
• No dangerous materials - use common sense!
  • Noxious fumes (including paint, stain, bondo, etc.)
    • The ventilation for the building is interconnected and our landlords are very sensitive to certain smells. Do not spray paint or use anything with strong fumes in the building. Regular paint (with a brush) is fine.
    • You MAY paint or use the above-mentioned materials outside in front of the garage or in the parking lot, but please ensure that your items are dry before re-entering the shop.
    • The only exception to this rule is when using the resin printers in our custom-build hood. It has its own ventilation system.
      • If the hood or resin ventilation malfunctions: shut down the machine, close the hood, hang up an orange borked or broken tag, and notify the board immediately.
• No working on radioactive or regulated materials, including using thorium electrodes
• Guideline: Test sources for Geiger counters are okay as long as they are clearly marked and stored safely.
• Galvanized steel is okay to drill, but is not okay to weld
• No fireworks, explosives, gunpowder, black powder or similar flammables
• Wood is not always safe, plywood and MDF have glues, walnut and some hardwoods have residual oils. Control the dust generated when cutting wood. If in doubt, look up the *MSDS for what you're working with!
• Lathe - Classes will be offered on this periodically. Check the Calendar for dates.
• Drill press - Takes 5-10 minutes, can be done after any meeting or safety tour.
• Mill - Classes will be offered on this periodically. Check the Calendar for dates.
• Locked-out or orange-tagged machines cannot be used, they are marked for repair or inspection. This is for your safety!
• Do not use compressed air to clean chips from a cutting tool
• Use clamps to hold material on drill presses, the lathe, mill, etc.
• Use clamps with hand tools when possible
• Welding, glass, gases and other hot work
  • Ensure work area is properly ventilated.
  • If you are actively welding, close the blue curtains and hang up the laminated welding sign on the clean side doors.
  • Verify that everyone within indirect line of sight has appropriate visual and physical protection
  • Hand torches for brazing and soldering copper are considered welding in terms of safety.
  • Acetylene torches are NOT permitted in the shop.

Soldering

• Guideline: use lead-free solder
• If using leaded solder:
  • Verify ventilation.
  • Warn people nearby.
  • Do not touch your face, eat, or drink while working.
  • Wash your hands and thoroughly clean up your work area when you are done soldering.
• Eye protection is encouraged for anyone soldering or working near someone who is soldering
• All soldering irons are always considered hot. Use caution.

Looking for a rule, regulation, or guideline that isn't listed here? Contact the Board of Directors via Slack or email us at info@ our domain.org!