ahdinosaur commented 2 months ago

Am thinking each heavy tool has an induction process and you can only use after being inducted. But needs to be codified, Hopper was serious about this.

I think the first place to start would be to figure out what the legal requirements are for a space like us. Apparently Hackland thinks the liability is low, because it's "people using their own tools", as opposed to paying for a service and using their tools. But I have no idea. If we know what's legally required, then we can figure out how best to meet those requirements.

juanlittledevil commented 2 months ago

Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

Key considerations:

Risk Assessment: Identify potential hazards (tools, machinery, chemicals) and implement control measures.
Training: Ensure members are trained to safely use equipment.
Emergency Procedures: Set up fire exits, first aid kits, and evacuation plans.
Signage: Clear signs for hazards and safety guidelines.

ahdinosaur commented 2 months ago

https://menzshed.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mens-Shed-Toolbox.pdf

irab commented 2 months ago

Example policy with help from Claude and this link: https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/dmsdocument/2188-writing-for-health-and-safety-guidance-for-workplace-health-and-safety-writers

WHACK (Wellington Hackerspace) Health and Safety Policy

Introduction

At WHACK, everyone must look after their own safety and the safety of others. This policy outlines what we will do to keep everyone safe, healthy, and mentally well in our hackerspace.

Our Commitment

WHACK is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for all members, visitors, and volunteers. We will:

Comply with all relevant health and safety laws and regulations
Identify and manage physical and mental health and safety risks
Ensure all members are trained in safe use of equipment
Promote a culture of safety awareness and mental wellbeing
Continuously improve our health and safety practices

Responsibilities

WHACK Management:

Engage with members on physical and mental health and safety matters
Identify and assess risks, including those related to mental health
Develop and review health and safety procedures
Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
Ensure all equipment is properly maintained
Investigate incidents and implement preventive measures
Foster a supportive and inclusive community environment

Members and Visitors:

Follow all safety instructions, rules, and procedures
Use PPE when required
Report any hazards, accidents, or near-misses
Do not operate equipment without proper training
Look out for the physical and mental wellbeing of others
Respect others and contribute to a positive community atmosphere

Risk Management

We will use the following process to manage physical and mental health risks:

graph TD
    A[Identify Hazards] --> B[Assess Risks]
    B --> C[Implement Controls]
    C --> D[Monitor and Review]
    D --> A

Specific Safety Procedures

CNC Machines and Laser Cutters

Only trained and authorized members may operate these machines
Always wear appropriate PPE (safety glasses, closed-toe shoes)
Never leave machines unattended while operating
Follow lockout/tagout procedures during maintenance
Keep work area clean and free of obstacles

graph TD
    A[Check machine status] --> B{Trained operator?}
    B -->|Yes| C[Put on PPE]
    B -->|No| D[Seek training]
    C --> E[Inspect work area]
    E --> F[Set up material]
    F --> G[Start machine]
    G --> H[Monitor operation]
    H --> I[Shutdown and clean up]

Mental Health and Wellbeing

WHACK recognizes the importance of mental health and is committed to fostering a supportive environment. We will:

Promote work-life balance and encourage regular breaks
Provide a quiet space for relaxation or meditation
Organize social events to build community and reduce isolation
Offer mental health first aid training to interested members
Maintain a zero-tolerance policy for bullying or harassment

Stress Management

graph TD
    A[Recognize signs of stress] --> B[Take regular breaks]
    B --> C[Use relaxation techniques]
    C --> D[Seek support if needed]
    D --> E[Review workload and priorities]
    E --> A

Emergency Procedures

In case of emergency:

Stop all work immediately
Turn off power to machines if safe to do so
Alert others in the area
Evacuate the building if necessary
Call emergency services if required

graph TD
    A[Emergency occurs] --> B[Stop all work]
    B --> C[Turn off power if safe]
    C --> D[Alert others]
    D --> E{Evacuation needed?}
    E -->|Yes| F[Evacuate building]
    E -->|No| G[Assess situation]
    F --> H[Call emergency services if needed]
    G --> H

Training

All members must complete safety training before using equipment. Training will include:

General safety orientation
Specific training on CNC machines and laser cutters
Emergency procedures
Proper use of PPE
Mental health awareness and stress management techniques

Incident Reporting

Report all accidents, near-misses, hazards, and concerns (including mental health concerns) to WHACK management immediately. We will:

Record the incident or concern
Investigate the cause
Implement measures to prevent recurrence
Review and update procedures as necessary
Provide support and resources as needed

Mental Health Support

WHACK is committed to supporting members' mental health:

We will maintain a list of local mental health resources and helplines
Members are encouraged to speak with management if they need support
We will respect privacy and confidentiality in all mental health matters
Regular check-ins and feedback sessions will be conducted to assess community wellbeing