Membership Policies

You Must:

  • Read, sign and abide by the Membership Policies.

  • Remain current on your membership dues.

Full Stop Work Authority:

  • Any and all persons in the space have full Stop Work authority.

    a. If a person is informed that either their methods, materials, or project are unsafe, they SHALL stop all work immediately.

    b. Failure to comply shall result in sanctions up to and including expulsion from Ithaca Generator.

  • Work shall not resume until:

    a. The worker can demonstrate that they are using best practices and due care to the satisfaction of the party making the complaint.

    b. The worker can implement sufficient changes and/or safeguards so as to satisfy the party making the complaint.

    c. If no agreement can be reached, an arbiter shall make the final determination.

    1. The primary arbiter shall be the Area Captain.

    a. In the event that there is no Area Captain, the Facility Captain shall be the arbiter.

    2. In the event that the Area Captain is the worker in question, the Facility Captain shall be the arbiter.

    3. In the event that the Facility Captain is the worker in question, the Area Captain shall be the arbiter.

    a. In the event that the Facility Captain is the worker in question, and there is not Area Captain, the President shall be arbiter.

Guests and Visitors:

  • Guests must adhere to all safety rules.

    a. A guest is someone that a Member brings for an extended period of time to either perform activities or observe.

    b. All guests must sign our Safety and Liability Waiver.

    c. Guests must follow all applicable rules regarding tool and equipment use, including training and certification requirements.

    d. Accompany and monitor any guests or visitors you bring into the space.

  • You can admit two (2) guests to the space. It is your responsibility to ensure that your guests don’t disrupt the space. You must be present to supervise your guests at all times. Additional guests may be admitted under certain circumstances: open house night, approved scheduled classes, SWYM, and sanctioned events.

Respect for Others

  • Remember that the space is shared with other members. Act accordingly and treat them and their stuff with respect.

  • Be considerate of other members’ space and projects.

  • Use headphones for personal music to avoid disturbing others, or ask for permission of members using the space before playing music.

  • Do not use strong colognes or scents.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Always wear appropriate PPE for the task at hand. This includes safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and dust masks.

  • Ensure PPE is in good condition.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure that all members present in the space are aware that you are about to use loud equipment or use hazardous equipment or materials, and give them the opportunity to use PPE.

Dress Code:

  • Wear close-toes shoes at all times.

  • Avoid loos clothing and jewelry that could get caught in machinery.

  • Tie back long hair to prevent entanglement in tools or equipment.

  • Wear appropriate clothing for being in a workshop.

Tool and Equipment Use:

  • Use power tools and equipment only if you are trained and authorized.

    a. Power tools are those that use non-human power.

  • Inspect tools before use for any signs of damage or wear.

  • Report any faulty or broken equipment immediately

    a. Do not attempt to use or repair it without consulting the corresponding Area Captain or Facilities Chair.

  • Don’t defeat or hack safety features/equipment. This is for other people’s safety as much as yours.

  • You must utilize proper dust collection, air ventilation, water management, and waste management (especially metal or electronic disposal) corresponding to the task or project at hand.

  • Do not operate machinery if you are tires, distracted or under the influence of medication that impairs your ability to use power tools or equipment effectively and safely.

Electrical Safety:

  • Be cautious when working with electrical equipment. Don’t use damaged cords or outlets.

  • Use an appropriate power source/extension cord for the machine you’re using.

  • Unplug tools and equipment when not in use.

  • Keep cables tidy and off the floor.

Ladder and Height Safety:

  • Ladders can only be used with appropriate training.

  • Items which are lifted above shoulder height require a spotter.

Noise Control:

  • Be mindful of noise levels. Use quieter tools and processes when possible, especially during extended work sessions.

  • Make sure that members in the space are aware when you are about to use loud equipment so they can put on PPE.

Food and Beverages:

  • Keep food and beverages away from work areas to prevent contamination and accidents.

  • No alcohol or drug use.

    a. Except for sanctioned social events (e.g., SWYM, Open House).

  • The use of alcohol or impairing drugs in the makerspace is strictly prohibited.

  • No food waste may be placed in the garbage, you must take it home. This is to prevent pests.

First Aid and Emergency Response:

  • Know the location and first aid kits and how to use their contents.

  • Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and exit locations.

  • Know the location of Fire Extinguishers.

End of Use/Last Person Out:

  • Turn off and unplug machinery and equipment when finished.

  • Return tools to their designated places and clean your workspace.

  • Clean up the space you used so that it is as clean or cleaner than when you found it.

  • If there are any trash bins that are full, take out the trash (If you have a recycling program where you live, please consider grabbing a bag of recycling and take it home with you).

  • Make sure the exhaust vents are turned off (unless they need to be kept running, such as kiln ventilation).

  • Check that all doors are securely locked.

  • Set the heater to ~50 in the winter.

  • If you are the second to last person leaving the space let the last person know you are leaving.

Sleeping Policy:

  • No sleeping is allowed in the space.

Classes/Events:

  • You may volunteer to teach a class, pursuant to the Class Policies of Ithaca Generator.

  • If your class requires exclusive use of an area in the space, it must be approved and scheduled with the Board.

  • If your class will be open to the public, it must be approved and scheduled with the Board.

  • If you are going to charge a fee for the class, it must be approved and scheduled with the Board.

  • If materials are needed for the class, consider having students purchase them before coming to the class.

Personal Storage:

  • We offer storage for personal items at the generator on a first come first serve basis.

  • Do not go through other members’ boxes without their permission.

  • Do not put Ithaca Generator property in your box. That’s tantamount to theft.

  • If it’s irreplaceable, take it home.

  • If you leave items lying around, they will be designated as lost property.

Cleanup, Shared Space and Safety:

  • Remember that the space is shared with other members. Act accordingly and treat them and their stuff with respect.

  • Hearing loss is PERMANENT. Before using loud machinery, give those sharing the space earplugs. (Headphones are NOT protection for your ears, even if they’re “noise cancelling.”)

  • Work areas should be completely clean when you leave – be considerate for the next user. Please put tools back in their place.

  • If you have engaged in any waste generating activity (e.g. peeling wires), vacuum, sweep, or otherwise clean up any waste.

  • If you spill anything, clean it up. Do not pour chemicals, oils, clay water, etc. down the drain or toilet. Look up proper disposal.

  • If you break anything, fix it. If you can’t or don’t know how to fix it, let the Area Captain for the area know. You may inform Area Captains on discord, via email (info@ithacagenerator.org), or in person. Helping us replace is not necessary but is very helpful.

  • We have had thefts in the parking lot late at night. Please be mindful about unsecured property. Bringing bicycles into the building to keep them safe is acceptable so long as they do not inconvenience other members and leave when you leave.

Chemicals, Powders, and Aerosol Safety

  • Handle chemicals with care, following all safety instructions.

  • Use hazardous chemicals, aerosols, paints, and powdered substances (such as plaster, glaze materials, etc) outside or when there is sufficient ventilation.

    • A list of Approved Chemicals/ Paints is maintained by the Facilities Chair.

  • Store chemicals properly, labeled, and in designated areas.

  • Be familiar with the location of a spill kit and how to use it.

Project Guidelines:

  • Projects may not use dangerous materials (for example explosives).

  • Projects may not violate the law (such as producing 3D printed firearms or banned accessories)

    • Procedural note: If something is noted to be illegal notify the board and contact the cops and invite them to take care of that thing.

Special Provisions for Guests Under 18:

  • All guardians must sign a liability waiver on behalf of the child, acknowledging the inherent risks and agreeing to abide by all the makerspace rules and safety guidelines.

  • Parents/Guardians are responsible for their child’s conduct. Respectful and responsible behavior is expected at all times. Running, horseplay, or any other unsafe behavior is strictly prohibited.

  • Parents need to be mindful of others working in the space and make sure the child is respecting others’ projects and personal space.

  • Children must stay within eyesight of their responsible adult. Unaccompanied wandering is unacceptable.

  • Teens aged 12-17 may not use powered equipment unless trained and under direct supervision of a trained adult member. This privilege may be granted following a successful completion of a safety and proficiency test specific to the equipment.

  • Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to operate powered equipment, machinery, and hazardous materials.

    • Clarification of Powered Equipment - Any tool that uses non-human power such as batteries, electricity, gas, etc.)

Lifetime Membership

For a one-time contribution of $5000 or more (either in cash or an equivalent material contribution value as determined by the Board of Directors), a member may join at the Benefactor tier and be recognized at that level indefinitely without subsequent enrollment renewals being required.

Payment, Records, and Reminders

Members are encouraged to pay for their memberships on our website to cut down on administrative overhead. Failure to pay membership fees terminates membership rights and responsibilities, and a new application may need to be submitted to regain membership rights. For timely renewals, no new enrollment application is necessary.

Disclaimer

The rights, responsibilities, discounts, and fee schedule described in this document are subject to change.