Inductions
To ensure your safety and the safety of others, you must complete an induction before using some of our equipment. Inductions are intended to ensure you use the equipment safely and you the best chance of getting good results.
Only Hackspace members can be inducted on Hackspace equipment. Guests, etc, cannot use equipment that requires an induction.
There are two type of inductions at Hackspace. These are: (1) Online self-inductions and (2) In-person inductions.
Online Self-Inductions
A self-induction is a induction you can do yourself. It involves two steps:
- Learn how to use tool safely by reading the relevant page on this wiki.
- Demonstrate your knowledge by completing the quiz on our membership portal PC, in the space.
Once you complete the quiz successfully, you will gain access to the tool. The membership portal will either give you the padlock code for the machine, or it will accredit your hackspace door card to unlock the bleepybox attached to the machine, depending on how the machine is protected.
You can find more information about the using membership portal PC and the bleepyboxes here.
In-Person Inductions
An in-person induction is an induction where an experienced Hackspace member physically demonstrates how to safely use the tool.
In-person inductions are all arranged on our forum. Sometimes inductors will advertise potential dates and times for inductions on the forum, and you can book yourself onto the induction by replying.
You can also try requesting an induction by posting a message on the forum, but please be aware that inductors are all volunteers who offer their services free of charge in their spare time, so inductions are typically only offered at their convenience, not yours. There is no guarantee that an induction will be possible in any given timeframe.
Which Tools Requires an Induction?
The following tools require an online self-induction:
- Table Saw
- Mitre Saw
- Wood Bandsaw
- Table Router
- Planer / Thicknesser
- Prusa 3D Printers
- Xtool Laser Cutter
The following tools require an in-person induction:
- Wood Lathe
- Metal Lathe
- JAS Laser Cutter
- CNC Mill
- PCB CNC
- Wood CNC Router
- MIG Welder
Can I Become an Inductor?
If you want to be an inductor for one of the tools requiring in-person inductions, get in contact with whoever currently runs inductions for the tool. They will make sure that you are properly inducted, make sure you’re familiar with the induction materials, and give you access to any other information and resources you require. They will also invite you to run your first induction whilst being supervised by another inductor. If you can't find a current induction, get in touch with the Committee.
Is There a Cost to Getting Inducted?
In-person inductions are normally free, however the Directors may impose a fee of £5 for not attending booked inductions.
Considering Inductions when Proposing New Equipment
If you propose a piece of equipment for Hackspace (including loans and donations), you must consider if and how members will be inducted to use it. When publishing your proposal, you must include the following details:
- Whether or not you think the equipment requires induction.
- Who will prepare the induction process and materials.
- Who will initially deliver the inductions.
If you believe a piece of equipment in Hackspace that does not already have an induction should have one, you should report this to the Directors who will review the report as an incident.