Policies

The BDW is a student-led community makerspace. Anyone who comes into the BDW and takes a workshop becomes a member of the BDW and receives a Member ID card. For more infomation on becoming a member, click here! The BDW working space is open 24/7, but only monitors have keys to unlock tools, and logins for computer access for the tools that require it. Current monitor hours can be found on our calendar.

In order to use our locked tools, you must be fully trained on operation and safety procedures. We do not accept machine training from elsewhere on-campus or off-campus; to use the tools in our space, you must attend a BDW workshop. You can attend a workshop simply by showing up at the appropriate time— no sign-up required! Our current workshop schedule can be found on the workshop calendar. Workshops begin after shopping period and end at the start of reading period. Members without appropriate training during reading and finals period will not be allowed to use associated machinery. Appropriate attire is required.

We ask you to respect the time of other users when the space is in heavy demand. During busy parts of the semester, Laser cutting jobs will be capped at 30 minutes. 3D Printing jobs are capped 6 hours before 10 pm, and 12 hours after 10 pm until closing. If you start a print before 2 pm on a day that the BDW is open, your print will be cancelled by the monitors on opening shift.

All materials in the space that are clearly unmarked and not in the restricted area in the back of the BDW behind the 3D printers, are free for use. We also share space with Brown Formula Racing and ENGN classes on occasion - please ask a monitor to check where the BDW starts and ends!

Safety Policy

Everyone entering and leaving the space must swipe in and swipe out in order to maintain an accurate evacuation report. Members must wear IDs at all times so that monitors know what training has been completed.

Visitors and those passing through must wear visitor safety glasses (available at the entrance) while in the space.

  • Never use machinery alone. The BDW prohibits using equipment unsupervised at any time— always make sure another member or monitor is within sight.

  • The use of drugs or medication that impair vision or judgement, and/or alcohol is strictly prohibited in the BDW, even outside of operating hours.

  • No animals are allowed in the BDW, with the exception of service animals

  • Check current COVID guidelines on the COVID-19 Operations page

When using machinery:

  • Eye protection required in all BDW spaces with the exception of conference room (PL206) and classroom (PL222A).

  • Wear closed-toed shoes that provide good, firm grip.

  • Loose or dangling clothing/jewelry should be removed or secured.

  • Hair must be securely tied back / up to prevent hair from getting caught in any machinery.

  • Gloves should be removed, long sleeves should be rolled up when working with machinery

  • Wear disposable nitrile gloves when working with hazardous substances (chemicals).

  • Place sharp objects—those that might puncture garbage bags or injure custodians— in designated Sharps containers.

  • Ear protection use is voluntary: we have ear protection that you can use while you are in the space available near the woodworking area, as well as earplugs offered for free in our vending machine

  • The use of N95 mask for particulate matter (wood dust) is voluntary

  • Ask a monitor for assistance at any point if you are uncertain or if anything is unclear!

Storage

There is no personal storage provided by the BDW. Projects left in the space will be dismantled and assimilated into the general resource base. Courses that are taught in the BDW, Monitors, and BDW Maker Grant Recipients are given designated storage space.

The BDW Honor Code:

The BDW is a student-led community makerspace. Anyone who comes into the BDW and takes a workshop becomes a member of the BDW and receives a Member ID card. For more infomation on becoming a member, click here!

As a member of this makerspace, you agree to:

  1. Treat yourself with care.

    1. Follow safety instructions and stay hydrated, fed, and alert. 

    2. Remember that you are an important member of our community and you belong here!

  1. Treat others with care.

    1. Help one another out if they seem like they need it or are using a tool unsafely.  

    2. Bigotry of all kinds (racism, sexism, homophobia, etc.) is unacceptable. 

    3. Take responsibility for helping your fellow members enjoy the BDW to the fullest!

  1. Treat the space with care. 

    1. Make time to fully clean up after yourself or your group.

    2. Return all borrowed items when they are due.

    3. Use tools and materials correctly so we can all enjoy the space together!