Top Rules of the Space

Respect each other and each others’ property

  • We do not tolerate hateful or discriminatory behavior.  This includes, but is not limited to: discrimination based on gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, accessibility needs, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion as identified by each member of themselves.
  • We have an opportunity to be excellent to each other through our actions.  All members are expected to behave responsibly and act with dignity and respect towards everyone at all times.  This applies at the Space, or participating in any AMS activity or event wherever they are held.  
  • Do not interfere with other members’ enjoyment and use of the Space.
  • Only use items that belong to you, the Space, or left in the communal drop-cuts.  Do not use other members’ personal items or tools in their rental storage without prior permission.

Respect the tools

  • Only use equipment you’ve been trained on by AMS staff.
  • Use of tools while under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs is not permitted.
  • We have orientation classes for all equipment.  Take them.  If the tool is hazardous, or if it can harm you, then you must be first qualified to use it.  For more information, check the Using Tools section.
  • Each area has a Maintainer you should contact for training, or when maintenance is needed on a tool.  Maintainers are listed in the Contact Information section.
  • If you encounter a damaged tool, or a tool that is otherwise unsafe to use, contact broken@akronmakerspace.org.

Keep the Space clean

  • Return tools back to where you found them.  Personal tools that are for your exclusive use should be stored in your rental storage or taken home.
  • Make sure you leave the Space at least as organized and clean as you found it.  This includes, but is not limited to: kitchenware, sawdust, shavings, debris, aisleways, tools, stations, and surfaces. 
  • Common workbenches and areas are for daily use and not for personal storage of projects.  Unfinished projects must either be taken home or placed in rental storage.  If you fail to clean up after yourself, your items left out or your membership may be in jeopardy.  For more information, check the Common Workbenches, Areas, and “Parking Permits” section in Miscellaneous Policies.
  • Items that would otherwise be discarded, but may be still useful to another member, may be left in the communal drop-cuts.  For more information, check the Communal Drop-cuts section in Miscellaneous Policies.
  • You are responsible for your use of the Space.  Be considerate to other members and the Space maintainers and clean up after yourself. 

Keep the Space safe

  • If you have combustible materials, store them in the yellow flammable safety cabinet.  Please write your name on it if it’s personal and for your exclusive use.
  • Do not lean anything on or store anything near the steam pipes and radiators in the space.
  • If you have combustible waste, check the safety data sheets and dispose of it accordingly.  Oily rags must be disposed of in provided containers.  For disposal of solvents and other chemicals, consult with Summit ReWorks at: https://www.summitreworks.com/hhw.  Your hazardous wastes may not be stored or disposed of at the AMS. 
  • If in doubt, ask.  Maintainers are listed in the Contact Information section.

Be a Good Financial Citizen

  • Membership is the primary way we support our operations.  Renewal payments are due at the first of each month, and we prefer you use auto-pay through our website.  Please contact service@akronmakerspace.org to suspend, or with questions about, your membership.
  • We log our tool use on the honor system.  Using tools is a privilege of membership and is not covered by your membership dues.  Each tool or work area has an hourly rate based on the cost to operate and maintain the equipment.  More information is listed in the Paying Dues section.
  • Consumables such as foods, drinks, etc. are provided by donations to cover the cost, we ask that you donate to support these offerings.  There are cash boxes around the Space for this. 

Respect our reputation

  • Comply with state, local, and federal law.
  • Smoking and vaping inside the building is not permitted.  All tobacco products are prohibited inside the Space.  Smoking and vaping areas with ashtrays are available outside of the building.
  • Comply with building rules and postings.  This includes, but is not limited to:
    • Do not store anything outside of AMS.
    • Do not damage the building, its fixtures, or equipment.
    • Do not leave vehicles in the parking lot for more than 48 hours.  They will be treated as abandoned.
    • Trash must be discarded in their respective trash receptacles inside the Space.
  • Use and consumption of alcohol is not allowed in the Space unless specifically permitted by the Board.
  • We are held in high-regard in our community and work with schools, youth, businesses, and other community partners.  You may not claim to represent us or speak on our behalf without our prior approval.  You may not link to us from a site that contains offensive material.

Help us help you

  • This is a shared community, and we trust that you will help us stand up against behavior that is unsafe, disrespectful to the Space, or makes you feel unwelcome, as you might tell another friend.
  • Reach out to board@akronmakerspace.org or a trusted person if you feel uncomfortable openly discussing these issues.

Don’t be a reason we have to make new rules

Violation of any part of this handbook may result in temporary or permanent removal from the Space, suspension or termination of membership, or eviction from rental storage without a refund.  We will try to provide warnings and clarification of policies first when reasonable.  The Board of Directors reserves the right to handle violations as we see necessary.