Orientation

ALL WORK IN PROGRESS _____________________________________________________

Following the move to EX2 in 2024, it's now a requirement of our H&S policy that all members (new or old) get an orientation to the space before they are given general access

As well as increasing safety, we're hopeful that a more organised orientation will help new members get a better feel for the space and how it operates compared to the older informal approach.

Orientations will consist of a walkaround tour of the space and the communal areas of the EX2 building, following the list of discussion topics below. The bullet points in this list can trigger a more in-depth discussion if required. There are also some of our formal written policies which must be read and agreed to, which are linked to below.

Please note this orientation does not include an induction for any of the safety critical Equipment in the space - members should ask for help and/ or a separate induction session on these once they are an oriented member.

Orientation Discussion Points

Brief Introduction to LHS

• We are a community lead not-for-profit organisation (see wiki for more information on our organisational structure)
• We are currently one of several small businesses & community groups who are tenants in the EX2 building, run by the Republic of Park Royal

Access & Egress

• The main entrance to the Hackspace during working hours is through the large opening with clear plastic doors (first that you pass as you come up the Alleyway)
• You enter initially to the general EX2 space - LHS is immediately on the left with swipe card access
• The alternative entrance (available at all times) is a metal door slightly further down the alley, which enters directly into the hackspace
• Page Access & Security (EX2) details our exact access policy - it's very important we follow this exactly
• Explain options/ policy for public transport, bike and car access - per the Location page

Facilities

• The building has shared kitchen and toilet facilities (due to be upgraded at some point). (take members on a brief tour)
• Treat these with respect, even more than we would with a LHS-only facility

Introduction to the Space

We have four rooms (tour each) including:

• A clean activities room with:
  • CNC machines
  • Laser cutter
  • 3D printers
  • Electronics lab
  • Textiles area
  • Crafts, Modelling, Vinyl Cutter, and a bunch of other stuff!
• A wood shop
• A metal machine shop (for clean & delicate machinery)
• A metal fab shop (for dirtier/ hotter activities such as welding and grinding)

General Workshop Safety

• We have a Health & Safety Policy which all members must read in full as part of this orientation
• Especially dangerous or especially delicate machines are protected with ACNodes. But not all tools that require induction are ACNoded
• Noise & dust mitigation are important particularly in the wood shop. Keep doors closed, and shout a warning before using loud tools
• PPE is located in various locations around the space, which the orientation should cover. It's recommended at all times in wood shop regardless of what you are doing, in case others generate a hazard.
• Observe all safety signs.
• Safety points specific to each tool will be covered in the relevant inductions, and can be found on the wiki.

Fire Safety

• Keep fire passages clear
• Fire fighting equipment is located in various locations around the space, which the orientation should cover
• All members must be familiar with EX2's building-wide fire safety plan - see posters in space
• Nearest fire exits are located through the clean activities area (requires stairs), the roller shutter to the alley (step free) or the opposite side alley door (step free)
• Hot work is potentially very dangerous. It should be conducted only by inducted members, in the appropriate areas. Any time hot work has been carried out someone must remain in the space for 30 minutes on fire watch.

Cleanliness

• LHS doesn't work if people don't clear up after themselves
• Sweeping up and emptying bins is one of the best ways you can help contribute to the space, especially as a new member.
• In particular, sweep dust after woodwork activities
• Put all tools and equipment back where you found them after use
• If there's a shortage of something, replace it yourself (preferred) or post on Discord/ mailing list but don't just walk away

Behaviour

• We have a Code of Conduct which all members must read in full as part of this orientation
• We have several other policies on the Main Page, you must follow these but should read up in your own time.
• Remember this is a community of members, by the members for the members - you are not paying anyone to do anything. We don't have a professional technician or caretaker to fix breakdowns or carry out maintenance, so it's on you as much as it is anyone else (within the limits of your skillset).

Storage

• We have a system of long-term member boxes and short-term project shelf storage.
• It is more limited here than in previous spaces, we will do our best to accommodate but we must be realistic.
• Full details are in this guide, read this before you plan to store any items
• Be aware that items left in the space without storage requests, or any items left behind if you end your membership, will be subject to disposal by LHS in accordance with the above guide

End of Orientation

1) Members and inductors should sign and file a copy of the Space Orientation Form

2) Paper form should be stored in the appropriate folder

3) Activate access cards. Members are now inducted!