Project:Young Hackspace/Checklist

How to prepare the Hackspace for visits by young children.

Awareness

Make sure everybody is aware that children will be around. Post an announcement to the mailing list, tweet it, and post a prominent sign on the main entry door.

This should include:

• An invitation to help preparing the space
• A request to be considerate of the kids and their safety. ("Don't leave sharp objects lying around, don't leave open power sources unattended, unplug any heavy machinery when it's not used, etc. Any assistance in keeping things safe is appreciated.")

Health & Safety

The space needs to be clean. And safe. Safe and clean.

• Generally: hover and clean the entrance area, the quiet room, and any other room in which the kids will be spending some time.
• For the quiet room: make sure there are absolutely no wires/pins/little bits anywhere. Put anything that you won't use in a box, or in other rooms. Turn off all power outlets that you won't need. Generally check the floor, all the corners, ...
• For the dirty room/workshop: decide in advance in which area your demonstration will take place. Make enough room for your group, move things around if needed. Clean the area, and store away/cover/unplug anything in the general area that is a potential safety hazard. Make sure there are enough grownups around to stop kids from doing unintentionally stupid things.
• Always: Deactivate the people counter laser (it's at about eye level for young kids)

Once you're done: make a list of everything you did so you can demonstrate preparedness.