The ISK Design & Art Centre

The ISK Design and Art Centre is a collaborative workspace where students gain practical hands-on experience with new technologies, fabrication processes, and fine art techniques to design and create projects. The space comprises 7 rooms each dedicated to a particular design/artistic focus. The space provides a flexible environment where learning is made physical by applying science, technology, engineering, math, and creativity to solve real world problems and pursue artistic concepts.

The work spaced are divided into modules, but each module amplifies the usefulness of the others. The spaces are currently set for metalworking, woodworking, plastics, ceramics, computer aided design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM) & rapid prototyping, electronics, textiles, as well as graphic design and fine arts.

Design & Art Centre User Agreement

The safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors is a primary consideration in every activity. The success of this program depends upon the cooperation and support of everyone. Failure to abide by these common rules and guidelines can result in loss of access to the facilities.

General Shop Safety

The hazards associated with shop work require special safety considerations. Whether you work with metal, wood, or any other piece of equipment the potential hazards for injury can be numerous.

In case of an emergency contact any of the instructors in the Lab, DO NOT keep any injury incurred in the Lab to yourself.

Sign-in Log

Everyone is required to register and sign-in when working in the lab outside regular class time.

Personal Protection

There are several measures one must take to protect themselves from shop hazards.

Do not wear loose fitting clothing including loose long sleeved sweaters or shirts.
No jewelry should be worn when working with fabrication tools
No open-toed shoes should be worn in the fabrication tools
Make certain long hair is not loose, but pulled back away from equipment
Always wear safety glasses and ear protection where required, such as woodworking, grinding, chiseling, or chipping.

Follow These Guidelines for General Lab Safety

In order to use the Design and Fab Lab, everyone must complete and successfully pass a safety and training module for each piece of equipment and be certified by the staff before operating any of the machines on their own.
Always wear appropriate safety gear and protective clothing, including closed toes shoes.
Eye and ear protection is required while operating some machine.
Know where the fire extinguishers and first aid kits are located and how to use them.
Never work impaired. That is if you are sick, fatigued, or taking strong medication.
Know the hazards associated with your work. Be sure you are fully educated on the proper use and operation of any tool before beginning a job. Think through the entire job before starting
If you are unsure about how to safely execute the operation of a tool, ask for help. Have the lab technician assist, demonstrate, and observe to help you become familiar and comfortable
If you have not worked with a specific material before, consult with the lab technicians or advisors for precautions, methods, and instructions prior to beginning work.
DO NOT work in the lab if you are in a hurry, this most always ruins the work and often results in injury.
Leave tool and equipment guards in place. This is especially true with the ShopBot, drills and saws.
Before starting any machine, be sure it is set up correctly and fully operational.
Check power cords and plugs on portable tools before using them and unplug them when you are no longer using them.
Use a brush or special tool for removing chips, shavings, and debris. DO NOT use your hands to clean shavings or cuttings – they may be sharp.
When doing heavy abrading face masks or respirators should always be worn.
Use the correct tool for the job. Do not use a tool or an attachment for something it was not designed to do.
Concentrate on your work especially when operating power tools. Stop working if something distracts you. Do not distract someone who is working because this may potentially cause injury.
Keep the work area free of debris, clean spills immediately and remove all sawdust and wood chips.
DO NOT bring food or drink into the workspace.
Clean up after yourself. Before you leave the lab, be sure all tools are returned to their appropriate position and all the machines are clean and the floor is swept. Always allow enough time for your cleanup procedure.