Emergency Procedures

What to do in case of injury, fire, electrical hazard, or other emergency at Loveland CreatorSpace.

Emergencies are rare, but clear action prevents further harm and protects everyone in the space. These procedures apply to all members, instructors, visitors, and guests.

1. Immediate Actions (All Emergencies)

Follow these steps in any emergency:

• Stop all activity immediately

• Ensure your own safety first

• Call 911 if there is any threat to life, health, or property

• Evacuate if fire, smoke, or electrical hazards are present

• Pull the fire alarm if fire or smoke is present

• Notify a board member or area lead as soon as possible

• Do not re‑enter the building until cleared by emergency personnel

• Complete an incident report once the situation is safe

These steps apply to any emergency: injury, fire, electrical hazard, chemical spill, or unsafe behavior.

2. Medical Emergencies

If someone is injured:

• Stop all tools and machinery

• Call 911 for serious injuries

• Do not move the injured person unless they are in immediate danger

• Retrieve the first aid kit (metal cabinet near the eye‑wash station)

• Apply basic first aid if trained

• Keep bystanders clear

• Notify a board member or area lead

Examples of medical emergencies:

• Severe cuts or bleeding

• Burns

• Eye injuries

• Loss of consciousness

• Electrical shock

• Broken bones

• Any injury requiring professional medical care

After the situation is stable:

• Complete an incident report

• Document what happened and which tools were involved

• Do not resume work until the area is safe

3. Fire Emergencies

If you see fire or smoke:

• Stop all activity

• Shut down tools if safe

• Pull the nearest fire extinguisher for small, contained fires

  • (3 extinguishers: metal shop, wood shop, near laser cutters)

• Pull the fire alarm if the fire is spreading, producing smoke, or you are unsure whether it can be safely extinguished

• Evacuate immediately

• Call 911

• Close doors behind you to slow fire spread

• Gather at the designated meeting point: NW corner of 4th Street & Railroad

Fire Alarm Use

Pull the fire alarm immediately if:

• The fire is larger than a small, contained fire

• Smoke is present anywhere in the building

• You are unsure whether you can safely extinguish the fire

• You need to alert everyone to evacuate

Location: Fire alarm pull station is in the 3D Printer area, to the right of the front door (near the window).

After pulling the alarm:

• Evacuate the building

• Call 911

• Do not silence or reset the alarm — emergency personnel will handle this

Fire Extinguisher Use (PASS Method)

• Pull the pin

• Aim at the base of the fire

• Squeeze the handle

• Sweep side to side

Do NOT attempt to fight:

• Large fires

• Electrical panel fires

• Fires involving unknown chemicals

• Fires producing heavy smoke

Evacuate and call 911.

4. Electrical Emergencies

Electrical hazards are extremely dangerous. Treat them seriously.

If you see sparks, arcing, or smell burning electronics:

• Stop all activity

• Turn off the tool if safe

• Unplug the device if safe

• Evacuate if smoke is present

• Call 911 if fire or smoke continues

• Notify a board member or area lead

If someone receives an electrical shock:

• Do NOT touch the person until power is disconnected

• Turn off the tool or breaker

• Call 911

• Provide first aid only after the person is free from the electrical source

Do not use the tool again until inspected and cleared.

5. Chemical or Material Emergencies

LCS uses few hazardous chemicals, but finishes, solvents, and resins can pose risks.

If a spill occurs:

• Stop activity

• Avoid inhaling fumes

• Ventilate the area

• Use absorbent materials if safe

• Notify a board member or area lead

If fumes or smoke appear:

• Evacuate immediately

• Call 911 if fumes are strong or unknown

• Do not re‑enter until cleared

6. Evacuation Procedures

When evacuation is required:

• Stop all activity

• Turn off tools if safe

• Leave the building immediately

• Assist others if needed

• Do not use elevators (if applicable)

• Gather at the designated outdoor meeting point NW corner of 4th Street & Railroad

• Do not re‑enter until emergency personnel give clearance

Evacuation triggers:

• Fire or smoke

• Electrical hazard

• Gas smell

• Structural hazard

• Any situation where staying inside is unsafe

7. Emergency Equipment Locations

• Fire extinguishers (3): metal shop, wood shop, near laser cutters

• Fire alarm: 3D printer area, right of front door (near window)

• First aid kits: metal cabinet near eye‑wash station

• Emergency exits: front door and back door

• Eye wash station: just beyond door into shop area, right side of hall

These locations should also be posted on a wall map inside the space.

8. Reporting After an Emergency

Once the situation is safe:

• Complete an Incident Report

• Document:

  • What happened

  • Who was involved

  • Tools or equipment used

  • Witnesses

  • Photos if appropriate

• Submit the report to the board

• Do not resume work until the area is inspected and cleared

Incident reporting protects members and helps prevent future issues.

9. Responsibilities

Members

• Follow all emergency procedures

• Report hazards immediately

• Assist others safely

• Complete incident reports

Area Leads

• Ensure emergency equipment is accessible

• Maintain safety signage

• Respond to incidents

• Coordinate cleanup and tool inspection

Board Members

• Oversee emergency response

• Coordinate with emergency personnel

• Review incident reports

• Implement corrective actions

10. If You’re Ever Unsure

Stop. Evacuate. Call 911. Notify a board member. Safety always comes first.