Visiting the Ashfield Makerspace (AMS) premises or using AMS facilities while no other persons over the age of 14 are present constitutes lone working. Lone working should be avoided where practical, as this significantly amplifies the level of risk associated with any action.

Any person lone working at the makerspace must:

• Ensure they are aware when they are lone-working, even if this was not the case upon arrival.
• Be familiar with the location and use of first aid equipment provided.
• Keep a means of seeking help (such as a mobile phone) charged and on their person.
• Assess the risks involved with any task prior to starting it; defer any tasks unsuitable for lone-working until other persons are present.
• Never attempt any manual handling tasks outside of a safe one-person operation.
• Never use any fixed power woodworking or metalworking machinery (meaning floor standing or bench top equipment such as a lathe, table saw, or bench grinder), or other equipment deemed unsuitable for lone-working.

Using equipment at the Space will be no different to people using equipment in their shed alone.

Every member has an obligation to act in a safe manner. This is especially important to keep in mind when there is no one else around who can help you if something goes wrong.

If you do not feel competent in using a piece of equipment or tool then don’t, seek support from other members.

Most equipment that has a high risk to their usage will have emergency stop / e-stop buttons (e.g. Table saw)

The responsibility will be on the member to ensure they personally take all precautions over their own safety when working alone.

In addition, it is good practice to:

• Make wise choices of which tools to operate when working alone
• Have an independent way to call help. Ensure your mobile phone is charged and that it remains within reach, in a pocket and not hidden in a bag.
• Strongly consider if your activity is certain to be safe. If not, wait for other members to be around.
• Confirm that you know where the first aid kit is kept. Remember, someone else may have used it and not returned it.
• Accidents and near misses must be reported, especially when working alone. (We can work to make these activities safer.) Access the reporting form here [LINK]
• Establish a check-in system with a trusted person (such as a friend or family member) who can alert the emergency services on your behalf. Make them aware of your visit and the location of the AMS, and check-in at agreed intervals as well as when you leave the premises..
• Consider your own personal security; avoid opening the door to people you do not know, and be aware of your surroundings when departing the building.
• Inform other members of your departure if this will leave them lone-working.
• If you need emergency help call 999 and, if possible, text another member to get the gate and door open. This can save the emergency services a considerable amount of time.
  
  Our address is:
  Ashfield MakerSpace, 70 High Pavement, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts. NG17 1BT What3Words : cakes.apron.daring
  
  If you find yourself working in the space, out of contact with anyone else, consider all these precautions