Membership Agreement

770 State Street ● New Haven, CT 06405 ● (203) 936-9830 ● info@makehaven.org

Membership Information, Agreement and Guidelines

and Safety Document

Welcome to MakeHaven. This document is to outline our community policies and guidelines. The objective of the policies are to foster a safe and productive experience for all members.

About MakeHaven

MakeHaven, Inc. is a not-for-profit, membership-driven organization, gathering place and workshop for makers, creators, tinkerers and dreamers. The environment supports the development of and collaboration on a wide variety of projects, including: mechanics, electronics, sewing, crafts, digital art, biology and woodworking.

General Rules and Notices

• Enter at your own risk.
• 24/7 video surveillance within the space.
• All posted signs, rules, must be observed and abided
• Do not use machines and tools without permission (see Tool Usage}
• Do not remove items from the space without explicit permission from staff or part of lending library
• All members need to be at least 18 years of age.
• Absolutely no alcoholic beverages for members or guests that are under the legal drinking age or any member operating machines. Power tools may not be used after drinking any amount of alcohol. Alcoholic drinks or intoxicated individuals may not enter the woodshop or machine shop.
• Absolutely no illegal drugs in the space.
• No sleeping in the space or building.
• Fabrication, modifying, augmenting or possession of firearms and explosive devices are prohibited in MakeHaven. Don't make anything with the purpose of hurting people.
• Appropriate attire must be worn for any making activity. Hair and other loose items must be secured.
• Closed toe shoes and safety goggles required at all times in wood and metal shop.
• Use of MakeHaven property or privileges may not be used for an illegal act.
• Never lend MakeHaven access card to anyone else.
• If you are unsure about something ask someone.
• Dogs must remain on leash under owner control and within the main space. If anyone expresses discomfort in the presence of the dog it is the owners responsibility to remove the dog.  Dogs other than service animals may not enter the metal shop or woodshop. MakeHaven is not designed for pets and owner takes all responsibility for the safety of their animal. See Animal Policy
• All guests sign waivers
• No Spray Painting in space
• No smoking or vaping inside MakeHaven
• All Paints, resins and Stains must be approved
• Storage, paid and unpaid, is at own risk.
• Tools brought in by members from home must have a functional/safety equivalent at MakeHaven, and members must be badged on that equivalent. For example you can bring in a circular saw, but must be badged on the MakeHaven circular saw. If the tool does not have an equivalent or there is any question consult with staff, the Safety Officer will make a final determination on allowability of member owned tools.
• The 48 hours drying table items must have name and date. Unlabeled or items on table more than 48 hours will be disposed of by staff, without requirement of notice or compensation.
• Items, labeled or not left in inappropriate common areas may be disposed of by staff without notice or compensation.
• No selling food or beverage made in space
• Minors must be under control and in sight of guardian when in the kitchen, main space, shops or lab.
• Members may not alter or repair any of the site infrastructure including electrical, plumbing and structural elements without permission of the executive director and staff supervision.
• Members must limit use of the building to areas authorized for MakeHaven members, these include, MakeHaven facilities, first floor hallway and courtyard. Entering any occupied or unoccupied spaces within the building outside of MakeHaven is not allowed without explicit permission from staff.
• The activities in building common areas must be neutral and non-political. This includes the patio.
• No smoking or vaping anywhere in MakeHaven or in the building. Smoking outside is prohibited where airflow brings the smoke into the building.
•  Members are responsible for any damage they cause to tools and equipment due to misuse or negligence. Regular wear and tear or random breakdowns are exceptions. Members should place "out of order" sign on tool and report (via button on tool page) any broken tools immediately regardless of cause. In cases where it's unclear whether a member is responsible for the damage, staff will make a final determination.
• Special precautions are required during the pandemic. These policies are listed at: https://www.makehaven.org/makehaven-usage-policies-members-during-pandemic
• Privileges of membership are not bestowed until the orientation has been completed, and member card issued. If the facilitator agrees a pending member may start the badging and checkout process, but does not have privilege of independent access or tool use until full member.
• Consumable Materials Payment: Members must pay for consumable materials within 1 hour of use; failure to do so results in a 150% late fee (min. $5), loss of tool access after a second violation requiring a compliance quiz for reinstatement, and potential permanent access revocation or membership termination for further infractions.
• Music and Media Use: Members should be mindful of music or media played in the shared space. If content or volume makes others uncomfortable, please accommodate requests to change it. Intentional use of offensive content to target others will be considered harassment. If there is any disagreement about music the expectation is it is turned off as a resolution.
• Respect Shared Spaces: To maintain an inclusive and welcoming environment, refrain from posting or displaying personal, religious, or ideological symbols in a way that claims or dominates shared spaces.
• Software: Only staff may install software on any MakeHaven computer system.
• Abandoned Items: Members may not leave items in the space unless they are stored in a designated, paid storage area. This applies even to items intended to be given away for free to other members. All items must be transferred directly to the intended recipient. Items left unattended or improperly stored at MakeHaven will be subject to a fine, and the organization reserves the right to dispose of such items.
• MakeHaven management is responsible for setting the cost of membership and will review and adjust the fees annually, or as needed in special situations.

New Member Onboarding and Orientation

All new members must first sign a digital waiver acknowledging the risks of makerspace participation.  Following, and contingent on agreement to the waiver, and after watching the orientation video the new prospective member meets with MakeHaven staff. At this meeting a copy of a photo ID is collected to confirm identity and a profile photo is taken. A digital key may then be issued. Please keep track of your electronic keycards. If lost, report to staff at Staff@makehaven.org, your first replacement card is free, further replacement cards will cost $10 each.inclu

Political Activity Guidance

Inclusivity and Non-Political Stance: MakeHaven is committed to inclusivity and maintains a non-political stance. We do not endorse or lobby for public policies unrelated to our operational and funding needs. Events primarily political in nature or related to elections are not hosted. MakeHaven does not display or amplify slogans, symbols, or messages that are widely associated with contemporary political or social movements, regardless of alignment with our values.

Individual Creative Expression: Members have the freedom to create any legally permissible content, including political signs that may be controversial. The purpose must be making, not displaying. Given that MakeHaven is a public space serving a diverse audience including children, all content must be appropriate for the general public. Immediate compliance with staff determinations about content appropriateness is required, with an option for members to appeal decisions in email/writing to the Executive Director or board of directors.

Hosting Affinity and Identity-Based Groups: MakeHaven may collaborate with affinity or community action groups, which may have identities perceived as political. Although individual members can make any legal art, groups hosted at MakeHaven have a higher standard since they are receiving organizational support. Group organizers must agree in email/writing to the following:

• Clarity of Purpose: Activities and messaging should promote peace and community and never call for harm.
• Emphasizing Inclusivity and Respect: Events must respect all participants and foster an inclusive environment.
• Content Guidelines: MakeHaven is a public space with many different perspectives. MakeHaven wishes to avoid editorial decisions, but group leaders must avoid harmful or inflammatory symbols or language. Guidance on prohibited content will be provided as requested or as necessary by staff.
• Controversial Situations: Given the non-constant presence of staff, group leaders are expected to manage situations responsibly.   This includes moderating discussions to prevent divisiveness and seeking mutual respect and de-escalation of conflict.
• Response to Non-Compliance or Complaints:  Staff may make an immediate determination to mitigate a situation.  The Executive Director should be contacted and an email description of the issues or complaints shared.
• A structured review process including the DEI Committee will result from serious issues or complaints including documentation of the incident and actions taken.

• MakeHaven retains authority to end any event/gathering at will, not contingent on prior notice.

Required Digital Waiver

Tool Usage

Before using any machine the member is responsible to check the MakeHaven machine directory and ensure they have the appropriate required badge to use the machine.  All tools and machines that require a badge are noted on the website at http://makehaven.org/inventory. These machines can only be used once the member completed the necessary requirements and received their “required equipment badge” for the individual machine.

Types of requirements:

• Badge Required Tool - Required badges are listed on the info pages of certain tools on the MakeHaven website.  Any listed badge is required by default unless explicitly noted otherwise.  Badges can only be issued by Community Facilitators (identified volunteers) and MakeHaven staff. The badge is not a certification or guarantee of proper instruction of use, only an orientation to the configuration and use of the tool at MakeHaven. Badges may have different requirements listed, including but not limited to watching a video, taking a knowledge quiz, demonstrating proficiency or attending a class.  Members should never use a tool which they are not certain they are able to use, and have gone through the appropriate badging session.  Starting with the move to 770 Chapel access control for many tools will be migrated to a digital system which tracks a members badging history and regulates access. It is impossible to regulate all tools in this manner, so the honor system is employed in some cases. It is considered a grave offense to use any tool without first doing the badging or other requirements.

• Guest/Minor Tool Use - Guests and minors are not required to have a badge when using tools under the direct supervision of a MakeHaven-approved instructor or when participating in an official MakeHaven class or workshop. They are permitted to use and operate tools that are specifically designated as “Supervised Guest/Minor Usable” and those of hazard level 1 badging, as listed on the makehaven.org tool page. Prior to tool use, the guest or minor must watch the associated badging video. Continuous direct oversight by the appropriately badged member is mandatory during tool use; the guest or minor must be directly in clear sight and within close proximity (no more than 6 feet) of a member who has been properly badged for that specific tool. This member agrees to take full responsibility for any tool damage that may occur during the guest's usage. Additionally, guests are allowed to use tools that do not have a badge requirement, but only under the supervision of the member hosting them. All guests and minors using tools are required to have a waiver on file.

• Buddy Tools - These tools require two members to be present to be used. In no case will a member use these tools without an identified and an individual within direct visual line of sight and earshot who can respond in an emergency. Line of sight includes through woodshop windows if the view is clear.  Digital or video monitoring is not sufficient to qualify as having a safety buddy. The tool operator must visually confirm that a buddy is present before each operation of a designated buddy tool.  Safety buddies don't need to be members, any person of age and mind capable of immediate assistance and contacting emergency services can be a safety buddy. Tool operators must inform and obtain affirmative agreement from the person acting as a safety buddy.  Any tool, including portable battery operated tools, with large exposed blades capable of unintentionally removing a hand or exposed rotating parts with enough torque to pull a user into the machine or has any function with significant risk to life and limb,  is automatically a buddy tool. Buddy tools include: Table saw, circular saw, chop saw, lathe, and similar. MakeHaven Safety Committee makes a determination if a tool requires a buddy based on likelihood and severity of injury based and categorizes that tool into a safety band. Tool pages on the website identify which are buddy tools, and icons on control boxes serve as a reminder. If you have any question if some tool should be a buddy tool, err on the side of treating it as a buddy tool. Disregarding buddy tool rules is a serious offense and may result in disciplinary action including removal of tool privileges or membership.
• Optional or Non-Badged Tools - Some small tools such as the soldering iron have no badge or an optional skill badge which recognizes time taken to learn an additional skill and use the equipment properly, but is not a requirement for basic use. If a tool explicitly notes the badge as optional the member may use the tool without going through the badging process if they have sufficient experience so that they can answer affirmatively to the Tool Use Safety Statement.

Note: some tools may have their own policies and procedures that any member using them must abide. For example the metal CNC has its own set of sub policies.

Tool Usage Statement

A responsibility of membership is for each member, before using any tool, regardless of previous use or experience to go through the mental checklist of if their tool use is: informed, safe, responsible, confident. Members agree to periodically review the following statement and refrain from tool use if they can not attest to all of the contained  statements.

A user of a tool must always be sure they are: informed, safe, responsible and confident to use a MakeHaven tool, absolutely no tool or machine usage otherwise. All safety rules and signs need to be observed 100% of the time. Failure to do so will result in suspension/revocation of membership.

Members are obligated to report to staff any tool that broke or malfunctioned while they were using it. Members are responsible for the cost of replacement or repair, unless staff determines that the breakage was not due to member misuse.

MakeHaven Safety Assets

• All Community Facilitators (volunteer coordinators) and staff will be offered a first aid class annually. We encourage members to have up to date first aid training.
• First aid kits will be stored on location, eye wash station is mounted on wall. Take note of locations.
• Medical resuscitation device will be stored on location. Take note of its location.
• A labeled emergency call button will be located in metal shop and woodshop to facilitate 911 calls. Take note of its location.
• Eye, ear and dust protection equipment is made available.  Take note of its location.
• There is a pull fire alarm. Take note of its location.

Hazardous Materials

• Members are responsible for safe and appropriate handling of hazardous materials and chemicals connected to their projects. Members are also responsible for disposal of these materials and chemicals. Do not abandon hazardous materials at MakeHaven.
• No chemicals with strong odors, irritants or V.O.C.s which may be objectionable to other members may be used in common space. Every effort must be made not to impact other members. All directions and safety precautions recommended by manufacturer must be observed.
• Ensure that every container in the cabinet has a label. Labels must include: brand name of chemical and hazard warning.
• An automatically printed label with name and date must also be affixed.

• Any item NFPA rating of 2,3 or 4 (consult the MSDS if necessary) or labeled “flammable” should be stored in the Flammable Storage Cabinet. Combustibles and flammables may be stored together. No hazardous chemicals may be put in member storage.
• Flammable gases require written staff approval.
• Explosives and chemicals with a NFPA reactivity rating of 2+ may not be brought into the facility.
• An MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) must be printed and available in the designated binder for all chemicals in cabinets.
• Corrosives are strong acids and bases, having a PH of under 2 or over 12 may not be brought into the facility. Standard procedures should be followed for less corrosive acids and bases.
• Radioactive chemicals may not be brought into the facility.
• If you are putting a chemical in a cabinet that is not on the approved chemicals list, you must get it approved by the Executive Director and add an MSDS for that chemical to the binder.
• Avoid storing large quantities of non-flammable chemicals together with flammables.
• Do not overfill cabinets beyond maximum rated capacity and do not stack chemical containers in unstable condition.
• Do not store inappropriate chemicals in the cabinet (i.e., flammables cabinet for flammable materials, corrosives cabinet for corrosive materials, etc.).

• Ensure that every container has a label. Labels must include: brand name of chemical and hazard warning.

• Do not store flammable liquids in squeeze bottles or food containers. Never put chemicals into a container that has been used for something else.
• Do not bring in unnecessary quantities of chemicals.

Electrical

Individuals using electrical equipment should be aware of spillways, and arrange cords appropriately. Individuals should  plug into outlets with sufficient power to run both their equipment and any others on the same line. Power outages or overloads must be reported to staff.

Harassment Policy

The MakeHaven community is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form.

This expectation of conduct applies to all MakeHaven sponsored spaces, including our blog and chat, as well as any other spaces that MakeHaven hosts, both online and off. Anyone who violates this policy may be sanctioned or expelled.

Harassment includes the following, without limitation:

• Offensive comments related to race, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, or physical appearance
• Gratuitous sexual or obscene images or behavior in spaces where not appropriate
• Unwelcome physical contact or sexual attention without consent or after a request to stop
• Threats or incitement of violence towards any individual, including encouraging a person to engage in self-harm
• Deliberate intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or menacing behavior
• Stalking
• Harassing photography or recording, including logging online activity for harassment purposes
• Continued one-on-one contact or communication after requests to cease
• Deliberate "outing" of a sensitive aspect of a person’s identity without their consent
• Deliberate misgendering. This includes dead naming or persistently using a pronoun that does not correctly reflect a person's gender identity

Members have a responsibility to hold each other responsible for following expectations of conduct. Any instance of harassment should be reported at: makehaven.org/harassment If you are uncomfortable using this form, or have a complaint related to any person (staff/board) who is privy to this form you may make your complaint directly to any of the following: the Executive Director, Operations Manager or Board Chairperson. In this case, please be sure to clearly indicate you wish to report a harassment complaint and identify who the complaint concerns. Information about the details of the process following the complaint are included on the makehaven.org/harassment form.

Procedures for Emergencies and Injuries

There are many types of emergencies which could occur. This gives you some guidance as to the resources at your disposal to make the best of the situation. There are many situations we may not have anticipated.  In all cases use good judgment and try and behave as a reasonable person would, keeping your own safety as the top priority. If there is any doubt, err on the side of caution, call 911 and get professional assistance.

Medical Emergencies

• If urgent call 911, follow all instructions.
• Assist as appropriate, First Aid kits are available on wall of both floors.
• Consult MSDS for material-specific first-aid measures
• An eyewash station is located at the slop sink in main room and on the pillar in the woodshop.
• Report incident to executive director.
• Member emergency contacts are listed on the website at: http://makehaven.org/emergency

Building Related Emergencies

• If there is any immediate risk to the building call 911 and contact executive director, 203-676-3414.
• If there is no immediate risk to person or property email executive director jrlogan@makehaven.org with image and description of problem.

Fire

• Call 911 if you can not immediately extinguish.
• Fire extinguishers are located on both floors.
• A fire alarm trigger is located by the front and basement door.
• Welcome fire people and allow them to inspect the building.
• Text & email Executive Director to report the incident.

Broken Tools or Equipment

• If you break equipment always report it on Slack or to report@makehaven.org email describing what happened and the nature of how it is broken.
• Unplug anything electrical.
• Create and post sign on the equipment warning members of what is broken.
• Change status to “needs repair” at http://makehaven.org/equipment

Theft or Break-In

• MakeHaven take no responsibility for any personal property you leave at MakeHaven however if you believe you have been the victim of theft report the details to the executive director via email.
• If you believe there has been a breakin to the space: do not put yourself in any danger. Call 911 and greet the police officer giving all details. Document what you can and text and email executive director.

Identified Danger or Risk

• If you identify any potential risk. Ensure you are in no danger. Mitigate the risk if safe and apparent solution exists, including isolation of power (electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.), by disconnecting from source if safe to do so.
• Create and post sign warning of danger and display prominently in area or on tool where danger exists.
• Text and Email executive director with a report, details, and photo.

Biohazardous Waste Spill

• Evacuate area if necessary  
• Assemble clean-up materials (bleach, paper towels, biohazard bags and forceps)
• Put on appropriate PPE, including lab coat, gloves and eye protection.
• Initiate cleanup with bleach as follows:

1. Place paper towels or other absorbent material over spill area
2. Carefully pour disinfectant around the edges of the spill and then onto the paper towels. Avoid splashing or generating aerosol droplets.
3. Allow disinfectant to remain in contact with spill for at least 20 minutes
4. Apply more paper towels to wipe up spill
5. Clean spill area with fresh towels soaked in disinfectant
6. Dispose of all towels or absorbent materials using appropriate biohazardous waste disposal procedures. If any sharp objects are present, use forceps and discard in a sharps container.
7. Remove protective clothing and segregate for disposal or cleaning.
8. Wash hands with soap prior to leaving area.
9. Report or file an incident report. https://www.makehaven.org/report

Emergency Contact: J.R. Logan, Executive Director, 203-676-3414, jrlogan@makehaven.org

Other Safety Concerns

If you identify any safety concerns and can’t remedy the situation safely,  unplug any impacted machine and put up clear warning signage then report the concern to: jrlogan@makehaven.org. 

Guests

Every member can bring up to two guests with him/her to the space. Guest must sign a waiver each time they visit MakeHaven. Guests need to be accompanied by the member 100% of the time. Guests cannot remain in the space without their host.  Guests can not earn equipment badges and  cannot use any equipment requiring badge training. If a guest is using any tool whatsoever or assisting a member who is using a tool they must first sign the guest waiver which can be found at the front desk. Minors must have a waiver signed by parents or legal guardian, and minors can only be Guests of an adult who has been appointed in writing on the MakeHaven waiver as a guardian who takes full responsibility for the minor while in the space.

Guest Participation

Non members may only use woodshop and metalshop power tools when under supervision of instructor or Community Facilitator. It is permissible for guest to use small non badged tools such as a drill, and hand sander to be used when directly assisting a member in project and they have signed a guest waiver. If participating in a workshop the instructor is responsible to ensure that all guests have signed a waiver. Event waivers where multiple people can sign the same form are available.

Project and Material Storage

MakeHaven Member may rent storage for their personal items to be stored in the designated area for a fee arranged with staff (options at: https://www.makehaven.org/storage). Please note that MakeHaven can’t be responsible for loss or damage to anything stored.

Projects and materials being in process of being assembled or glued may be left out on the “48 Hour Table” for up to 48 hours.  All items must be labeled with member name and date. Overdue projects remaining after 48 hours of label date will be charged at $5/day. Unlabeled or overdue materials are at risk for immediate disposal. Any personal property left in MakeHaven is done so at your own risk. Property left for more than 48 hours outside paid storage areas will be subject to disposal.

Active projects that can not be relocated to designated storage area may be left in common space only in the case of a written “parking pass” issued by a staff member.

Membership Responsibilities

• Pay monthly dues in full and on time
• Abide by the membership agreement, all rules, guidelines, safety regulations and their future updates
• Make contributions to housekeeping chores.
• Always wash used dishes/cookware/cups before leaving the space.
• Do not leave food, snacks, drinks, empty cans, bottles or garbage in the space when you leave.
• Be excellent to each other. Choose actions and language respect and are inclusive of all people. This expectation of conduct applies to all MakeHaven sponsored spaces, including our blog and chat, as well as any other spaces that MakeHaven hosts, both online and off.

Lockup Procedure.

Last member out is responsible for locking up. Be sure to check:

• Pick up any mess you have left from a project
• Double check used tools are off. (particularly if they could burn the place down)
• All non-members in the space must be chaperoned as a guest of a member. If you are the last member you must ask guests to leave with you.

Payment Options

Members are required to have a valid credit card or linked bank account on file for automatic monthly payments. Signup and update payments at: http://www.makehaven.org/payment 
The preferred payment method is by card or bank account.

Automatic Recurring Payment

• First payment is immediate; future payments occur on the same day of month. Monthly payment covers unlimited 24/7 access for the month and is not prorated or refunded based on use.
• Membership must be canceled via online user portal, at makehaven.org/break or in writing via email to membership@makehaven.org

Cash or Check Payment
Prepayment for membership can be made by cash or check only when paid two weeks in advance to allow processing and crediting to account. Payments must be put into a completed membership payment envelope (2 weeks before) membership is due to be automatically charged. Payments will be entered against outstanding balance. Any amount not paid by the due date will automatically be charged to the card on file.

Termination of Membership

The Executive Director may terminate any member’s membership if is determined that conditions of the Membership Agreement are not met. The termination is effective immediately. A member may appeal to the president of the board of directors that the board of directors review the situation and consider reinstatement. The Board of Directors reserves the right to terminate membership at any time upon their sole discretion, decisions of the board of directors are final.

Cancelation Refunds

Membership fees are non-refundable once charged. However, members canceling may request a refund within 3 day grace period of the start of their billing period, subject to staff approval. By default, if a member cancels, their membership ends immediately and any unused time is stored as a credit on their account, available if they return.

Intellectual Property

MakeHaven, Inc. makes no claim to any intellectual property created by MakeHaven members or created using MakeHaven resources or facilities. Free or open source licensing is encouraged. MakeHaven is a space where people develop prototypes and ideas. It is essential that the culture supports trust and the exchange of ideas.  All members agree to make every effort to respect the ideas, trade secrets and intellectual property of others.

Commercial Use

MakeHaven aims to foster entrepreneurship and encourages members to explore how they might develop new businesses and income sources from the things they make at MakeHaven. When the needs of the venture grow into manufacturing many copies of a product for sale, beyond exploration (or moonlighting) and market testing phases (as determined by MakeHaven staff), it is required that the startup find manufacturing resources outside of MakeHaven, or make arrangements with staff to pay for reserved time on specific tools. This policy protects the ability of MakeHaven keep the tools of fabrication available to members, while performing an early stage startup incubation function that includes limited commercial use.

Disclaimer

MakeHaven, Inc. provides all services “as is”, as a service, and not as a lease of real property, and disclaim all warranties and conditions, whether express, implied or statutory, including, but not limited to, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or use. There is also no warranty of title, quiet enjoyment or possession. The entire risk of participating in or using the MakeHaven service remains with you.