Member Handbook - Revision history

Sid: /* Broken, malfunctioning or dangerous equipment */

2026-03-17T21:53:35Z

Broken, malfunctioning or dangerous equipment

Sid: /* Alta Open */

2026-03-17T21:49:25Z

Alta Open

Sid at 21:48, 17 March 2026

2026-03-17T21:48:25Z

Valerie: Updated Guest Policy section to broadly point to the Policies category page

2025-07-18T17:41:43Z

Updated Guest Policy section to broadly point to the Policies category page

Sid: /* General Safety Regulations */

2025-06-26T01:07:01Z

General Safety Regulations

Sid: /* Tools that Require Training */

2025-05-21T23:44:15Z

Tools that Require Training

Sid at 18:23, 14 April 2025

2025-04-14T18:23:04Z

Sid: /* Recycling */

2025-02-24T18:54:26Z

Recycling

Sid: /* Recycling */

2025-02-24T18:53:48Z

Recycling

Sid: /* General Safety Regulations */

2025-02-24T18:39:35Z

General Safety Regulations

@@ Line 61: / Line 61: @@
 We know that equipment sometimes breaks and accidents happen.  It's imperative everyone knows when something is wrong so the appropriate volunteers can make sure equipment is safe to use and properly repaired.  If you are using a piece of equipment and something breaks or you think something may be wrong with it, please do the following:
-# Scan a red QR code in the space or go to [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBhIcxwJPpBbuTVlxZ6-hSfNduEM5kkT0e4JP_uxGe9Ar75Q/viewform asmbly.org/report] to fill out a problem report form. Describe the issue and relevant circumstances. If the report does not contain private information, consider sharing it on Discourse. There is an option on the form to automatically create a Discourse post.
+# Scan a red QR code in the space or go to [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBhIcxwJPpBbuTVlxZ6-hSfNduEM5kkT0e4JP_uxGe9Ar75Q/viewform asmbly.org/problem] to fill out a problem report form. Describe the issue and relevant circumstances. If the report does not contain private information, consider sharing it on Discourse. There is an option on the form to automatically create a Discourse post.
 # Attach a red tag to the machine with a brief note about the problem.
 # Disable the machine by coiling up its cord, taping over the prongs of the plug, and taping it down next to your note.

@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 * Purchased a subscription in Neon
 * Signed the [https://asmbly.org/waiver subscription agreement and liability waiver]
-* Completed [https://asmbly.org/classes/?category=Orientation in-person orientation] if joined later than July 1 2021 or membership has lapsed for more than 12 months
+* Completed [https://classes.asmbly.org/event/19?eventId=96636 in-person orientation] if joined later than July 1 2021 or membership has lapsed for more than 12 months
 If you expected an invitation and did not receive one, check your spam folder.

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 ==== Alta Open ====
-Asmbly uses Alta Open smart readers for building access control (door locks). This system uses a smartphone app as a primary authentication mechanism, so you don't need to use a key fob or badge anymore.
+Asmbly uses Alta Open smart readers for building access control (door locks). This system uses a smartphone app as a primary authentication mechanism, but we do have key fobs for purchase in the Asmbly Neon store.
 To set up an Alta Open credential on your smartphone, click on the link in the Alta Open invitation email. If you haven't received an invitation, you can install the app but can't set up access to Asmbly.  Access to the facility is granted on successful completion of all pre-requisites for membership:
@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 ==== Discourse ====
-[https://yo.asmbly.org yo.asmbly.org] is our online Discourse forum which serves as our main mode of communication for the space including announcements and most importantly community discussion.  Members and non-members alike are encouraged to discuss projects and ideas with each other on the forum.  We also use Discourse for reporting machine problems by posting in the appropriate [https://yo.asmbly.org/c/spaces/9 Space Teams] category.  This gives all members equal access to information about the status of equipment at the space as well as learning opportunities on how to repair and maintain our tools.
+[https://yo.asmbly.org yo.asmbly.org] is our online Discourse forum which serves as our main mode of communication for the space including announcements and most importantly community discussion.  Members and non-members alike are encouraged to discuss projects and ideas with each other on the forum.  We also use Discourse for reporting machine problems by filling out a [http://asmbly.org/problem problem report] and selecting the option to share to Discoure.  This gives all members equal access to information about the status of equipment at the space as well as learning opportunities on how to repair and maintain our tools.
 As with face-to-face interactions, we ask all users on our forums to treat your fellow humans with respect.  For more on our community guidelines, see this Discourse post [https://yo.asmbly.org/t/community-guide-lines-read-me/440 here].  Please note, none of our forums or community pages are an appropriate place for joke posts/sarcasm, personal attacks, antagonism, or off-topic discussion such as politics.  Posts that demean the efforts of volunteers working to better the space are considered extremely harmful to our culture.  Members with a history of problematic posts may be moderated or removed.
@@ Line 38: / Line 38: @@
 Because so much important communication occurs on our forums, we highly recommend all members check to ensure they are getting notifications for the categories most important to them.  Check that your notification settings are set the way you would like by following this guide [https://yo.asmbly.org/t/help-how-do-i-get-the-mailing-list-setup-in-discourse/66 here].
-If there is a specific area of the shop that you use heavily, you may consider "watching" this category so that you receive emails when there are new posts.  This will keep you most up-to-date when machine problems are reported for this area.  The Operations category is another useful one to watch as this is where we post updates about the space.
+If there is a specific area of the shop that you use heavily, you may consider "watching" this category so that you receive emails when there are new posts.
 ==== Wiki ====
-This website you are currently on is our information hub for the space.  There are two versions:  a legacy ATXHS version and this Asmbly version.  Asmbly and ATXHS combined in April 2021, however ATXHS had 10 years of operations and wiki contributions leading up to this time.  To prevent confusion in policies and avoid countless hours sifting through data, this new wiki was created to reflect current Asmbly policies and procedures.  The ATXHS wiki has a wealth of information about various tools at the space and is maintained for this and historical purposes.
+The website you are currently on is our information hub for the space.  There are two versions:  a legacy ATXHS version and this Asmbly version.  Asmbly and ATXHS combined in April 2021, however ATXHS had 10 years of operations and wiki contributions leading up to this time.  To prevent confusion in policies and avoid countless hours sifting through data, this new wiki was created to reflect current Asmbly policies and procedures.  The ATXHS wiki has a wealth of information about various tools at the space and is maintained for this and historical purposes.
 == Facility Access ==
@@ Line 52: / Line 52: @@
 There are many tools and machines at Asmbly and we love to see members utilizing as many of them as possible.  All tools made available to members at Asmbly are to be used on premises and should never be removed from the facility.  Asmbly does not have tools available for checkout to work on projects offsite.
-Safety is of the utmost importance and some tools in the space require additional classes before members are authorized to use them (regardless of previous experience).  '''If you are ever unsure of how to use a piece of equipment or need a quick refresher, ask before using it.'''
+Safety is of the utmost importance and most tools in the space require additional classes before members are authorized to use them (regardless of previous experience).  '''If you are ever unsure of how to use a piece of equipment or need a quick refresher, ask before using it.'''
 ==== Tools that Require Training ====
@@ Line 65: / Line 65: @@
 # Disable the machine by coiling up its cord, taping over the prongs of the plug, and taping it down next to your note.
-Your goal is to make it so that a person cannot operate the machine without seeing your notice. Posting a note on the forum allows other members at the space to know that it needs repair and is down, and gives leadership visibility into where we are seeing repeated downtime. Once fixed, ‘[RESOLVED]’ should be appended to the title of the original post; if you notice this hasn’t been done, just reply and a moderator will correct the title.
+Your goal is to make it so that a person cannot operate the machine without seeing your notice. Posting a note on the forum allows other members at the space to know that it needs repair and is down, and gives leadership visibility into where we are seeing repeated downtime.
-If repairs are done, a volunteer workshop steward or staff member will reply to the forum post and discuss how to prevent similar problems in the future.  If a piece of equipment is broken due to negligence, you may be asked to pay for repair/replacement and retake a lesson on how to use the machine.
+If repairs are done, a volunteer workshop steward or staff member will reply to the forum post and discuss how to prevent similar problems in the future.  If a piece of equipment is broken due to negligence, you may be encouraged to pay for a repair/replacement and retake a lesson on how to use the machine.
-Many members use the shop resources for production that supports their livelihood which may require work to be completed on a timeline.  We cannot guarantee machine uptime as a volunteer-run shop and should all work to ensure the health of equipment at the space.  With this in mind, please be respectful of all equipment in the space and treat it as if it were your own.  Hiding or failing to report damaged equipment endangers other members and the livelihood of the community.  It is a serious offense and grounds for termination of membership.
+Many members use the shop resources for production that supports their livelihood which may require work to be completed on a timeline.  We cannot guarantee machine uptime as a volunteer-run shop.  With this in mind, please be respectful of all equipment in the space and treat it as if it were your own.  Hiding or failing to report damaged equipment endangers other members and the livelihood of the community.  It is a serious offense and grounds for termination of membership.
 === Hosting Equipment ===
 Asmbly makes an effort to acquire and maintain equipment for members to use.  Most of the equipment in the space is owned by Asmbly.  However, some equipment belongs to members who generously share with the Asmbly community.
-If you'd be willing to [[Hosting Tools|host a tool]] of interest to Asmbly, contact [Mailto:workshop@asmbly.org workshop@asmbly.org] to discuss before bringing it to the space.  If you bring in tools or equipment without authorization, your tools or equipment may be disposed of at the discretion of the board.  All hosted tools must have a hosting agreement on file with the Director of Facilities.
+If you'd be willing to [[Hosting Tools|host a tool]] of interest to Asmbly, contact [Mailto:facilities@asmbly.org facilities@asmbly.org] to discuss before bringing it to the space.  If you bring in tools or equipment without authorization, your tools or equipment may be disposed of at the discretion of the board.  All hosted tools must have a hosting agreement on file with the Director of Facilities.
 === Donating Equipment ===
-As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, Asmbly is pleased to accept donations that provide added value to the community.  If you have something you'd like to donate, contact [mailto:board@asmbly.org board@asmbly.org] with information about the item(s).  If accepted, we will provide a donation receipt for tax purposes.
+As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, Asmbly is pleased to accept donations that provide added value to the community.  If you have something you'd like to donate, contact [mailto:facilities@asmbly.org facilities@asmbly.org] with information about the item(s).  If accepted, we will provide a donation receipt for tax purposes.
 == Safety ==

@@ Line 46: / Line 46: @@
 {{Excerpt|Access_Policies|hat=0|subsections=yes|Access Policies}}
-== Guest Policy ==
+== Policies ==
-{{Excerpt|Guest_Policy|hat=0|subsections=yes}}
+Members are expected to follow all Asmbly policies which may be updated from time to time.  Policies may be found [https://wiki.asmbly.org/index.php?title=Category:Policies here].
 == Equipment ==

@@ Line 113: / Line 113: @@
 * '''Communicate''' — If tools are missing or broken, post on yo.asmbly.org in the respective Space Teams category.
 * '''Dispose of materials properly''' — Clean up scrap and take out the trash and recycling (see Materials & Waste).
 * '''Pets are not allowed''' — our lease agreement prohibits animals on site, therefore in accordance with our lease, no pets or animals allowed.

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:44, 21 May 2025
Line 55:		Line 55:

	==== Tools that Require Training ====		==== Tools that Require Training ====
		+	'''All tools outside of the Textiles and Electronics spaces require a safety or introductory class before use.'''
	<categoryTree mode="all", hideroot=on>Training_Required</categoryTree>		<categoryTree mode="all", hideroot=on>Training_Required</categoryTree>

@@ Line 60: / Line 60: @@
 We know that equipment sometimes breaks and accidents happen.  It's imperative everyone knows when something is wrong so the appropriate volunteers can make sure equipment is safe to use and properly repaired.  If you are using a piece of equipment and something breaks or you think something may be wrong with it, please do the following:
-# Post about the problem on [https://yo.asmbly.org yo.asmbly.org], describing the issue and relevant circumstances.  Tag @workshop to make sure the right people see it quickly.
+# Scan a red QR code in the space or go to [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBhIcxwJPpBbuTVlxZ6-hSfNduEM5kkT0e4JP_uxGe9Ar75Q/viewform asmbly.org/report] to fill out a problem report form. Describe the issue and relevant circumstances. If the report does not contain private information, consider sharing it on Discourse. There is an option on the form to automatically create a Discourse post.
-# Attach a large white note to the machine that says OUT OF ORDER. If a red tag would be more visible, use that.
+# Attach a red tag to the machine with a brief note about the problem.
 # Disable the machine by coiling up its cord, taping over the prongs of the plug, and taping it down next to your note.
 Your goal is to make it so that a person cannot operate the machine without seeing your notice. Posting a note on the forum allows other members at the space to know that it needs repair and is down, and gives leadership visibility into where we are seeing repeated downtime. Once fixed, ‘[RESOLVED]’ should be appended to the title of the original post; if you notice this hasn’t been done, just reply and a moderator will correct the title.
-If repairs are done, the volunteer workshop steward will reply to the forum post and discuss how to prevent similar problems in the future.  If a piece of equipment is broken due to negligence, you may be asked to pay for repair/replacement and retake a lesson on how to use the machine.
+If repairs are done, a volunteer workshop steward or staff member will reply to the forum post and discuss how to prevent similar problems in the future.  If a piece of equipment is broken due to negligence, you may be asked to pay for repair/replacement and retake a lesson on how to use the machine.
 Many members use the shop resources for production that supports their livelihood which may require work to be completed on a timeline.  We cannot guarantee machine uptime as a volunteer-run shop and should all work to ensure the health of equipment at the space.  With this in mind, please be respectful of all equipment in the space and treat it as if it were your own.  Hiding or failing to report damaged equipment endangers other members and the livelihood of the community.  It is a serious offense and grounds for termination of membership.
@@ Line 117: / Line 117: @@
 === Scrap ===
-Many projects result in scrap material.  Although these materials can be useful for other member’s projects, we can quickly get overrun with scraps.  As a result, we must limit scraps left in the shop to what can fit onto our scrap cart.  If there isn’t room on the scrap cart, then either trash scrap on the cart to make room for your scrap or trash your scrap.
+Many projects result in scrap material.  Although these materials can be useful for other member’s projects, we can quickly get overrun with scraps.  As a result, we must limit scraps left in the shop to what can fit onto our scrap cart.  If there isn’t room on the scrap cart, then either trash scrap on the cart to make room for your scrap or trash your scrap. Here is a link to our [[Scrap Cart Guidelines|scrap cart guidelines]].
 === Trash ===

@@ Line 127: / Line 127: @@
 '''NOT Recyclable:'''<br>
-* Plastic Bags, seriously, it can get rejected or trigger a fine.
+* Plastic bags. Seriously, it can get the entire recycling batch rejected or trigger a fine.
 * Used glue paper. Clean paper only.
 * Empty glue bottles or other chemical bottles. It’s meant more for soda or water bottles.

@@ Line 123: / Line 123: @@
 === Recycling ===
-In the back of the building next to the trash dumpster, we have a recycling dumpster.  It can be difficult to determine what is recyclable and what is not.  For instance, although paper and cardboard (which are recyclable) are made from wood, '''wood is NOT recyclable'''.  Please limit the items you put in the recycling dumpster to only what is allowed by the City of Austin’s streamline recycling guidelines.
+In the back of the building next to the trash dumpster, we have a recycling dumpster. It is good for paper, cardboard, aluminum / tin, glass, and plastic bottles.
-Note that items containing food particles are not recyclable and should be placed in the trash dumpster.
+'''NOT Recyclable:'''<br>
 <!-- === Oil and Oil Filters ===
-Texas law prohibits the disposal of oil and oil filters in dumpsters.  While you are welcome to use the autobay to change your oil, you must take this waste with you when you leave.  Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has a [https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/registration/used_oil/recycling.html “Used Oil Recycling Program”] you can participate in to properly dispose of these items.-->
+Texas law prohibits the disposal of oil and oil filters in dumpsters. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has a [https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/registration/used_oil/recycling.html “Used Oil Recycling Program”] you can participate in to properly dispose of these items.-->
 == Storage ==

@@ Line 91: / Line 91: @@
 * '''Protect other people’s lungs''' —
 ** Use dust-collection every time when sanding or sawing.  For many machines, dust-collection is set up to initiate automatically when you start using the machine (e.g. SawStop table saw and compound miter saw).  Other tools like the orbital sander must be hooked up to a shop vac and turned on manually.
-** Apply noxious materials outdoors including smelly paints, epoxies, aerosols, and solvents.  Take care to not get spray paint on our building or the concrete.
+*'''Apply finishes, stains, and paint outdoors''' — Take care not to get spray paint on our building or the concrete. There is no dedicated space inside for finishing and it is not recommended. The shop is used regularly and dust may likely settle on wet finishes.
 * '''Respect your sharps''' — take the woodshop safety class and any specialty classes for machinery; lower blades when not in use (table saw, router, etc.).
 * '''Protect surfaces''' — use paper table covers when working on benches and scrap cardboard or other materials to catch overspray; refrain from spraying in windy conditions.