1. Developing Safe Spaces
Strategies that have worked well in Cook Engineering Laboratory and the Makerspace in the Watt Family Innovation Center
Todd Schweisinger, PhD, PE
Senior Lecturer &
Undergraduate Coordinator
Department of Mechanical Engineering Clemson University, 205 Cook Engineering Laboratory Clemson, SC , USA
| | todd schweisinger

2. Is the university willing to support any activities that have a risk of injury?
Can you think of any University program that has a well known history of risks, with nearly half of the student participants still getting injured, and despite all of this, is still actively supported by the university? Mitigated with Training, Protection, & Response

3. M.E. Lab Curriculum
1888- Thomas Green Clemson leaves estate to form a military, agricultural and mechanical college.

4. M.E. Labs

5. Shop Hazards Part Layout, electronics cabinet, and shop office
Hand Tools and Benchtop Powertools

6. Shop Hazards
Lathes
Milling Machines
Welding Station

7. Makerspace Hazards
QTY:2 FormLabs 3D Printers
QTY:6 Type A 3D Printers

8. Makerspace Hazards
Epilog Laser Cutter

9. Hybrid Models Risk Access Expertise Field Site Lecture Hall Shop Space
The right balance
should be
specific to the
objective.
But often is specific
to the location or
other constraints.
Lab
Space
Comm.
Space

10. Strategies to meet learning objectives safely & effectively
Safety performance can make or
break your organization’s brand.
Strategies to meet learning objectives safely & effectively
Accept accountability and be proactive.
Involve Research Safety office in all decisions/ actions to create an ally rather than an adversary or compliance officer relationship.

11. Strategies to meet objectives safely & effectively
Talk about Safety
With Research Safety
With other shops on campus- Network of Shop Supervisors [meet every semester]
At annual conferences with peers- Student Shop Managers Conference <myssmc.org>
Take action towards continuous improvement
Create a culture of safety and communication, by Reporting near misses.

12. Strategies to meet learning objectives safely & effectively
Match access to risks and allocate resources accordingly.
Increase expertise.
Training!
Invest in equipment with modern safety features.

13. and there are strategies to Reduce Risks
Conclusion
SAFETY is paramount,
and there are strategies to Reduce Risks
Partner with Research Safety Office early.
Develop Training.
Document Policies & Procedures.
GO VISIT Makerspace in Watt. We’re open & growing!