Robot Lab Rules
The robot lab contains machinery, equipment, and materials that can be
dangerous if misused or used without proper training and protocols.
It is also a compact space used by many different people.
The following rules are intended to ensure a
safe environment that remains accessible and functional to all users.
Violation of the rules is grounds for loss of lab privileges, and possible
University sanctions if misuse of the facilities creates a danger to the user
or others.
The lab primary director is Prof. Randal Nelson: email nelson@cs.rochester.edu;
emergency phone 742-8848 (UR), and 473-2321 (home).
Secondary director is Prof. Ted Pawlicki: email pawlicki@cs.rochester.edu.
Lab Access:
- No user is allowed to work in the lab by themselves. Ever.
- Lab facilities are to be used only for approved projects. To be approved,
a project must have a team and a plan specified on a submitted form.
Since individuals are not allowed to work in the lab, no individual
(team of one) projects can be approved.
- Any person working in the lab must be accompanied by a user approved
for swipe access.
- Swipe access may be granted to team leaders on approved projects
and possibly to key personnel. A signed copy of the rules sheet
acknowledging understanding and acceptance of lab policies is required.
Respect for other users and lab facilities:
- Clean up and put away all tools, components, messes when you leave
(even for an hour).
Clean machines, vaccuum up chips, sawdust, etc.
Make sure counters and tables are clear.
Basically leave lab ready for the next person to use.
- Tools NEVER leave the lab area. Don't "borrow" them even
for an hour. There is nothing more frustrating than coming in to work on
a project only to discover that a tool you planned to use has gone missing.
- If you break or damage a tool, or create a spill or mess that is
hazardous or you don't know how to clean up, contact a lab director
(Prof. Nelson or Pawlicki) immediately.
- All projects must fit in one of the plastic boxes and be labelled with
project name, date, project leader name and contact email.
- Generic components and supplies such as small electronic components,
screws, glues, miscellaneous raw material stock, are available for use
on approved projects. They are not intended for use in other university
projects (e.g. ECE labs, Hajim senior design, Solar Splash, Baja, etc.)
without specific approval. These activities have their own spaces and
infrastructure.
- Don't use a lot of components without consulting a lab director.
- Inform a lab director if component supplies get low or you use the
last one.
- Ask a lab director before incorporating larger components such as
motors, servos, or Arduinos into a project. These are primarily intended
for experimental use, not as consumables.
- Don't modify equipment or functional units (e.g. battery boxes, motors)
without consulting a lab director first
Training for, and use of machinery and equipment:
- Use of the 3D printer requires robot-lab-specific training,
and explicit permission from a lab director for each project.
- Bandsaw use requires Retner class or robot-lab training
- The milling machine has ideosyncracies not present in standard
"Bridgeport-style" units. Its use requires specific training by lab
director Prof. Nelson.
- Make absolutely sure that soldering equipment is turned off when you
are finished, and check it again before leaving the lab.
- Use of chemicals or solvents requires application-specific training.
A final word:
If in doubt about anything, ask a lab director. Don't "assume" an
activity is OK just because it is not explicitly prohibited here.
Use of common sense, and basic respect for other users and equipment
is expected.
Demonstrated lack any of these in the opinion of a lab director is grounds
for revocation of lab privileges.
Name
Role / Reason for access
Student number
Email
Signature