Project Room Access and Safety

Announcements

  • Required Training
    Students are encouraged to complete training as early as possible. All returning students, faculty and staff must complete the Fabrication Lab Refresher.
  • Reserving Machine Time
    Reserve Machine Time using the FabJob App. Use a TMP folder for short-term file storage for walk-up use and consultations.

Hours of Access

Both Gund L31 (Project Room) and Gund 518 (Spray Room) are accessible at all times during the academic semesters to individuals who have completed the required training. During both JTerm and Summer months, access will be limited.

L31 can be accessed through both the woodshop, during woodshop hours, as well as from the corridor, around the corner from the CNC router, next to the Facilities Office (L30).

Use Approved Materials Only

Individuals using materials in this space must observe the Materials Policy and related guidance. Check for a relevant Standard Operating Procedure before proceeding. Some materials require prior approval from Lab Staff or may not be allowed for use. If in doubt, consult a member of the Fabrication Lab staff in advance of purchase and use.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for approved materials are available online. If the material you are using does not have an associated SDS, obtain one from the manufacturer and share it with a member of the Fabrication Lab staff.

Individuals who occupy these spaces should make themselves aware of the materials being used by others. Some individuals, including those that are pregnant or nursing, may need to exercise more caution or be more sensitive, having more adverse reactions to exposure to hazardous materials or incurring harm to the child. In the past, some individuals occupying these spaces have required medical attention due to the presence of materials that others were using. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Fabrication Lab staff.

Follow Standard Operating Procedures and Manufacturer’s Instructions

Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as outlined in both SOP and Manufacturer’s instructions. This generally includes wearing safety glasses and chemical resistant gloves. Additional PPE might also be required. If manufacturer’s instructions state that product must be used in a well-ventilated space, perform the activity in a spray booth or ask a member of the Fabrication Lab staff.

When using a spray booth, wait for the light to indicate that the fan is running and it is safe to spray. Do not use the booth if the indicator light does not illuminate or the fan does not seem to be operating. Contact a member of Fabrication Lab Staff, Facilities Staff, or FMO (617-495-5560) to correct the issue.

Off-gassing

As spray paint, spray glue, and other materials requiring exhaust will continue to off-gas hazardous VOC long-after they have been used/applied, it is best to leave items in a well-ventilated space for some time. Check manufacturer’s labels on drying time and other guidance.

Never remove items that are still wet, tacky, or sticky from the room, allow them to completely dry or cure before bringing them into studio, classrooms, reviews, or pin-ups. 

Best practice includes placing items on off-gassing racks within a ventilated booth, so that all VOC and other contaminants are pulled from the item directly out of the space without crossing other occupants. In the Project Room, items can be placed under the table in the booth. In 518 items can be placed in the 4th booth, nearest the windows.

Hazardous Materials Storage

Flammable materials like spray paint, paint, spray adhesive, solvent-type adhesives like Plastruct, oil-based finishes, or any other material bearing a flammables pictogram on its container or Safety Data Sheet should be stored in a yellow flammables cabinet.

Label materials stored in these cabinets with your name and the current date to prevent accidental use by others. Adhesive labels should be available at each cabinet. Do not use a product that clearly belongs to another individual. 

Flammables storage cabinets are emptied annually, following the spring semester. Summer storage is generally not accommodated. Buy only what you need for the current project, or an amount you’re sure to consume within the year, to prevent unnecessary waste.

For any other hazardous materials, such as casting resin, epoxy cements, construction adhesives, etc., contact a member of Fabrication Lab staff.

Housekeeping

Maintain a clean space for yourself and for others. Respect the custodial staff and clean up after yourself.

Use brown craft paper or similar between your work and work surfaces like those in the spray booth or a table. Dispose of this paper in the grey trash barrel when no longer needed.

Dispose of used aerosol cans in the white barrel designated for this waste type. Never dispose of aerosol cans in the grey trash bin or blue single-stream recycling bin.

Dispose of non-hazardous liquid waste in the white barrel next to the sink in L31. Such waste includes water-mixed-with-clay or plaster, and water used to wash plaster, paint, or other materials from tools and brushes.

Remove any items belonging to you promptly, to prevent accidental damage or loss. For short-term storage, be sure to label the work with a project registration form. Items left longer than 1 week may be discarded without notice.

Project Room Hours

While the Project Room is typically available whenever Gund Hall is open during the academic semesters, hours may be limited in the summer and between semesters.

Project Room Camera

View the Project Room Camera, Gund L31

View the Project Room Rear Camera, Gund L31

View the Spray Room Camera, Gund 518

(Must be connected to the Harvard network by being on-campus, or connected via VPN to view remotely.)