Build Lab Tour Policy

The purpose of this policy is to coordinate successful and safe touring of the Build Lab facilities.

Scheduling

All tours of the Build Lab facility must be scheduled, in advance, with the Facilities Manager (Casey Stringham: (512) 471-0700, casey.stringham@austin.utexas.edu), Facilities Specialist (Shane Reilly: shane.reilly@austin.utexas.edu), or shop supervisor on duty. In the event of an impromptu or unscheduled tour, please check in with the shop staff prior to taking the tour into the Build Lab space.

To maintain safety for students, staff, and visitors, tours are discouraged during high activity periods. The busiest times are generally Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and the weeks prior to final reviews. 9:00 am – 12:00 pm is usually less busy.

Safety Requirements

o Proper attire is required prior to entering the shop floor

o Closed-toed shoes

o Hair must be pulled back

o Anyone that arrives with improper attire will be asked to stay at the entry level while the tour proceeds to the main shop level.

o Proper supervision

o Shop safety training is required for all individuals entering the Build Lab.

o Individuals without previous safety training must be accompanied by Build Lab personnel.

o Viewing areas

o It may be necessary for Build Lab personnel to direct visitors to areas that facilitate safe observation. The worktables in the center of the Build Lab are often the safest viewing areas.

o A safe distance must be maintained when equipment is in use.

o Build Lab personnel may shadow, follow, or lead the tour depending on volume and activity levels in the facilities.

o If it is unsafe for a tour to take place, the shop staff will be required to ask the group to leave.