Safety and Rules

The Golden Rules

Short seriousness for long-lasting fun

1. Everyone is warmly welcome in the RUB Makerspace!
2. Makerspace staff are available at any time to help with questions!
3. Visiting and using the Makerspace is at your own risk!
4. The posted User Regulations as well as information on hazards and safety must be observed and followed!
5. Without instruction and permission from the Makerspace staff, keep your distance from all machines and tools!
6. All accidents and damage must be reported to the Makerspace staff immediately!
7. Think ahead, clean up after yourself, act responsibly, and look out for one another!

Overview Map "Safety"

Makerspace means making things yourself...

Our goal is for you to learn how to use all areas and machines in the Makerspace and then use them independently!

Please note the following when using the workshops:

• Before you are allowed to work with machines or tools, you must complete an instruction.
• The General Safety Instruction must be completed first and is therefore sometimes called the initial instruction.
• Based on this, additional instructions can follow in any order, for example laser, 3D printing, welding...
• During the initial instruction you will be registered with us and receive an ID card.
• After each instruction, we will accompany and support you throughout your projects as you safely learn the technology.
• The Makerspace is not only a workshop; it also includes areas that can be used with low barriers and without prior instruction for events, seminars, creative work, exchange, and much more.
• Bringing your own machines and equipment is only allowed in exceptional cases and must be coordinated with us in advance. Fortunately, we already have almost everything here.

For any use of the Makerspace: Please think ahead, look out for one another, and ask if anything seems unclear or unsafe!

... but safely!

Safety has the highest priority — please always keep in mind:

• Things are being built here — hazards may change depending on location and time.
• Visiting and using the Makerspace is at your own risk.
• Know the locations of first-aid supplies, fire extinguishers, as well as escape and rescue routes.
• Stay on designated walkways (if marked).
• Keep your distance from machines and do not touch them — even if asked to do so by someone who is not part of the Makerspace team.
• Pay attention to operating instructions, warning, mandatory, and prohibition signs, as well as other markings.
• Some areas may only be entered while wearing protective equipment.

In an emergency, call 110!

Flyer "Information and Safety in the Makerspace"

The most important information for safe use of the Makerspace is also available for download in our Information & Safety Flyer. Printed copies are also available in the Makerspace.

Minors

• Persons under 12 years of age may only use the Makerspace as guests and may only enter when accompanied by a parent/legal guardian or an authorized supervising person.
• Persons between 12 and 16 years of age may use the Makerspace when accompanied by a parent/legal guardian or authorized supervising person under their supervision, in individual agreement with the Makerspace team, and with a declaration of consent.
• Persons between 16 and 18 years of age may use the Makerspace with a declaration of consent from a parent/legal guardian. Use is limited according to the terms of the consent.

The declaration of consent is currently under internal review and will be published once approved. Until then, minors may only enter and use the Makerspace when accompanied by a parent/legal guardian or an authorized supervising person.

Exceptions to these rules are possible, particularly for school events or similar situations where the duty of care and supervision is ensured by the responsible organization.

User Regulations

General

1. These regulations apply to all persons in the Makerspace of Ruhr University Bochum ("RUB Makerspace").
2. The RUB Makerspace is a place where users can realize their ideas. Various workshop areas (for example for metalworking and woodworking), so-called laboratories (for example rapid prototyping lab, media lab), as well as other usage units (for example seminar and computer room, project rooms, co-working area, kitchenettes) are available for this purpose.

3. The RUB Makerspace is primarily a place for (idea) development and exchange as well as creative hands-on making, and not just a workshop:

   "Makerspaces are places of collaborative learning and working where people independently work on projects and create things (or ‘make’). The term ‘things’ is intentionally left undefined so that users are not restricted in their creativity. The place of making (the ‘space’) provides the platform, equipment, and possibly materials, as well as an opportunity for direct exchange with other users about individual or shared projects."
   Source: https://oebib.wordpress.com/2014/01/16/makerspaces/

4. Access to and work in the RUB Makerspace require approval from the Makerspace staff; intended use must be discussed with staff before beginning work.

5. Active, independent work in the Makerspace requires at least participation in a general safety instruction. Exceptions apply to standard activities as typically carried out in regular seminar rooms (for example thinking, social interaction, or computer work). Certain machines or work areas of the Makerspace may only be used after additional, specific instruction. All instructions are documented and must be repeated annually. Unauthorized machine use or manipulation of the access system will result in immediate suspension of use and possibly a ban from the premises.
6. Work (excluding the ‘standard activities’ mentioned above such as thinking and computer work) is only permitted when at least one other person is within calling distance (no working alone — especially for hazardous activities). Exceptions for team members may apply subject to additional measures and agreement.
7. Bringing animals into the RUB Makerspace is prohibited.
8. In the context of official/student activities, accident insurance coverage for personal injury is provided through the State Accident Insurance Fund, as everywhere at RUB. Users are personally liable for damage caused by improper use of the Makerspace. Private liability insurance is therefore required for working in the Makerspace. Existing health insurance coverage is also mandatory. Proof must be provided to Makerspace staff upon request.
9. Children and young people are generally welcome in the Makerspace. However, they may only remain there in the presence of a parent/legal guardian and may only carry out workshop activities in individual agreement with the Makerspace staff.
10. Special precautions and rules apply to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers — please contact the Makerspace staff to avoid potential hazards.
11. Temporary storage of items, for example for projects, must be reported to the Makerspace staff and is at personal risk. The RUB Makerspace assumes no liability for loss, theft, or damage.
12. Any form of discriminatory or inhumane behavior toward others has no place in the RUB Makerspace and, like physical altercations or serious insults, will result in an immediate ban from the premises.
13. Film and photo recordings are occasionally made in the Makerspace. These recordings serve documentation purposes as well as public relations. However, before publication, all users and, if applicable, guests must be presented with a separate consent form to sign, including the option to object.
14. As an external facility, emergencies in the Makerspace do not trigger the RUB internal control center; instead, the emergency number 112 must be called directly.
15. The RUB house rules apply in the Makerspace as they do throughout RUB.
16. Violations of these regulations may result in exclusion from use or a ban from the premises.

Obligations of RUB Makerspace Users

1. To prevent accidents, health damage, and illness, users must observe and follow the following:
   • Instructions from personnel working in the RUB Makerspace
   • Content of completed instructions in the RUB Makerspace as well as operating instructions posted on hazardous machines, materials, and areas
   • Warning signs, prohibition signs, and mandatory signs
   • Accident prevention regulations, safety rules, and information sheets from the employers’ liability insurance associations as well as the Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV), including appendices, in the currently valid version
2. No items may be modified/hacked, destroyed, or taken without the consent of the owner. Personal projects and materials may only be used or altered with the direct consent of the owner.
3. The physical and mental capability required to perform the respective activity must be present.
4. Working in the RUB Makerspace is prohibited if ability to work is impaired due to alcohol, drugs, or medication.
5. Users must behave in such a way that they do not disturb anyone, do not endanger themselves or others, and do not violate the personal rights of others (this includes, for example, asking before taking photos/videos in which people are recognizable).
6. Machines, tools, and equipment must be checked before use for proper condition, especially safety aspects such as damaged cables; defects must be reported immediately to RUB Makerspace staff. Use is expressly prohibited in the event of damage.
7. All machines and tools must be used conscientiously, for their intended purpose, and with caution. Written operating and safety instructions on tools and machines must be strictly followed. Protective devices must not be removed.
8. Any damage to inventory or facilities that occurs or is discovered must be reported immediately to RUB Makerspace staff to ensure prompt repair and prevent possible personal injury.
9. Workstations must be cleaned after use, and tools returned to their designated place. When storing items in the Makerspace, personal materials and other objects must be placed in a box labeled with your name. Items left behind without labeling may be added to the Makerspace inventory for general use or disposed of after 48 hours. When leaving the room, windows and doors must be closed, and lights and equipment switched off.
10. For tasks where personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, it must be worn correctly at all times.
11. Access to fire extinguishing equipment, first-aid supplies, and electrical distribution panels, as well as traffic routes, exits, emergency exits, and similar areas must be kept clear. Fire doors must not be wedged open.
12. Consumption of food and open beverages is generally prohibited in workshop areas, at machines, and near equipment; designated areas are provided for this purpose (for example kitchenettes, co-working areas). Drinks are only permitted in workshop areas in closed containers.
13. Bringing and using private machines and equipment is only permitted in exceptional cases and with explicit approval from a responsible area supervisor. Brought-in materials may only be used after prior agreement with the area supervisors.

Status: 16 February 2023

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Last update: 2026-02-25 / Created: 2026-02-25

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