Overview

NER manufactures and assembles most components of the car in the Richards Makerspace (basement of Richards Hall). In order to access this space, certain restrictions have been put in place by both the University and NER.

Makerspace & NER Bay Access

BioRAFT Training (Required)

To be in the Makerspace, Northeastern University requires students to complete the Bioraft training. There are a couple shop safety courses you must take. They consist of watching videos and answering questions. Don’t worry, it’s not very hard and you can always retake!

If you are a first-time user for NER, you must be added to our Bioraft page. To do this, contact your head or Casey Sauer. Any of them can add you.

The two required trainings are “Orientation for Labs, Shops, and Studios” and “Shop Safety Training.” These courses can be completed once and do not need to be renewed in the future.

Open

Accessing the Makerspace and NER Bay

Both the makerspace and bay are restricted by keycard access. All engineering leads and heads, as well as eboard members have access to the makerspace and bay. If you need to be let in for any reason and someone is not already there (there’s usually someone around at night), send a message in your system channel and we can find someone to get you in.

Machine Shop Access

General Access Requirements

Due to the hazardous nature of machines in the shop, there are some safety requirements to enter. One must have:

• Safety glasses (provided by the club)

• Close-toed shoes

• Long pants

• No loose clothing or jewelry

The machine shop is restricted by keycard access. The NER and Baja TA’s, as well as some administrative faculty have tap access. This means the club can only use the shop during times when the TA’s are there.

Using Machines and Shop Tools

You cannot use any machines in the shop without proper training first, even if you have used similar machines previously.

Throughout the semesters, machines need to be used to make parts for the car. Either through direct project work or dedicated training sessions, people who haven’t used the machines before can become trained. The team has a spreadsheet to track who on the team is approved for what. The approval levels are as follows:

• Not Approved: You cannot use the machine

• In Training: An approved member must be with you at all times while operating the machine

• Supervised: You can use the machine with an approved member generally around (doing other things in the shop, makerspace, or bay)

• Approved: You can use the machine independently