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Tampere Hacklab – Member’s Guide
⚠️ The Hacklab’s facilities contain many devices that can be dangerous if misused. 🚨
👉 For everyone’s safety, independent users of the premises must be at least 18 years old and properly instructed in the use of all machines. If you don’t know – ask! 🤗
Rights and Obligations of Members
Detailed membership options can be found on the Membership page.
- A member of the Association must pay the membership fee upon joining and annually thereafter. The space access fee already includes the membership fee.
- Unlimited use of the workshop requires a space access fee, paid monthly. The fee is charged regardless of actual use; it grants the right of access, not pay-per-use.
- Members are responsible for keeping up with Lab announcements. All are encouraged to join the Hacklab’s mailing list here. Important notices, training information, and general updates are sent there. Check your spam folder regularly.
- Activities involving minors must be supervised, and large machinery may be used only under adult supervision.
- The Hacklab has no paid staff. Every member is responsible for helping maintain the Lab’s premises.
- Always clean up after yourself at minimum.
Failure to meet these obligations or violation of association rules may lead to suspension of access rights or expulsion.
Behaviour at the Lab
- Religion and politics are prohibited topics at hacklab. Advertising related to these topics is prohibited and discussion should be avoided. Projects of religion and politics (advertisements, objects, etc.) are also prohibited. Exceptions include historical context, such as scale models, as well as play and LARP outfits.
- Tampere Hacklab is a substance-free space. Do not use the Lab while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Electrical and pneumatic tools require a zero-tolerance approach.
- Smoking indoors is prohibited; the smoking area is located outside by the door.
- Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but the owner must supervise the animal at all times and remove it if it disturbs others. 🐕🦺 🐕
- Be respectful and avoid disturbing others while they work.
Use of Doors / Entry
- If you have paid the access fee and it appears in the member register
- you can enter by calling +358 45 269 2991, which opens the door for about one minute. The call is not answered and is free of charge.
- The door can also be opened using an NFC card.
- More information is available at Use of Doors.
Community Meetings
- A community meeting is held on the first Tuesday of each month at 19:00 in the Lab, often with an option for remote participation. The link can be found in chat room headers and on the meeting agenda.
- Those wishing to influence Hacklab operations or acquisitions are encouraged to attend. Meetings are open to all and are a great opportunity to meet fellow members.
- New members are encouraged to attend at least one meeting to introduce themselves.
- During meetings, noisy work in the Lab is not allowed. Meetings typically last 30–60 minutes.
Organising Events for Outsiders
- 📈 Hacklab’s lounge and other rooms may be used to host events.
- 🕕 Avoid scheduling events on Tuesdays or Thursdays, as the Lab is heavily used then.
- 👀 The organiser must supervise all visitors at all times.
- 📅 Announce the event in advance and mention it at a community meeting. For urgent cases, request permission via hallitus@tampere.hacklab.fi.
- ✅ Examples of past events include first-aid courses and technical meetups.
Communication
- The Lab primarily uses two instant messaging channels: one for general discussions and one for practical matters. Instructions for joining are available here.
- All members are encouraged to join the mailing list.
- Discourse is the common discussion forum maintained by Hacklab Finland ry.
Storing Belongings in Hackerspace
- Hacklab is not a storage facility. Store only projects you are actively working on.
- Members paying the monthly fee may keep one plastic box in storage. The box must be marked with the member’s name and contact information.
- The standard is SmartStore Classic 15, available in many stores.
- More information: Storage of goods in the Lab.
- See also: Refrigerator.
Purchases and Supplies
- Consumables are replenished by the potluck principle – if you use something, replace it with an equivalent item and prefer goods that have shortage.
- Some essentials (soft drinks, trash bags, toilet paper) are purchased for communal use and reimbursed as expense reimbursements.
- Larger purchases (e.g., machines, tools) are decided during meetings.
- Funding sources:
- Regular supplies from membership fees and sales.
- Larger projects through crowdfunding or donations.
Hacklab Shop
Information about Hacklab’s second-hand shop can be found here.
Arno’s Office
Located next to the electronics section. Ask Arno for assistance with materials or machinery if needed.
Tools
- All hand tools are available for member use, provided you know how to use them safely.
- If unsure, ask before using.
- Always return tools to their proper place.
- Machines require paid access and proper training. Large machines may be used only by trained users.
Borrowing
- Members with access rights may borrow tools for short periods.
- Record the loan in the blue Borrowing/Breakage Book in the lobby (name, date, item, expected return time). For longer loans, notify the board by email.
Noise
The Lab is meant for making things, so noise is permitted. However, during scheduled trainings or meetings, avoid loud work near the lounge. Quiet work (electronics, etc.) is fine. The instructor may ask you to stop work that disturbs others.
Safety
- Always follow safe working practices. Assess risks before starting, use appropriate protective gear, and keep your area tidy.
- Learn the locations of first-aid kits and fire extinguishers. Review the rescue plan and keep escape routes clear.
Fire
- The Lab has CO₂ and powder extinguishers, as well as fire blankets.
- Familiarize yourself with their locations, especially when welding or using hot tools.
- Use CO₂ extinguishers first; powder extinguishers create significant mess.
- Windows can be used as emergency exits via the ladders outside.
- ⚠️ Charging lithium batteries must always be supervised.
- Leaving them charging unattended is prohibited.
Dangerous Materials
- The following are strictly forbidden:
- Ammunition and explosives. Servicing firearms is allowed, but ammunition must be kept elsewhere.
- Handheld lasers exceeding legal power limits. Enclosed industrial lasers within machines are permitted.
- Radioactive or highly toxic substances. Treat all unlabelled chemicals as hazardous.
- Report any prohibited items to the owner, board, or authorities, depending on severity.
Overnight Stay
Sleeping in the Lab is prohibited. The building lacks suitable facilities. Nearby accommodation includes Hotel Lillan https://www.lillan.fi/ and local Airbnbs.
Leaving the Lab
- If you are the last to leave any workshop (wood, metal, electronics, paint room, etc.), make sure that:
- All lights are off.
- The compressor and plasma booth are off.
- The “Present/Away” switch is set to Away.
- All exterior doors are locked.
- If unsure, ask on the chat channel.
Present / Away Switch
Inside the inner door is a Present/Away switch. When leaving last, set it to Away. This cuts power to sockets and reduces fire hazards.
Commercial Activity
Small-scale commercial work (e.g., producing goods for sale) is allowed as long as it does not disturb others. Inform the board beforehand. Compensation to the community can be monetary, in goods, or through workshops.
Materials used in commercial work must be paid for. CNC machine use may incur additional fees.
For example, simple electronics work for a company has been billed at 10 €/hour. The worker must be a member.
Prefer quieter times for such work; long 3D prints overnight are discouraged if others are waiting to use the printer.
Parking
- Cars may be parked in unreserved spots in the yard.
- Do not block reserved spaces or loading bays (except briefly in the evening).
- Keep the leftmost bay always free.
- Long-term vehicle storage in the yard or indoors is forbidden.
- The yard is managed by the property company;
- Hacklab is not responsible if your vehicle is towed.
- Bicycles can be parked near the stairs or in the lobby if they do not obstruct passage.
Membership Termination
To end space access, you can disable it through the member register under My Settings → Space Access → Disable.
To end your membership entirely, send an email to the board requesting resignation. All outstanding access fees must be paid up to the date of resignation. Unpaid memberships are eventually removed automatically, but written notice is preferred.
Note: When membership ends, access to all services (Matrix, NextCloud, Wiki, etc.) will cease. Transfer any necessary data before leaving; recovery afterward is not possible.
