Lab Policies

The FamiLAB Official Policies are an important part of our community. As FamiLAB grows, we have to more clearly communicate our culture to new members, set limits to manage risks to our community, and better define how to be excellent to each other. We do this with community policies, which set expectations for our community and empower each of us to uphold those expectations without worrying if we are expressing a personal preference over what the community agrees is acceptable.

Law Violation Policy

Needs

To protect the community from ignorant people - community must be aware that laws applicable outside of the the Lab are also applicable inside the Lab.

TL;DR: If it's illegal outside the Lab, it's illegal inside the Lab.

Policy

FamiLAB complies with all Federal, State, and Local laws.

• Law Violations Tolerance:

*Mindful of the normalcy of certain illegal acts (e.g., torrenting).  Although unacceptable, termination of membership is on a case-by-case basis.
*If there is intent - suggested zero tolerance rule.
*If there is not intent - case-by-case basis for knowing the illegality of an act.

• FamiLAB encourages our members to do the same.

*Empowerment Clause - If a member sees someone doing something to violate the law, that member should know it’s against policy here and they should be empowered to deal with it themselves in order to protect the community or approach the board without repercussions

Alcohol Policy

Needs

*To protect the community from liability for underage alcohol consumption.
*To protect members from the risks of operating tools while under the influence.
*To protect the space from damage due to irresponsible behavior while under the influence.

Policy

*Alcohol must remain within containment and under the supervision of the owner of the alcohol at all times.
*Alcoholic beverages found in the lab unsupervised will be disposed of immediately.
*Zero tolerance for underage drinking.
*Refrain from use of power tools if alcohol has been consumed.
*Alcohol is prohibited from being stored in the fridge. (Bring your own cooler - which cannot be stored at the lab.)

Sleeping at the Lab Policy

Needs

*To protect the community from liability for zoning violations.
*To protect the community from loss of access due to sleeping in public spaces.
*To protect sleepers from assault.
*To preserve the perception of the lab as a community workspace.

Policy

*FamiLAB is a public space for teaching, learning and social activities.
*Members should not sleep for extended periods at the lab.
*Members may take naps occasionally, as conditions warrant.
*Members may not bring in beds, air mattresses, or other dedicated sleeping furniture into the lab.
*Members should not sleep at the lab on a continuing basis for days at a time.
*Members should not plan to sleep at the lab on a regular basis (weekly, monthly.)
*Members should expect to be awakened if the space is needed for a community purpose.

Computer Usage and Internet Policy

Needs

*Ensure continued access to the Internet.
*Protect the community from liability for piracy.

Policy

*Anything on lab computers must be licensed for the lab's use and the license be held by FamiLAB or be free for commercial use.
*Do not use lab computers or resource for illegal online activities.
*Violation of this policy will lead to enforcement action.

Camera Policy

Needs

*Ensure security cameras are operated according to the policies approved by the membership.
*Ensure cameras set up in the lab for projects or other purposes are clearly marked.
*Ensure long-term recordings are approved by and known to the membership.

Policy

SECTION ONE: SECURITY CAMERAS

1)Security cameras are defined as cameras that are permanently installed and hard-wired to a DVR in the admin closet. Security cameras are located in all common areas. No cameras will be placed in areas where reasonable expectation to privacy is expected.
2)Security cameras are not actively monitored, and recordings is only reviewed in the event that an incident/accident occurs.  Incidents or accidents that warrant review of footage include theft, damage to equipment, excessive mess, or accusation of misconduct.
3)Security cameras are NOT connected to any publicly accessible network and access is controlled to the best of our ability.
4)Security camera recordings are retained on a disk space basis.
5)It is the responsibility of the membership to report to the board via e-mail or #lab_ops_and_mgmt channel in Slack any incidents/accidents as soon as possible when they occur or are discovered.
6)In the event that security camera recordings have to be reviewed, a board member and two current members who are not involved in the incident will review the recordings.
7)When the security camera recording is reviewed, the membership will be informed of the date and time of review as well as the reviewers through the #lab_ops_and_mgmt channel in Slack.
8)Following a review of the recordings, the reviewing parties shall report their findings to the board, who will take action, as necessary, based on current policies.

SECTION TWO: OTHER CAMERAS

1)Famduino: Two cameras, one in the lobby and one in the warehouse, are set up to take stationary panoramas in 15 minute intervals posted to #famduino in Slack
2)Any other camera not owned by FamiLAB that is placed in the lab must have adequate signage to inform when and why a recording is taking place and must be posted about in #lab_ops_and_mgmt. Any prolonged recording may require community review.

[Category: FamiLAB Policies]