General Lab Policies

Project Safety

Human safety is always the top priority in the Product Realization Lab.

While there is inherent risk in the design, manufacture, and demonstration of products (including projects made in the PRL), the PRL team believes that project choice can help mitigate that risk. As a teaching lab, the PRL has the responsibility to the community to maintain standards for safe work. Part of upholding this responsibility includes identifying and discouraging projects that pose unacceptable levels of risk, whether due to hazardous materials, high voltages, pressurized systems, or other dangerous mechanisms. These guidelines help ensure that innovation and learning can happen in an environment that prioritizes the safety of everyone involved.

Categories of projects that are generally not appropriate to design and build in the PRL:

• Anything that could result in injury in the event of failure
  • Climbing tools such as carabiners, ice axes, or climbing spikes
  • Protective body armor
• Functional weapons
  • Sharpened blades
  • Bow and arrows
  • Sling shots
  • 3D printed firearms
• Realistic-looking weapon models
• Otherwise dangerous or unsafe materials or components
  • Self-wired 120V electrical devices
  • Devices using compressed flammable gases such as propane or hydrogen
  • Vehicles lacking steering or brakes

This list is meant to be representative; if you have questions about a project you would like to do, please get in touch with lab staff.