Internal Rules

Version 1.0

09/10/2024

The current version of the rules is displayed in the Fab Lab premises and on the Fab Lab website.

Raison d’être of the Fab Lab

You can find our raison d’être on the following page: https://fablab.ulb.be/about/fabulb/.

Objective of the Fab Lab

The Fab Lab is a shared space that makes available to its users different shared equipment: computer-controlled machines (including 3D printers, laser cutters, digital milling machines, digital embroidery machine, sewing machine, vinyl cutter, 3D scanners), various machines (including drill, jigsaw, miter saw, circular saw, screwdriver, heat press, thermoformer) and other equipment (tools, raw materials). To protect users and preserve equipment, the use of this equipment is subject to strict rules. Users undertake to make reasonable use of Fab Lab equipment and raw materials.

The Fab Lab encourages autonomy and the development of personal projects. After training, machines are reservable and accessible independently.

The Fab Lab is a place of collaboration and knowledge sharing. Users are invited to share their project within this community.

  1. General

    1.1. The following definitions are set out in this document:

    • Fab Lab ULB: fabrication and prototyping space of ULB located at U-square buildings F and G, 1st floor, 227 Avenue de la Couronne, 1050 Ixelles

    • User: any person using a machine or room in Fab Lab ULB (students, researchers, ULB staff members, external persons).

    • Fab Manager: a member of ULB staff working within Fab Lab ULB whose role is to support, advise, train users and maintain the machines in good condition. They are clearly identified at the entrance to the Fab Lab.

      Users undertake to comply with this internal rules.

    1.2. Access to premises

    Plan

    4 types of access:

    • Users can freely access the coworking space and the 3D and laser rooms during opening hours (except classes or training).
      Work tables are available in the Coworking area.

    • Users are prohibited from accessing the JurisLab, FrugalLab, Mixer, Repair, Steam and lounge area, except with express consent from a Fab Manager.

    • Only users taking a class may access the project space (or large group room) and classrooms. This access will be limited to the scheduled class times.

    • Users access the CNC room on request. As the CNC room contains the most dangerous tools and machines, the Fab Manager must ensure proper knowledge of safety procedures before granting access.

    1.3. It is prohibited to produce illegal items or objects (weapons, counterfeits, etc.).

    1.4. It is prohibited to consume or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

    1.5. It is prohibited to smoke and eat in the 3D, laser and CNC rooms. Non-alcoholic drinks are allowed away from machines. Cold food can be eaten in the Coworking room. No food is left in the Fab Lab.

    1.6. Any malfunction or anomaly must be reported to the Fab Manager as soon as possible (orally or by email at fablab@ulb.be).

    1.7. Bookings are made on a personal basis and cannot under any circumstances be transferred to a third party.

    1.8. Fab Lab machines cannot be used to produce items intended for sale or to produce series. The Fab manager can help the user find locations or subcontractors for this specific need.

    1.9. Users work with their own computer. The Fab Lab does not provide computers.

    1.10. It is prohibited to work alone with the most dangerous tools, except with express consent from the Fab Manager:

    • Electric saws
    • Drills
    • Milling machines

    1.11. It is prohibited to organize activities or events within the Fab Lab without the consent of the Fab Manager.

  2. Behavior and Respect

    2.1. Each user must clean their work area at the end of their session, that is:

    • Put tools, tables, stools, etc. back in their place;
    • Leave nothing lying around (papers, etc.);
    • Pick up dust and waste;
    • Clean tables and sweep the floor if necessary;
    • Take back your prototype or store it (see point 2.3).

    2.2. It is prohibited to move tools to another room. It is prohibited to borrow tools.

    2.3. No storage is allowed in the Fab Lab. Only exception: storage of prototypes on shelves provided for this purpose in the project space (for classes held there).

    2.4. Users must show respect. Violent, discriminatory, disrespectful, environmentally harmful behavior, or any other behavior incompatible with the Fab Lab’s raison d’être will not be tolerated.

    2.5. Regardless of measures taken by the Fab Lab, any breach of this code may be subject to proceedings before the University’s disciplinary bodies and/or judicial authorities. Without prejudice to these measures and procedures, flagrant theft results in immediate exclusion from the Fab Lab.
    General Regulations for Studies: https://www.ulb.be/fr/documents-officiels/reglement-general-des-etudes

  3. Use of Equipment

    3.1. Machine use is made after reservation on the Fabman reservation system. Cancellation of a reservation must be made at least 12 hours in advance.

    3.2. Machine use is subject to current rates on our website on the page: https://fablab.ulb.be/machines/booking/. The price indicated is set for reservation time (not usage time).
    Reimbursements will only be made in the following cases:

    • Print, cut or engraving failures directly related to equipment problems.
    • Cancellation of a reservation at least 12 hours in advance

    3.3. Machine use is made after completing specific training at Fab Lab ULB. Any user trained in another Fab Lab can contact the Fab Manager to determine if they need to retake training. This evaluation is done on a case-by-case basis and is left to the Fab Manager’s discretion.

    3.4. The maximum time for machine use per week and per user is defined as follows:

    • 3D printing*: 12h
    • laser cutter*: 2h
    • Shaper*: 12h
    • CNC: 12h
    • digital embroidery machine: 8h

    * For all machines in the park.

    Example: 12h of 3D printing on a single printer or 3x4h on 3 different printers

    3.5. Users must comply with safety and use rules specific to each piece of equipment as explained in training. Tutorials are accessible via QR code near equipment. The Fab Manager is available for any questions.

    3.6. Raw materials are supplied only for 3D printers (PLA Filament). For other machines, the user must bring their raw material, in accordance with instructions given during training/in tutorials.

    A list of suppliers is available at the Fab Lab.

    3D printing with material other than PLA, or with another type of PLA, can only be done with prior consent from the Fab Manager.

    3.7. It is prohibited to install software on any Fab Lab computer without prior consent from a Fab Manager.

  4. Waste Management

    4.1. The user ensures proper waste management:

    • Reasonably sized waste can be placed in Fab Lab waste bins while respecting sorting rules.
    • Wood waste can be disposed of in the container on the ground floor of the building.
    • Bulky and unusable waste must be taken back by the user.

    Anything left after use may be thrown away by a Fab Manager.

  5. Safety, Liability and Insurance

    5.1. Displayed at the entrance to the Fab Lab are:

    • This code (in its latest updated version)
    • Safety instructions
    • Evacuation plan
    • List of staff trained in first aid

    5.2. Fab Managers are responsible for training users in the correct and safe use of equipment.

    5.3. Users are responsible for training on the equipment used and strictly following the safety instructions given during these trainings.

    5.4. Each person is responsible for their own actions and use of Fab Lab equipment. The Fab Lab cannot be held responsible for accidents, property damage or injuries resulting from misuse or irresponsible behavior. It is recommended that each member have personal liability insurance covering their activities at the Fab Lab.

    5.5. It is prohibited to move away from the following equipment while in use (even for a few minutes): laser cutter, CNC, Shaper, electric saw, drill, embroidery machine.

    5.6. It is mandatory to wear the PPE (personal protective equipment) mentioned during training and in tutorials.

    5.7. In case of minor injuries, first aid kits are available in the kitchenette (next to reception) and in the project space (large group area).

    5.8. In case of more serious accident, the emergency number must be called as soon as possible.
    The emergency number for U-Square is 7 via a ULB landline phone. If no ULB landline is available, dial 112.

    5.9. Any deterioration of machines or tools resulting from misuse will result in repair costs being charged to the user.

    5.10. Children under 16 must be supervised by an adult, except as provided by a Fab Manager.

    5.11. Users will comply with current laws on industrial and intellectual property protection. Users are responsible for the consequences of using the items they create.

    5.12. The Fab Lab cannot be held responsible in case of theft, loss or deterioration.

  6. Accessibility

    6.1. Parking is prohibited on the U-Square site, except for bicycle parking (between buildings F and G).

  7. Intellectual Property

    7.1. The intellectual property of any creation made within the Fab Lab by users belongs to the users, in accordance with applicable legal provisions regarding intellectual property. ULB regulations regarding ownership, protection and development of intellectual property are fully applicable.

    7.2. Users are encouraged to document their creations in the Fab Lab ULB Git Lab. In this case, unless otherwise agreed, they grant the Fab Lab a non-exclusive, free license, worldwide and for the duration of copyright and database rights, allowing the reproduction and public communication of their creations as well as the extraction and reuse of their databases.

  8. Sanctions

    8.1. Failure to comply with the provisions of this code may result in sanctions ranging from warnings to temporary or permanent exclusion from the Fab Lab.

  9. Updates

    9.1. This code is subject to regular revision. The latest updated version is displayed at the entrance to the Fab Lab and available on the Fab Lab website. This latest version is directly applicable from the time of display and replaces the previous version.