Menu Search

Hazard Class Information

Information on the NJIT Makerspace Hazard Class equipment classification system and associated training and supervision requirements.

Equipment Hazard Classes

Equipment in the NJIT Makerspace is classified by Hazard Class and Access Type. Hazard classes describe the potential for injury that an operator is exposed to and the associated training and supervision requirements for operating the equipment (if it is categorized as Standard Access).

Hazard Class 1

  1. Hazards: Minor injuries that can be resolved with first aid kit or ice pack
  2. Power: Less than 0.25 HP, 2-4 amps, 120 VAC or up to 18V DC
  3. Examples: Lower power hand tools and small bench tools. Drills, glue guns, soldering tools, heat guns, 3D printers, 3D scanner
  4. Access Requirements: Members must attend a training session and pass written and hands-on exams. Improper use will be punished with a verbal warning.
  5. Supervision Requirements: The Makerspace must be open and a makerspace staff member must be present in the facility.

Hazard Class 2

  1. Hazards: Minor injuries that can be resolved with first aid kit or ice pack, but potentially requiring additional medical assistance
  2. Power: 0.25-0.5 HP, less than 10 amps, 120 VAC, 18-24V DC, specialized/enclosed CNC machines
  3. Examples: Low to medium power tools. Mid-range powered hand tools, laser cutters, self-standing manual tools (arbor press), desktop CNC mills, routers and lathes (interlocked/enclosed), thermal formers
  4. Access Requirements: Members must attend a training session and pass written and hands-on exams. Improper use will be punished with a verbal warning and a note in the members file and mandatory retraining.
  5. Supervision Requirements: The Makerspace must be open and a makerspace staff member must be present in the facility.

Hazard Class 3

  1. Hazards: Minor injuries that can be resolved with first aid kit or ice pack, but potential for serious lacerations and minor amputations that require medical attention
  2. Power: Greater than 0.5 HP, greater than 10-amp, 120 VAC, greater than 24V DC
  3. Examples: Powerful portable tools and light industrial tools. 3D printers/processes with toxic/corrosive wash steps, CNC interlocked/enclosed mill, lathe, waterjet
  4. Access Requirements: Members must attend a training session and pass written and hands-on exams. Improper use will be punished with a verbal warning, a note in the members file, mandatory retraining, and potential loss of access to the space.
  5. Supervision Requirements: The Makerspace must be open and a makerspace staff member must approve use of the equipment each time it is used. Staff may deny access or place additional restrictions on the use of this equipment on a per-use or per-person basis.

Hazard Class 4

  1. Hazards: As above, but potential for serious amputations and life-threatening injuries
  2. Power: As above, but self-standing and 3 phase power
  3. Examples: Powder actuated tools, table saws, manual mills and lathes
  4. Access Requirements: Members must attend a training session and pass written and hands-on exams. Improper use will be punished with a verbal warning, a note in the members file, mandatory retraining, and potiential loss of access to the space..
  5. Supervision Requirements: The Makerspace must be open and a dedicated staff member must supervise use of this equipment for the entirety of its operation. Staff may deny access or place additional restrictions on use of this equipment on a per-use or per-person basis.