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Policies

Roswell Firelabs runs on trust between members, and our policies exist to protect that trust — they cover safety, liability, money, and how we treat each other and our shared space. Read the ones that apply to you below.

But no policy can anticipate every situation in a working shop. What actually keeps this space running well, day to day, is members using common sense: asking when you're unsure, cleaning up after yourself, respecting the person who uses a tool after you, and looking out for each other. Policies are the floor, not a substitute for good judgment — when the two seem to conflict, err on the side of safety and courtesy, and ask a facility coordinator or the Board if you're not sure.

Jump to a Policy

Policy What it covers
Code of Conduct The core rulebook: emergency procedures, safety-first behavior, respecting the membership and the space, and tool-use etiquette (get trained before you use it, don't leave running equipment unattended). Applies at all times in the building and on the Slack workspace.
Guest & Visitor Policy You're responsible for anyone you bring in. Guests must be chaperoned and can't use equipment without formal training. Covers walk-in tour etiquette (Monday 6PM tours are the standard path).
Potential Members Under 18 Members and guests under 18 may not use equipment unless a legal guardian has submitted a release of liability and the minor has been approved.
Liability Disclaimer The assumption-of-risk and hold-harmless terms every member and guest agrees to by participating in Firelabs activities or entering the premises — shop work carries real risk of injury or property damage.
Cancellation & Refund Policy When and how a membership can lapse or be cancelled (unpaid dues past 30 days, Code of Conduct violations), and the refund window for event RSVPs (24 hours before the event).
Event Policy Rules for classes and events: RSVP and payment requirements, instructor responsibilities (cleanup, punctuality, the 50/50 RSVP-fee split for teaching), and shop etiquette while a class is in session.
Donation Policy How to give (card or check to Atlanta Maker Alliance, Inc.), how donor intent for equipment fundraisers is handled, and why members can't enter contracts, purchases, or sponsorships on the organization's behalf without Board authorization.
Member Orientation Practical need-to-know info for new members: operating hours (7AM–11PM), WiFi, cleanup expectations, and how to report an issue, request equipment, or ask for training.
AI Glasses Policy Wearable AI glasses (Meta glasses, etc.) may not be used to record or stream people in the space without their permission. Non-people-facing AI features are unrestricted.

A more detailed overview of all of our policies is available in the Member Handbook (PDF).

Member Code of Conduct

Roswell Firelabs runs on trust between members. This Code of Conduct covers safety, how we treat each other, how we treat the space, and how we treat the tools — and it applies at all times in the building and on the Slack workspace.

Safety First

  • If there is an emergency, dial 911.
  • Know where emergency equipment is located — exits, first aid, fire extinguishers, and eye wash.
  • Exit immediately if unsafe conditions exist, and report the emergency once you've reached safety.
  • Get written authorization before accessing attic or roof areas, and don't make unauthorized building modifications.
  • No drugs, alcohol, smoking, or vaping permitted in the facility.
  • Use safety equipment only for its intended purpose.
  • Members and guests may not remain in the building between 12AM and 6AM, and no vehicles may be parked inside.
  • Do not share your access card with friends or other non-members.
  • Comply with all posted signage, and no unauthorized computer hacking or modifications.
  • Individuals under 18 need a guardian liability release and approval before using equipment.

Wood Shop Safety: Wear appropriate PPE, including eye protection and closed-toe shoes. Do not wear gloves when operating machinery with mechanical moving parts.

Respect the Membership

  • No harassment, discrimination, hate speech, or overly aggressive behavior will be tolerated.
  • Members are responsible for any personal equipment they bring into the space.
  • Common-area tools may be used by others if left unsecured.
  • Use designated storage for in-progress projects, and get permission before bringing in large equipment.
  • Guardians are accountable for their children's behavior in the space.

Respect the Space

  • Treat the shared space considerately for the people who use it after you.
  • Large projects may require off-site storage.
  • Clean up after yourself. Leave workspaces better than you found them.
  • Report lost cards or equipment.
  • If you're the last person leaving: turn off the lights (except the shop floor middle row), manage the HVAC, and secure the doors.

Respect the Tools

  • Tool certification is required before use — don't use a tool to try to "figure it out."
  • Use tools only for their intended purpose.
  • Don't leave equipment running unattended, unless it's designed to safely run without a hazard.
  • Verify a tool is working properly before you use it, and report problems when you find them.
  • Power off equipment before performing maintenance.
  • Avoid working alone if you're not comfortable doing so.
  • Keep powered equipment in its designated area, and don't remove equipment without written authorization.

Liability Disclaimer

By participating in activities at Roswell Firelabs, members and guests acknowledge the inherent risks involved and agree to hold Roswell Firelabs / Atlanta Maker Alliance harmless from claims of injury or property damage, releasing both the organization and the City of Roswell from liability. See the full Liability Disclaimer for complete terms.

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Guest & Visitor Policy

You are responsible for any visitors you bring into the building.

Visitors should not use equipment without being formally trained in how it works by an authorized trainer. Visitors must be chaperoned at all times and should not be permitted to work alone in the space. Visitors are subject to all of the same standards and procedures as our members.

Tours

Random people dropping by for a tour is a common occurrence. We recommend people come Monday at 6PM for a tour / open house.

You are not required to answer the door to give people tours, though this helps us build a friendly community. If you do choose to give someone a tour, please treat them as you would any guest or visitor, and accompany them until they depart.

Location

Roswell Firelabs is located at 1601 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Roswell, GA 30076, and is managed by Atlanta Maker Alliance, Inc., a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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Potential Members Under 18

Roswell Firelabs welcomes members under 18, through a four-step process.

1. Tour & Assessment

Prospective members under 18 attend an additional tour of the facility / meeting, where leadership evaluates their expertise level. Minors may attend trainings with a parent or guardian present, but Firelabs does not have dedicated staff to assist members under 18.

2. Trial Period

Following executive approval, applicants receive a 3-week trial period membership, during which equipment training sessions are scheduled via Slack communication with leadership.

3. Full Activation

After the trial period concludes successfully, the membership is fully activated and the billing cycle starts.

4. Parental Supervision

Parents must be actively accompanying their children — next to them while using equipment, and so on — at all times during facility use.

Roswell Firelabs does not offer a dedicated mentorship program or specialized classes for members under 18.

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Liability Disclaimer

By participating in any activities at Roswell Firelabs, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms:

  • I am aware and understand that some activities conducted at Roswell Firelabs are inherently dangerous and involve risk of injury, death, or property damage.
  • I acknowledge that I am voluntarily participating in the activities and/or facilities operated by the organization, and agree to accept all risks.
  • I acknowledge all training, safety, and general policies and procedures ratified by the organization, and pledge to abide by them.
  • I agree to hold Roswell Firelabs / Atlanta Maker Alliance harmless from all claims on account of personal injury, death, or property damage attributed to my participation.
  • I agree not to bring any claims against the organization or the City of Roswell.
  • I agree to indemnify the organization against any and all losses, damages, liabilities, deficiencies, claims, actions, judgments, settlements, interest, awards, penalties, fines, costs, or expenses arising from third-party claims.
  • I acknowledge that consent to this Liability Disclaimer is implied upon entering the premises.
  • I certify that I am 18 years of age or older, or am accompanied by a legal guardian capable of providing consent on my behalf.
  • If I falsify my age, that is not the fault, liability, or responsibility of Roswell Firelabs / Atlanta Maker Alliance, Inc.

Roswell Firelabs is located at 1601 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Roswell, GA 30076, and is managed by Atlanta Maker Alliance, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellation

Membership may be cancelled or suspended if:

  • Your dues are unpaid for more than 30 days — this results in lapsed status and disabled access until you're current. Members can remove automatic billing through their profile.
  • You choose to cancel or suspend your membership.
  • You violate our Code of Conduct.

Dues paid for memberships are non-refundable unless determined otherwise.

Refunds

Event RSVP refunds are available if you request a refund at least 24 hours prior to the start of the event. Material costs are budgeted based on registered participants, so cancellations need to happen in advance.

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Classes & Event Policy

Registration

Events must be formally approved and scheduled on our Events Calendar, and attendees need to RSVP via the website. Please only join classes you've registered and paid for.

Attendance

Show up on time, and keep an eye on the calendar so you can anticipate limited parking or space availability. Please don't disrupt a class that's already in session.

Instructor Responsibilities

Instructors handle registration through the online payment system rather than collecting fees directly. After class, instructors are responsible for cleaning up the work areas, tools, and equipment used, and for securing any doors or windows that were propped open.

Compensation

Instructors receive a 50/50 split of registration fees, minus material costs, paid via PayPal — email us your PayPal address to get set up.

Failure to follow the above rules may result in withholding of any class compensation due to you, at our discretion.

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Donation Policy

Monetary Donations

All monetary donations should preferably be made by payment card at the Donate page. Check donations should be made out to Atlanta Maker Alliance, Inc. and mailed to 1601 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA 30076, or given to the Board of Directors.

Donor Intent & Collective Fundraising

Any specific donor intent for funding must be established prior to the donation being accepted. If members want to collectively fundraise for specific pieces of equipment, all funds gathered must be donated with that specific intent to the organization.

Fund Management

All funds raised must be received and managed by the organization, not individual members. Anything purchased with these funds — and the funds themselves — become property of Roswell Firelabs.

Authorization Requirements

Do not enter into contracts, transactions, agreements, sponsorships, partnerships, or endorsements on behalf of Firelabs unless the Board has given you written permission to do so. Do not buy things on behalf of Firelabs unless the Board has given you permission, or you intend to donate what you buy to the organization — you will not be reimbursed for unauthorized expenses.

Equipment Donations

Material and equipment donations are always welcome, provided the Board accepts receipt of the items.

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Member Orientation

Practical need-to-know information for new members.

Hours

Members can access the facility between 7:00AM and 11:00PM. The building's alarm system is active outside these hours, so entry attempts after hours are prohibited.

Security

The space uses a video surveillance camera system for security purposes. Members requesting footage review should contact management by email.

Facility Care

Close all doors when you leave. The garage door at Bay 2 requires you to press and hold the Close button for it to operate. Clean up after yourself — leafblowers are available for sawdust, along with vacuums. All trash goes in the dumpster in the side parking lot.

WiFi

WiFi credentials are written on the whiteboard in the Lobby, next to the TV.

Liability

By using the facility, members acknowledge the risks involved — including injury, death, or property damage — and agree to hold Roswell Firelabs / Atlanta Maker Alliance and the City of Roswell harmless from liability claims arising from participation in facility activities. See the full Liability Disclaimer. Participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a legal guardian.

Roswell Firelabs is located at 1601 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Roswell, GA 30076, and is managed by Atlanta Maker Alliance, Inc., a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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AI Glasses Policy

If you use AI glasses (Meta glasses, etc.), it is prohibited to record people or stream content without obtaining the permission of everyone in the recording. Feel free to use the other AI functions those glasses enable — anything involving people just requires the permission of everyone involved to be recorded.

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