Safety Policy

Industrial sewing and cutting equipment is powerful and fast. Your safety comes first. Everyone using the studio agrees to follow this policy.

Orientation is required

No one may use any BeaHive equipment until they have completed orientation, been signed off on that machine, and signed our Liability Waiver. Our equipment includes industrial single-needle, overlock, cover stitch, zig zag, flatlock, buttonhole and bartack machines, a kick press, industrial cutting tables, and a commercial pressing table.

Machine safety

Keep fingers clear of needles, presser feet, blades and moving parts. Never sew with your hands in front of the needle.
Turn the machine motor off when threading, changing needles or feet, clearing jams, or walking away. Industrial motors can start with a light touch of the pedal.
Overlock and buttonhole machines have knives. Keep the knife guard in place.
Kick press: keep both hands clear of the die before pressing the pedal.
Tie back long hair, and avoid loose sleeves, dangling jewelry and long necklaces near machines.
Wear closed-toe shoes in the studio.

Cutting safety

Close rotary cutters every time you set them down. Always cut away from your body.
Use a cutting mat and ruler. Keep fingers behind the ruler edge.
Store shears, snips and blades in their place — never loose on the table or the floor.
Electric cutting knife or band knife, if available: special sign-off required and cut-resistant glove.

Pressing and electrical safety

Never leave an iron or the pressing table on while unattended. Turn it off and unplug it when you're done.
Set irons on their rest, never face-down on fabric.
Watch the cord and keep it out of walkways.
Don't overload outlets or use your own extension cords or heaters.
Report frayed cords, sparks, burning smells or broken plugs right away and stop using that equipment.

Working when the studio is not staffed

BeaHive is often open without staff on site. If you are using the studio alone:

Only do tasks and use machines you are fully trained on.
Let someone know where you are and when you expect to finish.
Keep your phone charged and nearby.
Professional members using extended hours follow these same rules.

Emergencies

Call 911 for any medical emergency, fire or threat to safety.
First aid kit: shown at orientation. Fire extinguisher: in the front of the studio, to the left when you enter. Nearest exit: to the right of the studio. Building address for 911: 2212 Main St, San Diego, CA 92113, Woo Studios.
Report every injury — even small needle pokes or cuts — to Beatriz at (619) 788-1872 as soon as possible. We'll fill out a short incident report.
Follow Woo Studios building emergency and evacuation instructions.