...If you bring food and drinks when you show up to borrow a shop and put tools back and replace ones you damage you tend to get invited back...
I found this on some web site I don't know how long ago. No idea who the author is/was but it makes a lot of sense.
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Shop Day Rules
I thought it might be time to take a minute and talk about shop etiquette and procedures.
I am very happy to host the garage days at my shop, and want to continue offering my shop, equipment, tools and knowledge to the benefit of the club members. I don't have a lot of rules, just have fun, and be safe and respectful of others and their things.
To that end, here are a few requirements and just good manners I expect to be followed:
Tools:
If you borrow or use a tool, put it back where you got it.
If you don't know where it goes just put it in the red cart and I'll take care of it, don't just stick it somewhere or hang it on the first peg you see.
When a tool comes out of one of my boxes, it's clean. I expect it to be that way when it's returned to me. Honestly, would you put dirty silverware back in the drawer at your house?
If you borrow a tool, make sure it doesn't go home with you. If it does, just contact me and let me know what you have and when you can drop it back by. If it happens, I'm not worried about it as long as they come back. Likewise, if I find something that isn't mine, I'll do my best to contact who I think it belongs to and hold it till they can come by, but you have to inventory your own tools.
Equipment:
If you borrow any of my tools, please try to return it as soon as you can in case someone else wants to do some work on their car. The rule on cleanliness applies here too.
If you break something, lose something or damage something don't sweat it, just replace it with like. Stuff happens, so just let me know and we'll deal with it - no biggie.
Shop cleanliness:
I always try to have the shop clean, swept and tools put away and available; I also keep cleaners, shop towels, paper towels, hand cleaner, fluids, sprays, anti-seize and so on at the ready. If you use something up, let me know so we can replace it.
If you dump brake dust all over the floor, sweep, wipe or clean it up.
If there's something you think we should have on hand or that we need, let me know and I'll get it into stock.
If you borrow a quart of oil or use brake fluid to flush your system, simply replace it with the same.
I provide hand cleaner, towels and soap to wash up with, please don't leave the sink dirty and the walls splattered with dirt. Wipe up after yourself, I'm not your mother!
Workmanship:
We're not professionals, so mistakes can happen and I can't check every nut and bolt although I will go back over your work with you to try and make sure nothing gets missed. Every one of you should develop their own mental checklist and do the same. If you need help, ask - it's why I'm here.
In the end, you are responsible for your car - period.
Shop safety
Common sense should prevail here -
If you're using a grinder or sander wear safety glasses - I have extras, just ask.
Don't get under a car unless it is properly supported on jack stands or ramps. Make sure wheels are chocked.
Don't have a shop towel in your hand while using something spinning at high speed like a drill or bench grinder (this includes loose clothing as well.)
Don't spray volatile or flammable liquids on hot surfaces.
There are fire extinguishers hanging by the around the shop, locate them so you know where they are if you need one quickly.
Alcohol is not allowed in the shop till all the work is done for the day and things are all put away safely.
Finally: The point of shop days is to hang out with other Gearheads and have some fun, camaraderie, good fellowship and maybe get a little work done on our cars. Guests who are not working are more than welcome, but please make sure you don't impede the work for those that are. Please, no young children. The shop environment is too dangerous to allow them to wander about or distract you from your project.
I’ve never had a serious accident in my shop, and I'd like to keep it that way.
And don't leave my damn tools dirty!
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Ray
