Raplab User Agreement

This agreement defines the framework for using the Rapid Architectural Prototyping Laboratory (Raplab). Every person (from now on referred to as «user/users») who wants to use the workshops and its machines must sign this document. The Raplab is a workshop for creating prototypes and architectural models. Users must perform all other activities outside of the Raplab.

Guiding Principles

  1. The Raplab user declaration is valid in addition to the general house rules of ETH Zurich. See: Allgemeine Hausordnung der ETH Zürich. 
  2. The Raplab responsible persons are the Director of the Raplab and the Workshop Managers.
  3. Users must follow the instructions of Raplab Management and the Workshop Managers. 
  4. Raplab Management may withdraw the right to use the workshops for users who do not comply with the Raplab User Declaration, use the Workshops for unauthorized, improper, or illegal purposes, or display inappropriate and improper behavior towards the Raplab Staff or other users.
  5. All users must comply with the instructions and guidelines issued by the Safety, Health, and Environment Division (SGU). 
  6. The following persons may become authorized users of the Raplab: Students and faculty of the Department of Architecture at ETH Zurich who are at least 18 years of age. 
  7. Access to the Workshops is denied for persons who:
    1. Are under the influence of drugs.
    2. Take medication that forbids the use of heavy machinery. 
  8. Due to health reasons, pregnant and breastfeeding people cannot access the workshops. 
  9. The user shall use the infrastructure made available by ETH Zurich with all due care and according to the user’s declaration. The user is liable for damages caused by gross negligence or deliberate intent. ETH Zurich may take recourse against the user if:
    1. The user acts grossly negligent.
    2. The user causes deliberate personal injury.
    3. The user causes deliberate damage to ETH Zurich property.
    4. Third parties prosecute the ETH Zurich.
  10. By signing this document, the user confirms that any accidents or damage they cause is covered by appropriate insurance.
  11. Users must have their personal ETH Card with them when using the workshops at all times.

Use of Workshops

  1. All Workshops are used to produce prototypes and models for student projects and research. Users may not use the Raplab to produce commercial projects.
  2. The Raplab and all its tools may be used by all persons described in point 6 who have received the required workshop introductions and have a valid Raplab Account. For specific information, see Raplab Introductions and Raplab Access. 
  3. A maximum of 35 people may use each workshop simultaneously. If this limit is exceeded, the principle of first-come, first-serve applies. 
  4. Complex tools and machines require a special introduction before being used. Users can only switch these tools and machines with their personal student cards via the machine control system (MCS). The user must log in to the machine via the MCS before use and log out when finished using it. 
  5. Instructions describing the specifics of machine use and material processing are applied as QR codes or visuals on the machines. These instructions must be observed and complied with. 
  6. If users have doubts about their work in the Raplab, they must consult a Workshop Manager. 
  7. Food and drinks may not be stored or consumed in the Raplab. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited. 
  8. The Raplab tools are only to be used in the workshops. Users are not allowed to use tools and machines that the Raplab provides outside of the Workshops.
  9. Users may only operate tools and machines for their intended use. 
  10. Before use, users must check the tools and machines for proper condition. Defects must be reported to the Workshop Manager immediately. 
  11. Damaged tools, equipment, and machinery must not be put into operation. 
  12. A user must stay with the machine for the duration of the login time/operation with the exception to 3d printers.
  13. Storage of private materials in the workshops is prohibited. 
  14. Work areas must always be in perfect condition and cleaned before leaving the workshops. 
  15. We reserve the right to charge the user responsible for any cleaning costs incurred. 
  16. Workshop Managers dispose of any materials and unlabeled projects. 
  17. Using highly flammable liquids or toxic materials inside the workshops is strictly forbidden.
  18. The production of any kind of weapon or anything resembling a weapon is strictly forbidden. 
  19. The Raplab can invoice an administrative charge for costs incurred due to inappropriate behavior, theft, gross negligence, etc. 
  20. Users must communicate deviations from the standard use case directly to the Raplab Management or the Workshop Managers (raplab@arch.ethz.ch).

Safety

  1. Work may only be carried out in the workshops if at least two people are in a room. 
  2. Users must wear the personal protective equipment (PPE) the Raplab provides according to the indications on the machines or workshop doors. 
  3. Users must wear close-fitting clothing when working on machinery. Jewelry and clothing that could get caught in machines must be removed when working in the Workshops. 
  4. Users must tie long hair together. 
  5. Shoes have to be flat and closed. 
  6. Wearing headphones is prohibited in all workshops that require users to wear hearing protection. Headphones do not replace hearing protection. 
  7. Persons working in the Raplab must be careful not to endanger themselves or others. 
  8. The general code of conduct in the Raplab applies: “Everyone looks after everyone.” 
  9. Exhaust functions must be used where available.

Emergencies

  1. Users must immediately report emergencies, accidents, and near accidents to the Workshop Managers.
  2.  Emergencies, injuries, and accidents are reported to the ETH alarm center (internally: 888, externally +41 44 342 11 88). The alarm center serves as the first point of contact and is also contacted in case of minor problems (small injuries, theft, etc.).

Alessandro Tellini — Director Raplab D-ARCH ETH Zürich, 2024-12-01