Safety at Merri Community Shed
Safety at MerriCS is a shared responsibility. We aim to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment where members can work safely, learn new skills, and support one another. Creating a safe Shed relies on cooperation, communication, and consideration for others.
All members are expected to work responsibly, follow instructions provided during inductions, and respect both people and equipment. Safety at the Shed includes physical safety, safe use of tools and machinery, and maintaining a positive and supportive environment for everyone.
Any member may stop work if they believe something is unsafe. Concerns should be raised early so they can be addressed before an incident occurs.
Members are expected to:
Work safely and within their level of training and induction
Follow directions from Shed Leaders and facilitators
Use equipment only after appropriate induction
Keep work areas clean, tidy, and free from hazards
Treat others with respect and consideration
Induction & Training Pathway
All members must complete an induction before using the Shed and its equipment. The induction process ensures everyone understands how the Shed operates, what is expected of members, and how to work safely in a shared environment.
Induction is designed to support learning and confidence, not to rush access to tools or machinery. Some equipment and activities require additional training, supervision, or demonstrated competency before use.
Our induction pathway includes:
Becoming a financial member of the Shed
Completing general safety and Shed orientation information
Attending an in-person induction at the Shed
Completing machine-specific inductions where required
Access, Supervision & Responsibility
MerriCS is a shared, volunteer-run workspace. Access to the Shed, its tools, and equipment is based on safety, respect, and shared responsibility.
Members may only use equipment and spaces they have been inducted on and approved to use. Some machinery and activities require direct supervision, additional training, or the presence of a Shed Leader at all times.
Key principles for access and use:
Members must be inducted before using any tools or machinery
Machine-specific inductions are required for higher-risk equipment
Supervision requirements must be followed at all times
Shed Leaders may restrict access if conditions are unsafe
Members are expected to clean up, store tools correctly, and leave spaces safe for others
All members share responsibility for maintaining a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment. If something looks unsafe, damaged, or unclear — members are encouraged to speak up or ask for assistance.
Events & Public Activities
In addition to regular Shed sessions, MerriCS hosts a range of public events and community activities throughout the year. These events help connect the Shed with the broader community, showcase member skills, and support fundraising for Shed operations.
Public activities may include markets, open days, workshops, demonstrations, and collaborative events with partner organisations. Access to tools and equipment during public events is carefully managed and supervised to ensure the safety of visitors, volunteers, and members.
Our public and community activities include:
Quarterly Craft Markets held on site
Open days and community engagement events
Fundraising activities such as BBQs and raffles
Demonstrations and supervised hands-on activities
Collaborative events with Coburg Common and local groups
During public events, additional safety controls apply. Members may be asked to assist with setup, supervision, or pack-down, and some areas or equipment may be restricted.
Workshop Area & Equipment
Merri Community Shed provides a range of shared workshop areas and equipment to support making, learning, repair, and creative projects. Access to all equipment is subject to appropriate induction, supervision, and safe working practices.
Woodworking
Your core and most established area.
Table saw (SawStop)
Mitre saw
Band saws
Thicknesser
Jointer / planer
Drill presses
Routers (hand-held and table)
Sanders (disc, belt, orbital)
Power tools and hand tools
Workbenches, clamps, jigs, and layout tools
Used for general woodworking, furniture repair, and creative projects.
Induction required for all machinery.
Woodturning
Strengthened significantly through the Northern Woodturners merger.
Multiple woodturning lathes
Turning chisels and accessories
Tool sharpening equipment
Lathe setup and support tools
Wednesday mornings are woodturning-focused; lathes are also available during general sessions, subject to induction.
Metalwork
General metal fabrication, repair, and creative metalwork activities.
Welding equipment supporting MIG, TIG, and stick welding
Grinders and cutting tools
Drill press and bench tools
Fabrication tools, vices, and workholding
Access is subject to induction, demonstrated competency, and appropriate supervision.
Forging & Blacksmithing
Structured and supervised forge activities.
Forge
Anvils
Hammers and tongs
Basic forging tooling
Primarily used during Introduction to Blacksmithing classes and supervised sessions.
Electronics & Small Repairs
Early-stage but functional.
Soldering stations
Test & tag equipment
Electronic test tools (e.g. multimeters, oscilloscopes)
Small hand tools for electronics work
Supports diagnostics, repairs, and future Repair Café activities.
Textiles & Sewing
Light but valuable capability.
Industrial sewing machine
Sewing workspace and basic tools
Used for repairs, small textile projects, and upholstery-type work.
Currently available for use; program development ongoing.
Shared & Support Equipment
Across the Shed.
Dust extraction systems
Portable vacuums
Hand tools across disciplines
Storage, project racks, and materials handling equipment