Fiber Arts Studio Safety Protocols

All BARN-wide safety policies apply to the Fiber Studio as well. In particular, masks are required for anyone not yet fully vaccinated and are optional for all others. Sign-in and hand-sanitizing procedures at BARN’s front entrance are in force. As always, anyone not feeling well should stay home.

The Fiber Studio is  open to members and nonmembers during Monitored Open Studios. Anyone can sign up to attend Monitored Open Studio through the BARN website.

In addition, members who have attended an Orientation and have fob access to the studio during BARN’s open hours. Fob-holders are requested to use their best judgment and to follow their own comfort levels regarding the number of people in the studio and the number of hours per week they spend in the studio. If another fob-holder in the studio is uncomfortable with the number of people in the studio, please use courtesy and kindness to work out a fair solution.

To receive a Studio Orientation, sign up on BARN’s website. Currently, Orientations are scheduled every two weeks.

At this time, the Lab (Dye Studio) is closed until attendees can be refreshed on Lab protocols. Lab orientations will resume later in 2021.

The studio contains sharp cutting tools. Please wear closed-toe shoes in the studio, particularly when using any kind of cutting tool.

Much of the equipment in the main studio (the BARN-purchased sewing machines and sergers, the industrial sewing machine, fleece processing equipment, and the floor looms, for example) requires instruction and/or a safety check prior to the first use to ensure the user’s safety and promote good equipment care. This equipment is labeled, including guidance about how to get checked out. Enforcement of the check-out requirement is usually on an honor system.

To support air circulation while the studio is occupied, studio ceiling fans should be left on, and a couple of windows or a window and exterior door should be open (weather permitting). Adjust as needed for your comfort and, as always, use kindness and consideration when negotiating with other studio users about the fans and open windows and doors.

When the studio is cold, users may plug in portable heaters. To avoid blowing a fuse, plug in only ONE heater per electrical circuit. The circuits run in rows, north-south on the studio floor. One north-south row equals one circuit.

BARN provides hand soap, hand sanitizer, and cleaning materials (including soap, disinfectant, paper towels, cloth towels, etc.). BARN empties the trash/recycling regularly and provides other cleaning services periodically.

Upon departure, all studio users are requested to wipe down tables and equipment they used and to vacuum or sweep their areas thoroughly so that the next user finds our shared space tidy, clean, and pleasant to work in. The goal is to leave the studio cleaner than you found it.

As always, food must be consumed outside the studio. Drinks in the studio must close tightly.

Everyone is encouraged to take work in progress home where possible. Projects left in the studio should be labeled with the artist’s name and contact info and the expected completion date. Sticky notes and pens for this purpose are at the desk.

A studio user’s first entry of the day and last departure of the day should be through the main studio door. Fob-holders should fob in at the main door, and all users should sign in at the studio desk. Users may use the rear and side exterior doors for transporting heavy or bulky items or for participating in outdoor classes and activities.

Violation of these Fiber Studio protocols may result in fob deactivation.

Step-by-Step Protocols

Entry

Enter through the main studio door Fob in, even if door is propped open Sign in at the desk Open windows and/or doors, weather permitting Turn on the ceiling fan, comfort permitting If using portable heaters, ensure there is only ONE heater per electrical circuit

While Using the Studio

Wear closed-toe shoes Leave food outside the studio Ensure your drink has a tightly closing lid

Departure

If leaving a project in the studio, tidy the project as appropriate and label with name, contact info, and date, as needed. Sticky notes and pens are at the front desk. Wipe down table and, as needed, chair and large common equipment Vacuum or sweep your area and the floor under any common space you used Put away all tools and equipment, including portable heaters and fans Double check that all heaters, irons, sewing machines, and other electric tools are unplugged and put away Close and latch all windows and exterior doors. Give the exterior doors an extra tug to be sure. Turn off lights and ceiling fans (Remember: the light over the sewing cabinet always stays on.) Exit through the main studio door (not outside doors) and ensure door latches behind you