Fairfield Country Makers Guild
Terms and Conditions
Effective Date: 01/01/2015
Welcome to Fairfield Country Makers Guild (the “Makerspace”). These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the Makerspace’s facilities, equipment, tools, classes, and events. By creating an account or otherwise using the Makerspace’s services, you (“Member,” “you,” or “your”) agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not proceed with registration or use our services.
1. Membership Eligibility
1.1 Age Requirement
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You must be at least [18] years old to register for membership without the consent of a parent or legal guardian. If you are under [18], you may only become a Member with the explicit, written consent of your legal guardian, who must also accept these Terms on your behalf.
1.2 Required Documentation
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You may be asked to provide proof of identity, proof of age, and/or complete additional forms (e.g., waivers, disclaimers) as required by the Makerspace or by law.
1.3 Code of Conduct
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You agree to follow the Makerspace’s Code of Conduct, including respect for other Members, adherence to safety rules, and appropriate use of tools and equipment. Failure to comply may result in suspension or termination of your membership.
2. Unsupervised Equipment Use
2.1 No Guaranteed Supervision
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Many types of heavy and potentially hazardous equipment are available for use at the Makerspace. You acknowledge that direct, continual supervision by staff is not guaranteed. You assume all responsibility for your actions and the operation of such equipment.
2.2 Mandatory Training
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Before operating any heavy or specialized equipment (e.g., CNC machines, laser cutters, welding apparatus), you agree to undergo any required training or certification offered by the Makerspace. Operating equipment without proper training or certification is strictly prohibited.
2.3 Personal Accountability
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You are solely responsible for your safety and for adhering to all posted or provided guidelines, manuals, and safety procedures when using any equipment. Any damage or injuries resulting from your negligence or misuse of equipment shall be your sole responsibility.
3. Assumption of Risk
3.1 Risk Disclosure
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Activities at the Makerspace involve inherent risks, including but not limited to serious bodily harm, property damage, and exposure to hazardous substances. By participating, you acknowledge and voluntarily accept all such risks.
3.2 Release of Liability
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To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Fairfield Country Makers Guild, including its owners, directors, employees, volunteers, and agents (“Released Parties”), shall not be liable for any injuries, damages, or losses sustained by you arising out of or related to your use of the Makerspace.
3.3 Waiver of Claims
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You expressly waive any and all claims against the Released Parties for any injury or damage you may suffer on the Makerspace premises, regardless of the cause, including negligence or omission by the Released Parties.
4. Safety and Conduct
4.1 Compliance with Safety Policies
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You agree to read, understand, and follow all safety notices, operational manuals, signs, and any instructions provided by the Makerspace.
4.2 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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You are required to wear appropriate PPE (e.g., goggles, gloves, aprons, ear protection) when operating equipment. You understand that failure to do so increases your risk of injury.
4.3 Prohibited Activities
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The following actions are strictly prohibited:
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Operating equipment while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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Bringing illegal or hazardous materials onto the premises without written permission.
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Tampering with or disabling safety features on any equipment.
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Harassment, bullying, or threatening behavior toward other Members or staff.
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4.4 Reporting Accidents and Incidents
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You must promptly report any accident, injury, or unsafe condition to Makerspace staff. You also agree to cooperate with any incident investigation conducted by the Makerspace or authorities.
4.5 Consequences of Violations
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Violating these Terms or engaging in unsafe, illegal, or disruptive behavior can result in immediate suspension or termination of your membership. Severe violations may be reported to law enforcement authorities.
5. Equipment Usage and Maintenance
5.1 Equipment Reservation
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Certain equipment may require reservations. You agree to follow any scheduling or sign-up protocols, as well as promptly vacate or release equipment when your reserved time ends.
5.2 Proper Use
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You must use equipment only for its intended purpose and in accordance with all guidelines. Members shall not attempt repairs or modifications that exceed their training or expertise.
5.3 Damage or Loss
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If you damage or lose Makerspace equipment due to negligence, misuse, or non-compliance with safety procedures, you may be responsible for repair or replacement costs.
5.4 Tool and Project Storage
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The Makerspace may offer limited storage for tools, materials, and personal projects. Storage is at your own risk, and the Makerspace is not liable for loss, theft, or damage of stored items.
6. Intellectual Property
6.1 Your Creations
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You retain all rights to the designs, projects, or other intellectual property you create at the Makerspace.
6.2 Respect for Others’ IP
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You agree not to violate others’ intellectual property rights (e.g., copyright, trademark, patent). The Makerspace is not responsible for any infringement committed by individual Members.
6.3 Use of Makerspace Name or Logo
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Written permission from Fairfield Country Makers Guild is required before you may use its name, logo, or branding for any promotional or commercial materials.
7. Fees and Payment
7.1 Membership Fees
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Membership fees are outlined on the Makerspace’s website. The Makerspace reserves the right to change membership fees; any changes will be communicated at least [30 days] in advance.
7.2 Payment Methods
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Payment is due according to your chosen membership plan (e.g., monthly, annual). Non-payment or repeated late payment may result in suspension or cancellation of your membership.
7.3 Refunds
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Refund policies vary depending on membership type. Please review the refund policy posted on our website. Typically, refunds or credits are not given for unused membership time unless specifically stated.
8. Indemnification
8.1 Indemnity
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You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Fairfield Country Makers Guild and the Released Parties from any and all liabilities, claims, demands, damages, or costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from:
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Your use of the Makerspace or any equipment therein,
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Your violation of these Terms or any applicable law,
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Your infringement of any third-party rights, or
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Any negligent or wrongful conduct by you or anyone using your membership privileges.
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9. Insurance
9.1 Member Insurance
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The Makerspace does not provide personal insurance for Members. You are strongly encouraged to obtain sufficient coverage (e.g., health, property, or liability insurance) to protect yourself against potential risks and liabilities.
9.2 Facility Insurance
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The Makerspace carries general liability insurance, but such coverage may not extend to individual Members. Contact your insurance provider for details on coverage for makerspace activities.
10. Privacy and Data Protection
10.1 Collection of Personal Data
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We collect personal information (such as your name, email address, and payment details) to manage your membership and communicate with you.
10.2 Use of Personal Data
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Your data will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which describes how we collect, store, and protect personal information. We will not sell your personal data to third parties without your consent, except as required by law.
10.3 Surveillance Cameras
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For security reasons, the Makerspace may use surveillance cameras in common areas. By entering the premises, you consent to such monitoring and recording.
11. Termination
11.1 Terminating Your Membership
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You may cancel your membership at any time by notifying us in writing or through the designated website portal. Any applicable refunds will be handled according to our refund policy.
11.2 Termination by the Makerspace
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The Makerspace reserves the right to terminate or suspend your membership immediately for any violation of these Terms or if your conduct is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or contrary to the Makerspace’s community standards.
11.3 Post-Termination Obligations
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Upon termination, you must return any Makerspace property in your possession (e.g., keys, badges) and retrieve your personal items within [30 days]. Unclaimed items may be discarded or donated at our discretion.
12. Dispute Resolution
12.1 Governing Law
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These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut, without regard to its conflict of laws rules.
12.2 Arbitration
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Any dispute arising from these Terms or your membership shall be resolved by binding arbitration under the rules of a mutually agreed-upon arbitration service in Fairfield County, Connecticut. The arbitrator’s decision shall be final and binding, and judgment may be entered in any court with jurisdiction.
12.3 Attorneys’ Fees
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In the event of any action or proceeding (including arbitration) arising out of these Terms, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.
13. Miscellaneous
13.1 Severability
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If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
13.2 Entire Agreement
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These Terms, together with any additional agreements or policies referenced herein, constitute the entire understanding between you and Fairfield Country Makers Guild regarding your membership and supersede any prior agreements or understandings.
13.3 No Waiver
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The failure of the Makerspace to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not be deemed a waiver of future enforcement of that or any other provision.
13.4 Assignment
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You may not assign your membership or any rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of Fairfield Country Makers Guild.
13.5 Modifications
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We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via the email address associated with your account or posted on our website. Continued use of the Makerspace following any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.
14. Contact Information
For any questions or concerns about these Terms, please contact:
Fairfield Country Makers Guild
3 Belden Ave, Norwalk, CT