TechShop Minor Policy
Wayne C. Gramlich
At last night's SIG meeting, unfortunately we at least 3 parent/minor
groups turned away by the TechShop front desk because the minor was
less than 12 years old.
I called Robert at TechShop and asked what the policy is and he told me.
There is a separate minor policy for the conference room and for the
work shop. The policy for the conference room is that minors less than
12 years old are allowed into the conference room provided that are
supervised by a parent/guardian and the appropriate waiver has been
signed. If the minor needs to go to the rest room, the parent/guardian
has to escort them to and from. For the workshop, the policy is that
the minors less than 12 years old must be supervised by a TechShop
staff member. Lastly, minors 12 years or older can actually become
Tech Shop members and be allowed in the entire facility with
parent/guardian supervision.
So what happened last night was actually a training issue. It was the
third day on the job for the front desk person and he did not understand
that the conference room policy was different from the workshop policy
for minors under 12 years. He was applying the workshop policy to the
conference room and thus turned parents with less than 12 year old
minors away. The training issue will be rectified by Tech Shop.
While I was talking with Robert, he informed me that the minor waiver
form has changed and all parent/guardian will have to sign new waivers.
We'll get that waiver distributed in the next few days for the SIG
meeting next January.
While the glitch last night was unfortunate, particular given that it
is the holiday season, the TechShop and HBRC have had a mutually
beneficial relationship that goes back to the very beginning of
TechShop and I expect it will continue into the future.
Regards,
-Wayne
Wayne C. Gramlich
The new TechShop Waiver converted to plain text is shown below.
-Wayne
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TechShop
Waiver and Release of Liability for Minors
______________________________________________________________________
I understand and acknowledge that there are risks of personal injury,
death, and property damage while participating in activities and events
and using the facilities, tools, and equipment (collectively the
�Facilities�) offered by TechShop, Inc.
(�TechShop�). I understand that some risks are inherent in the use of
power and hand tools or while making and fixing things generally, and
that some other risks may arise from conditions, situations, or
activities of which I am presently unaware. I understand that my use
of the Facilities involves some risk of injury, particularly when used
incorrectly or unsafely by myself or other members. With full
understanding of the risks involved and despite this Release, I am
willing to participate and use the Facilities.
I therefore agree to exercise extreme caution and care in using the
Facilities, and that I will abide by all rules in effect and to follow
any and all instructions and advice offered by TechShop and its
instructors. I understand that certain skills and safety procedures
are required in order to mitigate the dangers involved in project work.
I agree to wear ear and eye protection at all times when in the work
areas that require them and to take all precautionary measures as may
be required.
I agree to assume all of the risks and responsibilities in any way
associated with the Facilities and activities offered by TechShop.
In consideration of and in return for the services, Facilities,
and other assistance provided to me by TechShop, and its Instructors
and employees, I hereby release TechShop, its agents, its instructors,
and its other members from any and all liability, claims and actions
that may arise from injury or harm to me, from my death or from
damage to my property in connection with my use of the Facilities.
I understand that this Release covers liability, claims and actions
caused entirely or in part by any acts or failures to act by TechShop,
its agents, the Instructors and other members, including but
not limited to negligence, mistake, or failure to supervise. I also
agree to defend and indemnify TechShop and hold it harmless from all
third party claims for any personal injury, death, or property damage
arising from my conduct.
In the event of injury, accident and or illness that incapacitates me
(and renders me unable to give verbal consent), I hereby consent to
receive medical treatment, which may be deemed advisable. I understand
and agree that should medical services become necessary if I should
suffer an injury, I will be solely responsible for those medical
expenses.
I further agree to TechShop�s use of my image and any images of class
projects or work in progress for program promotion and marketing
purposes. I will receive no compensation for such use. I recognize
that this Release means that I am giving up, among other things,
rights to sue TechShop, its agents, its instructors and its other
members for injuries, damages, or losses I may incur while using
the Facilities. I also understand that this release binds my heirs,
executors, administrators, and assigns, as well as myself. I have read
the entire Release; I fully understand it and I agree to be legally
bound by it.
______________________________________________________________________
THIS IS A RELEASE OF YOUR RIGHTS. READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING.
The undersigned parent and natural guardian or legal guardian does
hereby represent that he/she is, in fact, acting in such capacity
and agrees to save and hold harmless and indemnify each and all of
the parties referred to above from all liability, loss, cost, claim
or damage whatsoever which may be imposed upon said parties because of
any defect in or lack of such capacity to so act and release said
parties on behalf of the minor and the parents or legal guardian.
1. Child�s Name: _____________________________________ Age: ________
2. Child�s Name: _____________________________________ Age: ________
3. Child�s Name: _____________________________________ Age: ________
Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________ Date: _______