Boyd Lab

First, Students need to verify that the work they want to do is appropriate and allowed in the shop. If you are working on a class-related project, working with a research group on campus, or working on a club project, then chances are your project is just fine in the shop. If you are wanting to work on a personal project, unfortunately, the shop doesn’t support personal projects, and you will have to go elsewhere. If you have questions about if your project is appropriate, then reach out to shop supervisors.

Boyd Lab offers training on equipment to students wanting to use the shop as well as job request services. If you are wanting to have Boyd Lab make a part(s) for you, you will want to navigate to the “Job Submissions” section of the webpage to learn more. If you are looking to do the work yourself, continue on to the training requirements in Step 3.

All students wishing to use Boyd Lab equipment must complete the following items:

1. All training is recorded using the Boyd Safety Course on Canvas. To get access to this course, please email one of the shop supervisors with your netID. You will be added to the course as soon as possible.
2. Log into Canvas and navigate to the Boyd Safety Course in the Courses list. On the “Modules” page, you will see all the training listed by equipment type.
3. Everyone must take the required training, “ISU EH&S Shop Safety Fundamentals”, “ISU EH&S Fire Safety and Fire Extinguisher Training”, “ISU EH&S Emergency Response Guide Video”, “ISU EH&S Hazard Communication Training (Worker Right-to-Know)” training, and read the Boyd Lab Standard Operating Procedures Document in order to use the lab.
4. Some equipment has an online training course associated with it. Complete the online portion of the training first then sign up for hands on equipment training time using the Student Equipment Training Signup calendar.
5. An equipment sign-off badge will be issued after your hands on training. This tells the techs what equipment you are signed off on. This must be worn at all times while you are in the shop along with the proper PPE.

Boyd Lab supports several core ME courses. Depending on the time of the year and time of each semester, the shop may or may not have extra capacity for project work and training. You can check the training calendar for training related volume. For projects, it’s best to reach out to the shop supervisors and check to see if there is capacity for your project. Otherwise, stop by in person and they can direct you in person. If the shop is too busy, your work may have to be scheduled for a different time.

Once you’ve been trained and confirmed that the shop has capacity for your project, you’re welcome to come in and work during regular hours. When you come, make sure you come prepared with your project material, your safety glasses, your badge, appropriate attire, and are in a sound state of mind to be working on equipment. Please remember that you are only able to work on equipment you have been fully trained on.