Acceptable Use Policy

Principle / Overview

TAP lab aims to provide a safe space for the community, part of this may mean restricting what can be made at TAP lab in order to keep the space comfortable for all.

Application

Anyone working within TAP lab or making something using TAP lab equipment.

Related documents

• TAP lab code of conduct

Reason for policy

TAP lab provides a space and equipment for making, but we recognise these tools could be used in a manner that goes against our code of conduct.

Policy details/Implementation

For the purposes of this policy “realistic imitation” means any item that may be mistaken for an official item or real object.

General Principles

When making at TAP lab you should follow these general principles to ensure the space remains safe for all.

1. Don’t ever make anything illegal at TAP lab.
2. TAP lab DOES NOT permit the following to be made:
   1. Anything that may cause harm, offence or be used to intimidate a reasonable person.
   2. Anything the general population would consider to be a hate symbol.
   3. Any realistic imitation insignia or uniforms that imply an official rank or position.
3. The following may be made but appropriate precautions should be taken:
   1. Anything that is inappropriate for certain audiences. For example if you are making something with explicit language or imagery that is acceptable to an adult audience but unsuitable for children. In this case you are not banned from making it at TAP lab but it is your responsibility to ensure it is appropriately shielded from other users of the space. You may also need to organise to come in at a time when TAP lab is not open to the public.

 

Weapons

1. As a general rule, any weapons made within TAP lab should comply with the Armageddon Expo Prop Weapons Policy. https://www.armageddonexpo.com/Weapons–Policy/
2. TAP lab does not permit any weapons to be made that:
   1. Are functional weapons made with the intent of using them as a weapon.
   2. Is a realistic imitation firearm.
   3. Is designed to be added to an existing weapon to enhance or enable functionality with the intent to use the item in an unlawful manner.

Copyright

If you are making anything using other people’s work you should ensure that you comply with any licensing requirements they have placed on that work. This may include:

• Attribution to the originator.
• Not making a profit off the work.
• Not making some modifications that the originator has restricted.

TAP lab encourages the use of Open-Source and Creative Commons licensed items, common licences can be found here: https://creativecommons.org/  

Making at workshops

If you are making at a TAP lab workshop the facilitator has final say on items that may be made at that workshop in accordance with this policy. If you are making anything contentious and are needing help from another person (e.g. a TAP lab member, volunteer, facilitator or staff member) be considerate in doing so. Do not pressure them to help you with something they may disagree with or could be offended by. An example of this could be conflicting political views. That does not necessarily mean you can’t make what you want but that you may need to arrange to work with someone who is willing to help you.  

Legitimate reasons for making items that are generally prohibited

If you are unsure whether something may be inappropriate to make at TAP lab, ask a member for their opinion. We recognise there may be legitimate reasons for making something that goes against this policy, in this case you must seek permission from the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee must have a process in place to receive requests, make a decision on them and reply. You will never be permitted to make anything illegal.