Safety Guidelines and

Frequently Asked Questions

Safety guidelines

  • Please plan to arrive 5-10 min early if possible. For safety reasons we cannot allow students into class more than 15 minutes after it has begun.

  • Please bring your own Personal Protective Equipment which must include safety glasses with side shields or wrap-around style, dust masks, and gloves for metal work.  We will have backup PPE but it may not fit as well as your personal safety equipment.

  • Although masks are not required in class, we strongly encourage students to wear masks to help protect against inhaling sawdust.

    • Please note: safety glasses are required in most of our classes and wearing a mask with a wire nosepiece will help reduce fogging.

  • Hearing protection is strongly encouraged when using saws and other tools. We will provide several options for hearing protection, but you are welcome to bring your own.

  • Wear closed-toe shoes — no sandals! (no exceptions)

  • Long hair must be tied back.

  • Do not wear any dangling jewelry or baggy clothing.

Liability Waivers

Parents or guardians will be required to sign a Robotics Camp Waiver prior to the start of class.  Please fully complete the waiver and emailing it within 3 days or registration to education@bridgewire.org. 

FAQs

Where is the Education Event? Our classes are held in the classroom and shops at the Bridgewire Makerspace 1055 Industrial Way Ste. 20, Sparks, NV 89431 (do not use Google Maps street view… its wrong).  Our entrance is at the back of a long building. 

Here are three landmarks to help you find it:

  • There will be a real-estate sized Bridgewire sign at the street entrance

  • The alley way from the street is across the street from a bus stop and empty field

  • There will be an A-frame sign on the sidewalk pointing to “Classes”

When should I get there? Please arrive 5-10 minutes before class to settle in and be ready to go! For safety reasons we cannot allow students into class more than 15 minutes after it has begun.

Where do I park? There is parallel parking against the fence around the back of the building.  NO permit is required despite signage.  Do not park near the front of the building or against the building.

How about public transportation?  There is a Route 18 bus stop across the street from the building.  You can text RENO1778 to 41411 for real-time bus arrivals at the stop.

Class fees & donations: Class fees include all materials.  Want to throw a little extra in to support our organization and programs?  Please donate at this link.  https://bridgewire.org/donations  A donation receipt / confirmation email will be sent.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket? No - we'd prefer to save a few trees! We will check your name off the list when you arrive.

May the Parents and Guardians remain on site?  Yes, they may remain in adjacent rooms if they signed the waiver.

Is there a minimum age?  Our Youth Summer Robotics Camp sessions are open to youth age 12-17 years-old with the Parent or Guardian signing the Robotics Camp Waiver.  There are sessions available for age groups 12-14 years-old and 15-17 years-old.

What tools will my minor receive hands-on safety use training?  The power and hand tools covered in the Youth Robotics Camp will depend on the age grouping.  The materials being cut and drilled will be wood, plastic, and aluminum.

Those age 12-14 will learn to use the following.  Hammers, screw drivers, wrenches, pliers, snips, levels, clamps, handsaw, hacksaw, chisels, files, box knives, punches, palm sander, power drills + drivers with various bits, thread taps, soldering irons, wire stripers, crimpers, heat gun.

Those age 15-17 will learn to use all the above and the following.  Jigsaw, multipurpose power tool, drill press, belt and disc sanders, dremel (no cutoff wheels), Metal bandsaws, sheet metal pan & box brake.

What is your refund policy? We do not offer refunds. You may switch your registration to another session if that session is not full, if you contact us at least 3 days in advance of your session starting. You can also transfer your registration to a different student by providing us with the new student’s full name and email address and properly executed Waiver. If you need help finding someone to take your spot, let us know and we will contact folks on our informal waitlist.  education@bridgewire.org

Other questions?  Contact our Education staff. Email us at education@bridgewire.org or call (775)-507-4063 and leave a voice or text message.