FAQs

To use CHIP tools and equipment, you must 1) be a member of a Stanford student club that has joined CHIP and 2) complete CHIP’s onboarding and safety requirements. 

Not a member yet? You’re still welcome to visit, tour the space, attend an event, and learn more about our clubs!

Use the button below to join the CHIP Slack workspace. Be sure you're signed in with your Stanford SUNet account.

Join CHIP Slack →

• If the link doesn't work, visit Stanford's Slack workspace finder and add the CHIP (Clubhouse for Hardware Innovation Projects) workspace manually. If you're already using another Stanford Slack workspace, select your workspace name in the upper-left corner and choose Add Workspaces → Find More Stanford University Workspaces.

• Still having trouble? Email clubhouse@stanford.edu and we'll be happy to help.

Yes—for safety! What you need to wear depends on where you are in the Clubhouse and what you’re doing.

Closed-toe shoes are required throughout the facility, except in the kitchen and conference rooms when no tools or equipment are in use.

When operating power tools or equipment, long pants and safety glasses are required. Long hair must be tied back, and loose or dangling clothing must be secured. Restricted areas may have additional requirements, so always check posted signage. Headphones are not permitted while operating power tools or in restricted areas.

Yes, but new materials, chemicals, equipment, and processes must be approved before use.

Before using your own material in the laser cutter, check the CHIP Laser Cutter Approved Materials List. Some materials can release hazardous gases when cut, so if your material isn’t listed, check with the CHIP team first.

New chemicals, equipment, and processes must also be reviewed by the CHIP team before being brought into or used at CHIP. Depending on the hazards involved, an approved Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) may be required before work begins.

Talk with the CHIP team first. Club-owned equipment must be reviewed and approved before it is brought into or used at CHIP. Depending on the equipment and its hazards, additional training, documentation, or an approved Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) may be required.

We have strict guidelines (as does all of Stanford University) for handling chemicals, batteries, sharps, and hazardous waste materials. Check in with a CA at the Clubhouse! We’ll guide you to the safest disposal options.

Active members of CHIP clubs are welcome to work on personal projects, as long as they have completed the required safety trainings for Clubhouse access and for the equipment they’re using. 

Personal project storage is not available, so anything you bring in must leave with you when you’re done.

Member clubs may store projects within their assigned bay, workbench, or designated storage area. 

Club materials and projects may not be left in communal spaces or on shared tables after the building closes unless the CHIP team has approved it and the items are clearly labeled.

Definitely. CHIP staff and Clubhouse Assistants can help you think through fabrication options, answer equipment questions, teach you new tools or skills, and connect you with useful resources. 

Bring us in early—we’re happy to help you find a practical and safe way forward.

Yes, with a lot of specific handling requirements in place. Batteries are the Number 1 cause of incidents at the Clubhouse and pose a uniquely challenging fire and explosion risk. 

Check in with anyone on the Clubhouse team for specifics about charging, storing and working on your batteries. We will get you set up with a safe place to work, and brief you on protocols for managing a damaged or reactive battery.