Sign-Offs for Chimera Members

How do I schedule a sign-off?

If you know the department head, you can speak directly with them about scheduling a sign-off.

Why do I need to get signed off before using tools at Chimera?

Sign-offs are a required part of becoming a member at Chimera. EVERY member has to be signed off on tools that require sign-offs.

Although, many of our tools don’t require sign-offs.
Sign-offs help us to ensure that you get the most from your experience here. Understanding how our tools work will enable you to utilize them to their full potential, aiding you in your creative journey.
Some tools at Chimera are dangerous, fragile, or complicated to use. We want to ensure that you understand how to use these tools to protect our equipment and, most importantly, you!

Why do I have to pay for my sign-off?

Chimera is an all-volunteer organization. That means that our staff is already donating their time performing various duties to keep Chimera running smoothly.

We want to encourage our volunteers to continue working with us and one way we can support them is to value their time. You would expect to pay for a class and a sign-off is essentially a private class. Often, our staff put in over 2 hours per training.

All sign-off fees go directly to the instructor.

Who does sign-offs?

All of our sign-off instructors are well-trained, experienced, volunteer personnel. They have exhibited the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and correctly use their department’s equipment.

Why do I have to schedule multiple sign-offs?

Occasionally, you will encounter a group of tools that are very complicated and/or dangerous to operate. To avoid inundating you with information, and to ensure your well-being and the health of our tools, we will often require a series of sign-offs.

As a new member at Chimera, it is common to start off with less complicated tools. As your skills grow, you may require additional training on more complex tools. Think of sign-offs as classes to expand the range and quality of your skills.

But, what if I already know how to use these tools?

You should still schedule a sign-off. Discuss with the instructor, ahead of time, what you feel your proficiency level is. The instructor will adjust the class so that you will be able to demonstrate your understanding of each tool’s function and safety considerations. If, while in the sign-off, you don’t know how to use a tool but, have used something similar, please let the instructor know. It’s better to understand the differences than to run into problems down the road.

If you haven’t touched a particular tool in 20 years - even if you used to use it daily - you still need a sign-off. It’s amazing how much we forget. Usually, though, you’ll remember much more quickly as the instructor works through his/her/their paces.

What happens if I damage a tool?

Mistakes happen. It’s an essential part of learning. If your mistake involves damaging a tool, please do not put it away and say nothing. Many people rely on our tools and if someone is in the middle of a project and finds that an essential tool is broken, it can ruin their day. Broken equipment is frustrating for our members AND it makes Chimera look inept. If we know that a tool is damaged or broken, we can address the repair and/or replacement of that tool.

Whenever possible, please replace the damaged equipment/part or donate towards its repair. Even if you are replacing the tool, please also report the damage to the department head. Emails and phone numbers for department heads are posted around Chimera. You can also send us an email or discuss with one of our staff members with information about the damage.

*If the damage was determined to be caused by using a tool that you were not signed off on, malicious intent, or negligence, your membership status will be up for review.