Permission to use tools independently is called tool “Sign-off” at Nova Labs. A sign-off is either on a specific tool or a group of tools. Some tools are considered minor and authorization to use those tools is given when a member takes the GO New Member Orientation class.

Your list of sign-offs appears on your member profile.

How do tool sign-offs get on your profile? Is it magic?

Once you attend a tool sign-off class, the instructor must send a sign-off request to the Helpdesk team at [email protected] using the Formbot application. On the form, the instructor must indicate no-shows and those who attended. They may also state if a student is not authorized to use the tool or may only use it if supervised, despite having attended the class.

If the tool is also a Nova Pass tool, the Nova Pass system is also updated so you may activate the tool.

Nonmembers: Nonmembers are usually allowed to take sign-off classes. Class attendance is documented on your record. However, the sign-off may be forfeited at the discretion of Nova Labs or within 30 days after the class. Caution: Woodshop planer/jointer/table saw may fill up with members before being made public. The ShopSabre CNC sign-off class is always restricted to members only.

Returning Members: Canceled (Suspended) members retain their sign-offs at the discretion of Nova Labs. Upon your return to membership, you must contact the Helpdesk to determine if your sign-offs are still valid, if a free refresher is required, or if the class must be taken again. The length of your absence is considered in the determination. If you are gone for more than 12 months, you must take a GO refresher before reinstatement of the sign-offs. The restoration of the sign-off may be impacted by several factors in consultation with the steward: a refresher is required, the tool is no longer in service, the tool has been replaced, etc. Contact the Helpdesk at [email protected] for assistance.

Periodically Checking your Sign-offs are Accurate

Your sign-offs are viewable on your member account profile. Access your member profile by clicking on the person icon on the member portal and viewing the tabs.

https://portal.nova-labs.org/sys/profile

Periodically check to make sure you have all of your equipment and safety sign-offs. Email [email protected] if you need us to add any sign-offs that you have earned.

A sign-off is a safety process, not a right. If we cannot validate a sign-off, then it will not be given.

What is a Safety Sign-Off Classes? (2-step sign-offs)

How do I go about adding the tool signoff once a person has completed the second part of the class? (after the safety sign-off)

They will have the class listed on their Events tab. The event will show they are checked in which means they showed up for the class.

The instructor or steward will email the helpdesk when the person has met the requirements for the tool sign-off. The Instructor/Steward sends an email to [email protected]. There is no formal format needed, give the person’s name and state that he has completed the tool sign-off. The team recognizes that you and the steward are the only authorized people who can send this type of request for this tool. **You may ask the person to send the email with you on the cc line. We will confirm with you and send the sign-off. This may save you time and is less effort.

Once the authorization email is received, the tool sign-off will be documented on the account profile and Nova Pass will be updated, if applicable.

The Helpdesk agent adds the tool sign-off when we receive the email.

List of Possible Sign-offs (as of 12/22/2023