Through ASSP’s collaborative partnership with Safety for Nonprofits (S4NP), ASSP members are using their professional expertise to support nonprofit organizations and help strengthen safety outcomes in their communities. One recent example highlights how volunteer-led efforts can make a tangible impact in creative and educational environments.
Volunteer Spotlight
S4NP was recently approached by a nonprofit makerspace in the Boston area seeking expert support in conducting a hazard evaluation. The organization operates a 24/7, member-driven workshop that provides more than 600 users with access to tools, technology and materials for hands‑on project development. In addition to hobbyists, the makerspace serves a growing number of early‑stage entrepreneurs who rely on the facility to build prototypes as they advance toward product commercialization. During a site visit, the environment was characterized by the steady hum of equipment, focused collaboration and the excitement of members at various stages of innovation.
A lab leader from the makerspace requested S4NP’s assistance in evaluating the metal shop located within the facility’s 52,000‑square‑foot footprint. An S4NP volunteer team, led by Mike Sample, M.S., CSP, ARM, a member of ASSP’s Greater Boston Chapter, met with facility leadership, confirmed alignment with S4NP’s mission and initiated a comprehensive safety assessment of the metal shop.
The evaluated workspace supports a range of metal fabrication activities, including plasma cutting, MIG and TIG welding, foundry operations, torch brazing, sandblasting and powder coating. Through the assessment, S4NP identified and corrected several immediate hazards, and delivered a detailed technical report outlining additional opportunities to reduce risk and enhance safe operations for members.
Overall, the metal shop was found to be well maintained. Key recommendations included improvements to localized ventilation at welding bays and verification of lockout/tagout procedures — particularly for plug‑connected equipment — to prevent accidental energization. The engagement also emphasized the importance of maintaining readily accessible equipment manuals to support proper troubleshooting and reinforced the requirement for members to notify the lab leader whenever equipment issues arise.
Supporting Nonprofit Safety Through Volunteer Engagement
S4NP is proud to have supported this makerspace and remains committed to assisting other nonprofit laboratories and creative spaces seeking to strengthen their safety programs.
S4NP extends sincere appreciation to the Greater Boston ASSP Chapter volunteer whose expertise made this project possible. This project reflects how ASSP members, through volunteer engagement with S4NP, can apply their skills in real-world settings while advancing safety and health in nonprofit organizations.
Learn more about S4NP and how ASSP members can get involved by visiting S4NP’s website.
For questions or assistance with hazard assessments or training for nonprofits, contact info@S4NP.org.
To request S4NP support, please complete the S4NP Request Service Form.
To become a S4NP volunteer at no cost, sign up S4NP Volunteer Sign Up.