Calling all drone and 3D printer operators

Own a drone? Have a 3D printer? Concordia has announced new guidelines you should be aware of before using your gadgets on campus.

Concordia’s no drone zone

While drones are fun to fly, not everyone is a natural-born pilot, and drones can pose a risk to safety. With that in mind, Concordia has classified both Sir George Williams and Loyola campuses as “no-drone zones,” meaning that recreational drone flights are now prohibited.

“We need to ensure that the new regulations are being followed and the university community is safe,” says Pietro Gasparrini, director of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).

“Drones can range in weight and size, and if there is a malfunction in the air we need to make sure that no one is going to get hurt.”

Aware that some individuals will need to fly drones for teaching, research or work purposes, Gasparrini acknowledges that exceptions will be made under certain circumstances.

“Student organizations, researchers, the media and even people using drones for inspection work outdoors will now be required to obtain permission to fly from the university before using their drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV),” he explains.

Users will be required to provide appropriate liability insurance, proof that they have flight and airspace knowledge, a detailed flight path and a Special Flight Operations Certificate from Transport Canada.

Regarding indoor flights, Gasparrini says that, it is possible provided there is a mechanism in place to secure and keep drones isolated from the general public. A new internal UAV permit system is also now in place. Therefore, all drones and UAVs housed at the university need to be registered with EHS.

Learn more about drone safety on campus.

Attend an information session on Concordia's new drone guidelines from 10 to 11 a.m. on December 1 in EV 2.184. 
 

3D printing at Concordia

While printing out your own miniature replica of the Henry F. Hall Building is now possible, 3D printers have health hazards associated with them that you should also know about. 

Due to the potential release of toxic fumes from 3D printers, it is imperative that they are placed in areas with adequate ventilation, explains Gasparrini.

With your safety in mind, EHS now requires that all 3D printers be registered with the university when purchased for use on campus. Before granting approval, they will conduct a risk assessment to look at the type of printer, the type of print media being used and the proposed location of the printer.

Learn more about 3D printer safety guidelines at Concordia. Register your 3D printer with EHS.