Akin Membership Safety Information
This webpage is for Akin Members regarding important safety information for your studio membership. Please read it carefully and email your Studio Manager or Akin at info@akincollective.com if you have any questions or concens.
All Akin studio staff are practicing artists, and only work part-time for Akin. You should always communicate with your Studio Manager by email only (not by phone, text, or through their social media unless you have been given prior consent to do so - consent for this type of contact may be revoked at any time by the Studio Manager). The general response time from an Akin staff is 2-3 business days. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.
Below is more information about emergencies, safety, and conflict resolution:
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
In the event of an emergency situation you should email emergency at akincollective dot com and CC: your Studio Manager.
Emails sent to that email address are forwarded directly to the Studio Operations Manager and Director who generally are able to respond within 24 hours or less.
Examples of emergency when this email should be used:
Leak or flood
Malfunctioning keypad, FOB, or locking mechanism on the door so you cannot get in or out of the studio
Safety concern like a broken window
Please note that the following situations do not constitute emergencies and should be reported to your Studio Manager via email:
WiFi disruptions
Lightbulb or other supply replacements
Reporting things like a strange smell, noise, or pests in the building
EXTREME EMERGENCIES
Fire:
In case of a fire please leave the building immediately and contact the fire department by calling 911. Do not assume someone has already called 911. You can inform Akin about the fire situation by emailing emergency at akincollective dot com after you are safely out of the building and the fire department has been called.
Gas leak:
If you think you smell a gas leak, this is a very serious issue - the gas will smell like rotten eggs. If you can open a window to get fresh air in the room, do so immediately and then leave the studio and call Enbridge Gas Distribution – Gas Leak : 1-866-763-5427. You can inform Akin about a fire situation by emailing emergency at akincollective dot com after you are safely out of the building and the fire department has been called.
Urgent Medical or Psychiatric Assistance:
If you require urgent medical or psychiatric attention, or if you are in crisis, reach out to a nurse at Telehealth Ontario by dialing 1-866-797-0000. If you require an ambulance, call 911. If you were injured while at the studio please report the incident to your Studio Manager.
Looking for information about mental health, addiction, or gambling services and supports in your community? Call ConnexOntario for mental health services in Ontario: 1-866-531-2600 (toll-free).
Crisis Services Canada - A 24/7 toll-free line for people in distress, crisis, or who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. Phone: 1-833-456-4566
Toronto Distress Centre - Provides 24/7 over-the-phone counselling for people in emotional distress or suicide prevention.
Phone (Crisis Line): 416-408-4357
Text (Crisis Line): 45645
Phone (Survivor Support Program): 416-595-1716
Other Community Resources can be found lister here: https://www.akincollective.com/community-resources
STUDIO SAFETY ESSENTIALS
Know your surroundings:
Familiarize yourself with the location of:
Fire exits in your studio space
First aid kits
Fire extinguishers
If unsure of where those things are, your Studio Manager will be glad to assist you.
Access and security:
For the safety of everyone in the space, always ensure you are closing and locking the studio doors when you come and go. If your studio door has a lockbox, always scramble the numbers after using the lockbox. If your studio door has a keypad, do not give the code to anyone. If your studio door has a key or fob access, do not make copies of the key or lend your fob or key to anyone.
Health and Safety Policy:
At Akin, it's crucial for every artist to understand and follow our Health and Safety Policy. You are responsible for knowing how to properly and safely use your tools and materials. Familiarize yourself with the policy by visiting: https://www.akincollective.com/health-and-safety
Cleanliness:
To help keep everyone safe, be sure to keep the aisles and exits clear and free of obstructions or tripping hazards. All members can help keep spaces safe by doing things like wiping up spills and slipping hazards, keeping areas free of crumbs and food waste to prevent pest infestations.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND REPORTING
We have a comprehensive Conflict Resolution Process in place, along with an option for anonymous reporting. If you encounter any issues or concerns, please refer to the following links for more information:
Remember, if you experience any discomfort or encounter situations that require attention, kindly report them to your Studio Manager by emailing them. This includes instances like noticing peculiar smells, pest presence, property damage, or supply shortages. Please do not attempt to address these matters on your own.
We truly appreciate your commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment at Akin Studios. By adhering to these guidelines, we can collectively ensure the well-being of all members.
Thank you for being an integral part of the Akin Collective family. If you have any questions or need further clarification, don't hesitate to contact us. If you require further resources for your own wellbeing we invite you to view our Community Resources webpage here: https://www.akincollective.com/community-resources
At Akin we value feedback and suggestions from our members. Please feel free to share your safety concerns or ideas for improving security measures at anytime!