Laser Cutter Safety Guide
Basic Safety Rules
Wear Safety Glasses
⚠️ Always wear safety glasses when using laser
- Direct laser light can cause serious vision damage or blindness
- Wear safety glasses rated for your laser’s wavelength
- Never look directly at the laser beam during operation
- Never operate laser with lid open
Ensure Ventilation
⚠️ Always ventilate during operation
- Laser cutting produces harmful gases and fumes. Always run exhaust fan
- Check exhaust duct is working properly before use
- Continue running exhaust fan after completion until smoke clears
Fire Prevention
⚠️ Never leave machine unattended during operation
- Materials can unexpectedly catch fire during processing
- Do not use phone or do other tasks - fire can spread in seconds
- Stand in front of machine and monitor operation at all times
- Press STOP button immediately if you detect any abnormality
Signs of danger (examples)
- Unusual movement or behavior
- More smoke than normal
- Unusual sounds
- Visible sparks or flames
- Strong burning smell
⚠️ Keep fire extinguisher nearby
- Always have fire extinguisher within reach
- Fire continues even after laser stops
Prohibited Materials
| Material | Reason | Equipment Risk | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC (Vinyl) | Produces chlorine gas | Toxic gas, corrosion | Respiratory damage, eye damage |
| Polycarbonate | Burns at high temp | Fire, machine damage | Burns, toxic gas inhalation |
| FRP | Decomposes, burns | Fire, toxic gas | Burns, toxic gas inhalation |
| Clear hard plastics | May contain PVC | Toxic gas | Respiratory damage, eye damage |
| Unknown materials | Unknown composition | Unpredictable danger | Unpredictable health hazards |
| Mirror/plated surfaces | Reflects laser | Machine damage, fire | Blindness, burns |
| Highly flammable materials | Instant ignition | Fire | Burns, respiratory damage |
| Fluorine materials (PTFE) | Toxic gas when heated | Toxic gas | Respiratory damage, poisoning |
⚠️ Never cut unknown clear plastic sheets
Post-Processing Safety
- Materials are hot after processing. Don’t touch with bare hands
- Wait at least 1-2 minutes before handling material
- Continue running exhaust fan after processing
Regular Maintenance
Lens and Mirror Cleaning
- Dust and dirt on lens/mirrors can cause fire
- Clean regularly with proper cleaner
⚠️ Never touch lens with bare hands
- Fingerprints reduce processing accuracy
- Lens contains toxic ZnSe (Zinc Selenide)
- If touched, wash hands immediately with soap
Pre-Operation Checklist
- Fire extinguisher location: Within reach?
- Exhaust function: Working properly?
- Processing bed: Clean of debris?
- Material check: Safe to process?
- Surroundings: No flammables nearby?
- PC settings: Screensaver disabled?
⚠️ Screensaver can interrupt machine operation
Emergency Response
If Fire Occurs
- Stop machine immediately: Press STOP button
- Extinguish with fire extinguisher: If fire is small
- Evacuate if large fire: Call emergency services, evacuate
- Ventilate: After fire is out, ventilate thoroughly
If Toxic Gas Occurs
- Stop machine immediately
- Maximize ventilation
- Leave the area
- Seek medical attention if feeling unwell
5 Essential Safety Points
- Always wear safety glasses
- Always run exhaust during operation
- Never leave machine unattended
- Never use prohibited materials (especially PVC)
- Keep fire extinguisher ready and know emergency procedures