Safety precautions when using a laser: All You Need To Know

Laser cutters are powerful tools that offer precision and versatility across various materials, from wood to metal. However, their use comes with certain risks if proper safety precautions aren’t followed. Understanding and adhering to safety guidelines is essential to prevent accidents, protect yourself from harmful laser radiation, and avoid potential fire hazards.

---

---

Safety precautions when using a laser cutter and engraver

In this article, we’ll cover the most important safety precautions to keep in mind when using a laser cutter, from wearing appropriate protective gear to ensuring proper ventilation and maintaining equipment. Prioritizing safety will help you operate your laser cutter efficiently and responsibly.

Know How The Laser Works

Before you start using the laser engraver, make sure you understand exactly how it works. At laserengravingtips.com, we endeavor to provide as many useful tips as possible. However, the information you read on blogs should never substitute for the manufacturer’s user manual.

Go through the manual and follow the assembly and safety instructions provided. Every laser engraver is created differently and that is why you should meticulously read through the documentation of your laser engraver before you start using it. As boring as this step may sound, it might help to prevent mishaps and incidents once you start your laser engraving business.

Laser cutters are classified based on the potential risk their laser beams pose:

• Class 1: Enclosed and safe under normal operation. (e.g., xTool M1 with enclosure)
• Class 4: Open-beam lasers, which pose serious risks to skin and eyes and often require personal protective equipment and safety procedures.

Know your machine’s classification and always read the manufacturer’s safety documentation before using it.

Beware Of The Fumes

Laser cutters generate smoke, fumes, and airborne particles that can be harmful if inhaled.

• Use an exhaust fan to vent fumes outdoors or through a filtered air purifier.
• Work in a well-ventilated area, especially when engraving materials like acrylic, leather, or MDF, which release toxic compounds when burned.

Also, take note of any material that the manufacturer of the laser cutter may have prohibited. No matter what materials you intend to cut or engrave, it’s always recommended to invest in a fume extractor or exhaust fan, not only for the health benefits but also to protect your laser from contamination and corrosion.

Detailed Information and Reviews can be found here:

Laser Engraver Exhaust Fan Options

Best Fume Extractors for Laser Engravers

Laser Engraver Enclosure Options: You Need The Best Quality

Avoid Unnecessary Fires

When laser engraving or cutting approved materials in the right environment, you do not have to worry about fires. However, it is recommended to have a fire extinguisher as well as a fire blanket just in case a fire starts. On some rare occasions, a very small flame may start in the process of laser engraving your material. If the flame is less than 2 inches, it will most likely fizzle out in a matter of seconds.

But if you get a fire that is less than two inches and yet it doesn’t go out, it will be best to extinguish it using the fire blanket before it spreads. Remember to switch off the laser engraver before attempting to put out the fire. Once the laser machine is off and the nozzle has been pushed out of the way, throw your blanket over the flame. Any flame that is bigger than 2 inches should be extinguished with the fire extinguisher.

Every laser workstation should be equipped with a Class ABC fire extinguisher, which is rated for electrical and flammable fires. Laser cutters can spark flare-ups due to overheated materials, accumulated debris, or mechanical malfunctions.

Tip: Don’t just leave the fire extinguisher in the box—take it out, remove any zip ties or seals, and read the manual. Practice aiming and operating the extinguisher in a calm setting so you’ll know exactly what to do in an emergency.

Fire Blanket

A fire blanket makes an excellent secondary safety measure. It’s especially effective for quickly smothering small material fires. Always keep it within easy reach of your laser cutter. To use it, take it out of its pouch, unfold it completely, and carefully place it over the flames to cut off the oxygen supply.

Keep A Log Of Use

Make sure to keep a log that fully details the important details of how the laser engraver is used. The log should indicate who used the engraver, how they used it, what materials were engraved, any noteworthy incidents, and the cutting time for the materials.

This log will come in handy when anyone is preparing to use the laser engraver. For instance, you can conveniently use the settings that have been tried and tested instead of messing around with the system.

Clean The Laser Engraver Regularly

After engraving some items, debris from the material will most likely get lodged in the engraver. It is, therefore, a good idea to vacuum clean the cutting deck as well as the internal cavity of the laser engraver after every laser engraving project. If you do not do this, the debris could cause fires, damage the laser machine or compromise the quality of the item being engraved.

Protect Your Eyes

Exposure to a laser beam can harm your eyes. If the laser beam goes directly into your eyes, it will go through the pupil and focus on the retina. Even a milliwatt laser engraver dissipates light energy that is three times stronger than the sun’s rays. Exposure to such extreme light by even a fraction of a second can injure the retina, cornea, or the lens in your eyes.

The actual damage depends on the focus setting of the eye, the exact place the beam hits, the amount of energy absorbed, the wavelength of the beam, the time of exposure, and the distance from the laser source. The best way to avoid this is by using safety goggles.

For Detailed Information on Laser Engraving Eye Protection, have a look at this article I wrote here.

Use Laser-Compatible Materials Only

Some materials are toxic or dangerous when cut with a laser. Avoid:

• PVC (releases hydrochloric acid)
• ABS (melts and emits harmful fumes)
• Fiberglass (contains epoxy resin and glass particles)

Always check whether your material is laser-safe, and use manufacturer-recommended settings for power, speed, and passes.

Use the code LASERENGRAVINGTIPS for 5% off the best materials for laser engraving & cutting available from Longer Laser Engravers! Click here to check it out!

Secure Materials Properly

Loose or warped materials can shift during cutting or cause flare-ups.

• Use magnetic pins or honeycomb panels to keep materials flat and secure.
• Avoid using tape that could ignite.

Electrical Safety

• Only use grounded power outlets with surge protection.
• Avoid using extension cords or power strips for high-wattage machines.
• Unplug the machine when not in use or during maintenance.

Keep Flammable Items Away

Paper, rags, solvents, and cleaning alcohols should never be near your laser cutter during operation. Maintain a clear workspace around the machine to reduce fire hazards.

Train Yourself and Others

If others have access to your laser cutter (students, employees, kids), they must be trained to:

• Operate the machine properly
• Use protective gear
• Respond to emergency situations

Many manufacturers offer online training resources or video tutorials—take advantage of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

A laser engraver is a powerful tool. When used properly, it will make your life a lot easier. But the laser beams from the laser machine are very powerful and can be dangerous too. That is why you should handle it with care and follow all the safety precautions when using a laser cutter discussed above.