Knowledge Base
EU Safety Gate reportHobby laser (<20 W)A12/00345/20

Safety Alert: Laser Engraving Machine Poses Radiation Risk

An unregulated laser engraving machine was banned from the EU market due to potential exposure to invisible laser radiation that can cause permanent eye damage.

6 March 2020LaserMachineSafety.eu
Safety Alert: Laser Engraving Machine Poses Radiation Risk — Safety Gate image 1 of 1
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Images published with the official European Commission Safety Gate alert A12/00345/20.
About this analysis: Factual findings come from the cited EU Safety Gate alert. LaserMachineSafety.eu adds educational context; this article is not a conformity assessment.

What Safety Gate found

Authorities identified that this laser engraving machine emits unrestricted, invisible laser radiation. Reflection or diffused rays hitting the eye can cause blindness or severe injuries. The product failed to comply with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and standards EN 60825-1 (classification) and EN ISO 11553-1 (laser processing safety).

Why this matters

Laser processing machines must ensure that radiation is contained within the enclosure. If a machine allows invisible radiation to escape, the user may not realize they are being exposed until permanent damage occurs.

What buyers should check

  • Ensure the machine has a valid EC/EU Declaration of Conformity.
  • Verify that the laser enclosure is light-tight and prevents stray reflections.
  • Check for proper Class 1 certification if the machine is intended for non-professional use.
  • Inspect the machine for mandatory safety labels and warning stickers.

Official source

Safety Gate Reference: A12/00345/20 https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport/alertDetail/10000710

Primary source

European Commission Safety Gate

Alert A12/00345/20. Open the Commission record to inspect the source information directly.

Open official alert
Compliance
EN 12254 — Laser guardsEN 60825-1:2014/A11:2021 — ClassificationEN IEC 60825-4:2024 — Laser guardsEN ISO 11553-1:2020 — Processing machinesEN ISO 14119:2025 — Interlocking devicesEN ISO 13849-1:2023 — Control systemsEN 50689:2021 — Consumer laser productsMD 2006/42/EC — Machinery DirectiveEN 12254 — Laser guardsEN 60825-1:2014/A11:2021 — ClassificationEN IEC 60825-4:2024 — Laser guardsEN ISO 11553-1:2020 — Processing machinesEN ISO 14119:2025 — Interlocking devicesEN ISO 13849-1:2023 — Control systemsEN 50689:2021 — Consumer laser productsMD 2006/42/EC — Machinery Directive
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DISCLAIMER: This publication has been compiled with the greatest possible care, but no rights may be derived from its contents. Educational content is not legal advice or a conformity assessment.

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