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EU Safety Gate reportHobby laser (<20 W)A12/00353/20

Laser Engraving Machine: Safety Alert Regarding Radiation Hazards

An unregulated laser engraving machine was found to emit invisible laser radiation, posing a risk of blindness to users.

6 March 2020LaserMachineSafety.eu
Laser Engraving Machine: Safety Alert Regarding Radiation Hazards — Safety Gate image 1 of 1
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Images published with the official European Commission Safety Gate alert A12/00353/20.
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 in Germany identified a laser engraving machine that emits unrestricted, invisible laser radiation. The product fails to meet the requirements of the Machinery Directive and key safety standards EN 60825-1 and EN ISO 11553-1, posing a significant risk of eye injury or blindness.

Why this matters

Laser processing machines are expected to be enclosed to prevent hazardous radiation from reaching the user. When a machine allows radiation to escape, it ceases to function as a safe Class 1 enclosure, turning a routine operation into a high-hazard activity.

What buyers should check

  • Ensure the machine has a valid EC/EU Declaration of Conformity.
  • Verify the manufacturer provides evidence of compliance with EN 60825-1.
  • Confirm the enclosure is robust, features functioning interlocks, and that laser safety windows are rated for the wavelength and power of the laser source.

Official source

Safety Gate reference: A12/00353/20. Official link: https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport/alertDetail/10000711

Primary source

European Commission Safety Gate

Alert A12/00353/20. 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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