Knowledge Base
EU Safety Gate reportHobby laser (<20 W)A12/01174/21

Safety Alert: Laser Engraving Machine Posing Laser Radiation Risks

A laser engraving machine sold online failed to restrict hazardous laser radiation, leading to an EU-wide recall due to sight damage risks.

6 August 2021LaserMachineSafety.eu
Safety Alert: Laser Engraving Machine Posing Laser Radiation Risks — Safety Gate image 1 of 2
1 / 2
Images published with the official European Commission Safety Gate alert A12/01174/21.
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

The German authorities identified an issue with a laser engraving machine sold via online marketplaces. The product allows for the emission of unrestricted, invisible laser radiation. According to the alert, exposure to reflected or diffused rays could lead to blindness or eye injuries. The product was found not to comply with the requirements of the Machinery Directive.

Why this matters

Laser engraving machines must be designed to contain hazardous radiation within the enclosure to ensure the safety of the user. If a machine lacks proper shielding or fails to control its beam path during operation, it can pose a significant danger to the operator and bystanders.

What buyers should check

  • Ensure the machine is supplied with a valid EC/EU Declaration of Conformity.
  • Check for the presence of mandatory warning stickers concerning laser radiation.
  • Verify if the manufacturer is established in the EU or has an authorized representative.
  • Always use proper protective eyewear if the machine is not a fully enclosed Class 1 system.

Official source

Safety Gate Reference: A12/01174/21 https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport/alertDetail/10004145

Primary source

European Commission Safety Gate

Alert A12/01174/21. 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
LaserMachineSafety.eu — Educating Laser Machine Safety

A website dedicated to educating users and the public about the dangers and requirements for safe laser machinery in Europe.

Info@LaserMachineSafety.eu
About this site

LaserMachineSafety.eu is a trade name and brand of FabCreator V.O.F. .

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.

We use cookies to support the functions of this website. Read more on the privacy page.