Knowledge Base
EU Safety Gate reportHobby laser (<20 W)A12/01175/21

Safety Alert: Laser Engraving Machine Poses Radiation Risk

German authorities have recalled a laser engraving machine due to the emission of unrestricted, invisible laser radiation, which poses a serious risk of eye injury or blindness.

6 August 2021LaserMachineSafety.eu
Safety Alert: Laser Engraving Machine Poses Radiation Risk — Safety Gate image 1 of 3
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Images published with the official European Commission Safety Gate alert A12/01175/21.
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 authorities reported that the laser engraving machine emits unrestricted, invisible laser radiation. The product fails to meet the requirements of the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC). Due to the risk of eye injury or blindness from direct, reflected, or diffused rays, a recall and a sales ban were initiated.

Why this matters

Laser engraving machines often contain high-power Class 4 laser sources. If an enclosure is not designed correctly, or if safety interlocks are absent or bypassed, users may be exposed to hazardous radiation without their knowledge, especially if the beam is invisible (such as in CO2 or fiber lasers).

What buyers should check

  • Ensure the machine has an EC/EU declaration of conformity.
  • Check for an enclosed, light-tight cabinet that prevents laser emission during operation.
  • Verify the presence of safety interlocks on access panels, conforming to EN ISO 14119.
  • Confirm the machine is clearly labeled with its laser class.

Official source

Safety Gate Reference: A12/01175/21. https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport/alertDetail/10004146

Primary source

European Commission Safety Gate

Alert A12/01175/21. 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
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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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