Knowledge Base
EU Safety Gate reportHobby laser (<20 W)A12/01176/21

Recall of laser engraving machine due to hazardous radiation

Safety authorities identified an laser engraving machine that emits invisible, unrestricted laser radiation, posing a significant risk of eye injury.

6 August 2021LaserMachineSafety.eu
Recall of laser engraving machine due to hazardous radiation — Safety Gate image 1 of 2
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Images published with the official European Commission Safety Gate alert A12/01176/21.
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 invisible, unrestricted laser radiation. This lack of containment means that reflected or diffused laser light can reach the operator's eyes, potentially causing severe injury or blindness.

Why this matters

Laser engraving machines must be designed so that users are protected from hazardous radiation during normal operation (Class 1). When a machine lacks proper shielding or safety interlocks, the beam—especially if invisible (such as CO2 or fiber lasers)—is a significant hazard because the human body does not trigger a blink reflex to protect itself.

What buyers should check

  • Verify the product has a valid EU Declaration of Conformity.
  • Ensure the machine is properly enclosed and that all access panels have redundant, safety-rated interlock switches.
  • Check for clear, permanent laser warning labels and hazard classification markings.
  • Avoid purchasing machines from sources that do not provide clear safety documentation or evidence of technical compliance.

Official source

Safety Gate Reference: A12/01176/21 https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport/alertDetail/10004147

Primary source

European Commission Safety Gate

Alert A12/01176/21. 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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