Knowledge Base
EU Safety Gate reportHobby laser (<20 W)A12/01178/21

Safety alert: Laser engraving machine poses risk of blindness

An online-sold laser engraving machine has been recalled due to unrestricted laser radiation emissions, posing severe risks to eyesight.

6 August 2021LaserMachineSafety.eu
Safety alert: Laser engraving machine poses risk of blindness — Safety Gate image 1 of 3
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Images published with the official European Commission Safety Gate alert A12/01178/21.
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 that this laser engraving machine can emit unrestricted, invisible laser radiation. If reflected or diffused rays reach the eyes, they may cause permanent injury or blindness. The product failed to comply with the requirements of the Machinery Directive and standards EN 60825, EN ISO 11553, and EN ISO 14119.

Why this matters

Laser machines must be designed so that users are not exposed to hazardous radiation during normal operation. The lack of proper shielding and safety interlocks means the machine does not provide the required level of protection for a Class 1 device, turning a processing tool into a significant ocular hazard.

What buyers should check

  • Ensure the manufacturer provides a valid EU Declaration of Conformity.
  • Verify the presence of interlocks that prevent the laser from firing if the enclosure is opened.
  • Check that the machine is properly classified and labeled according to EN 60825-1.
  • Do not use machines that lack proper light-tight enclosures or safety certification.

Official source

Safety Gate Reference: A12/01178/21. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport/alertDetail/10004149

Primary source

European Commission Safety Gate

Alert A12/01178/21. 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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