Laser Safety
The laser creates a very narrow, very hot band of light that rapidly heats what it touches, and will quickly burn, melt, vaporize, crack, or otherwise damage a variety of materials, including you.
Primary Dangers:
- Vision: The laser can cause blindness if misused.
- Fire: Work catches fire, or machine or table starts to catch.
- Breathing: Smoke and vapors.
- Sharp edges: Some materials can have sharp edges when freshly cut.
Never tamper with the safety settings or use if anything is not working correctly.
If you see anything unsafe, please report it immediately.
Know where the emergency stops are located and how to use them for the laser you are using. Depending on the laser they can be:
Never use two materials on top of each other. Fires can start more easily in the area between.
Work area: Nobody should be entering or exiting through the back door when the laser is being used.
No more than 5 people can be in the workshop area at the same time.
Never use flammable liquids or gasses near the laser cutter or on materials that are going to be used in the laser cutter. If flammable substances are used to clean (alcohol, solvents, etc.), make sure they are fully removed and everything is clean and dry before the next use.
Never leave the laser unattended, it can start a fire.