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Laser Safety

Laser cutting and engraving equipment poses serious safety risks including fire, toxic fumes, and permanent eye damage.

Critical Safety Warning

Always follow your laser manufacturer's safety guidelines and operating instructions. This page provides general safety principles but is not a substitute for proper training and your machine's specific safety documentation.

Your Primary Safety Resource

Read your laser manufacturer's manual completely before operating any laser equipment. It contains:

  • Specific safety requirements for your machine
  • Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Emergency procedures
  • Maintenance and inspection schedules
  • Warranty and liability information

Rayforge is control software - it cannot override the physical safety requirements of your laser hardware.

Essential Safety Principles

Never Leave Laser Unattended

Most important rule: Never leave a running laser unattended, even for a few seconds.

Why: Lasers can ignite materials instantly. A small flame can become a serious fire in seconds.

Always: - Stay within arm's reach of emergency stop - Watch the cutting process continuously - Keep fire extinguisher accessible

Fire Safety

Before every job: - Clear workspace of flammable materials - Remove debris from cutting bed - Have fire extinguisher ready (ABC or CO2 type) - Know where emergency stop button is

If fire occurs: 1. Press emergency stop immediately 2. Keep lid closed if fire is small (starves oxygen) 3. Use fire extinguisher if fire continues 4. Evacuate and call emergency services if fire spreads

Ventilation is Mandatory

All laser cutting produces toxic fumes. Proper ventilation is not optional.

Requirements: - Exhaust system venting to outside (not recirculated) - Sufficient airflow for your machine size - Running during all laser operations - Regular filter replacement (if using filtration)

Never operate without proper ventilation - you risk serious health effects and will damage your laser's optics.

Prohibited Materials

Never cut or engrave these materials:

Material Danger
PVC / Vinyl Produces chlorine gas (toxic, corrosive)
ABS plastic Produces cyanide gas (deadly)
Polycarbonate Toxic fumes, poor results
Fiberglass Glass particles damage lungs and optics
Any material containing chlorine Toxic and corrosive

When in doubt: Check material safety data sheet (MSDS) or test tiny sample with excellent ventilation.

Eye Protection

Most enclosed laser systems don't require goggles during normal operation if the enclosure is closed and has proper interlocks.

Eye protection required when: - Opening enclosure during operation - Performing maintenance or alignment - Machine has viewing window without laser-safe filtering - Manufacturer specifies it

Always check your manufacturer's requirements - they vary by machine design and laser type.

Rayforge Safety Features

Rayforge provides tools to help operate safely:

  • Simulation Mode - Preview jobs before running to identify issues
  • Material Test Grid - Find safe settings for new materials
  • Frame Job - Verify positioning before cutting

These features help prevent errors but don't replace safe operating practices.

Pre-Operation Checklist

Before every job:

  • Read and understood job requirements
  • Material is safe for laser cutting
  • Workspace clear of flammable materials
  • Ventilation system running
  • Fire extinguisher accessible
  • Emergency stop location confirmed
  • Material secured flat on bed
  • Job previewed in Simulation Mode

Emergency Procedures

Emergency Stop

When to use: - Fire visible - Unusual sounds or smoke - Material shifting dangerously - Any emergency situation

How: Press red emergency stop button on machine. All motion and laser power stop immediately.

Fire Response

Small fire (contained): 1. Emergency stop 2. Keep lid closed if possible 3. Use fire extinguisher if needed

Large fire: 1. Emergency stop 2. Evacuate immediately 3. Call emergency services 4. Do not attempt to fight large fires

Medical Emergencies

Eye exposure: - Seek immediate medical attention - Do not rub eyes - Bring laser specifications to doctor

Fume inhalation: - Move to fresh air - Seek medical attention if symptoms persist - Call poison control if severe

Training and Responsibility

Before operating: - Complete any required safety training - Read manufacturer's manual completely - Understand emergency procedures - Know your specific laser's hazard class and requirements

Ongoing: - Review safety procedures periodically - Maintain safety equipment - Stay informed about new materials and hazards - Never allow untrained users to operate equipment

Key Safety Rules

Critical Safety Rules

  1. Never leave laser unattended during operation
  2. Never operate without proper ventilation
  3. Never cut prohibited materials (PVC, vinyl, ABS, etc.)
  4. Always have fire extinguisher within reach
  5. Always follow manufacturer's safety guidelines
  6. Know where emergency stop is
  7. Preview jobs in Simulation Mode before running

Additional Resources

Your responsibilities: - Follow all manufacturer safety requirements - Comply with local fire codes and regulations - Maintain required safety equipment - Ensure proper training for all operators - Document and report safety incidents

Manufacturer resources: - Machine operating manual - Safety data sheets - Technical support contact - Warranty and safety compliance documentation

Regulatory standards: - ANSI Z136 (North America) - EN 60825 (Europe) - Local workplace safety regulations

Remember: Safe laser operation requires constant vigilance, proper equipment, and strict adherence to safety procedures. When in doubt, refer to your manufacturer's documentation and err on the side of caution.