Precautions For Safe Operation Of Laser Cutting Machine

Precautions for safe operation of laser cutting machine

Power-on inspection cannot be omitted

Before each startup, the operator should manually move the machine in the direction of the X-axis and Y-axis at low speed to check whether the equipment is operating normally. This action only takes a minute or two to complete, but many problems such as guide rail jamming and transmission abnormalities can be detected in advance. In 2025, there was a new employee in a machinery factory in Hangzhou who skipped this step and started the machine directly. This eventually resulted in a collision and damage to the workbench, and the repair cost was as high as 8,000 yuan. Developing this habit can save a lot of trouble.

When starting the equipment, you must strictly follow the laser startup procedures. No step can be skipped. Many situations such as accidents occur when the operator directly presses the quick start button in order to save trouble. It must be remembered that the laser preheating and self-test processes are all specially designed by the manufacturer based on the characteristics of the equipment itself. Skipping these steps is undoubtedly taking a risk and is very wrong.

Holding a certificate to work is the bottom line

The operators of laser cutting machines must undergo special training and be familiar with the structure, performance and all operating procedures of the equipment. This is not a formality, but is so that when you encounter an alarm or abnormal prompt on the panel, you can accurately determine where the problem lies. In 2024, a company in Suzhou asked untrained temporary workers to follow the safety operating procedures for wire cutting processing , which resulted in workpieces flying out and injuring people.

Each button on the control panel has its own function and must not be pressed by feeling. During the training, it is important to remember the location of the emergency stop button and the meanings of various alarm codes. If you have changed the device model, you also need to start learning again. After all, the interfaces and logic of different brands are very different.

Protective equipment must be worn

When operating a laser cutting machine, the damage caused by the laser to the eyes is direct and irreversible. Be sure to wear specially designed protective glasses , as ordinary sunglasses cannot block the damage caused by laser wavelengths. In 2023, there was a small workshop in Guangdong. The operator did not wear protective glasses and turned around to look at the cutting point. Since then, his vision has declined.

In addition to goggles, the prescribed protective clothing must be worn completely, and gloves must also be worn. When cutting some materials, high-temperature slag will splash out, and if the skin is exposed, it can easily be burned. Don't bother, protective equipment is your last line of defense.

Material confirmation and reprocessing

Not all materials can be processed with the help of laser cutting machines. Some materials will release toxic smoke under high temperature conditions. Precautions for safe operation of laser cutting machines, such as chlorine-containing plastics and galvanized sheets. Before the composition and applicability of the materials are clear, they must not be randomly placed in the machine for trial cutting. In 2024, a factory in Hebei used laser cutting to cut waste plastic barrels, which produced a lot of highly toxic gases, causing three residents to be poisoned and hospitalized.

If you are not sure whether a certain material is safe, you can check the material safety data sheet or conduct a small-scale test first. Safety is undoubtedly much more important than efficiency. Don't take risks just to meet the deadline.

People don’t leave the machine to watch the operation

When the equipment is in processing status, the operator cannot leave the work station without authorization, and cannot entrust others to take care of the equipment at will. During the operation of the machine, emergencies such as loose workpieces and collision of the cutting head may occur. Only when you are on site can you deal with them in time. In 2025, an operator from a company in Ningbo went to answer a call. After the machine got stuck, it continued cutting for ten minutes, causing all the workpieces to be scrapped.

If you really need to leave, such as to get materials or go to the toilet, you must press pause or perform a shutdown operation first. Don't have the idea that "it's just a minute and you'll be back soon" because many accidents happen within this one-minute period.

Fire extinguishing equipment within easy reach

Where the work area is a laser cutting machine, the fire extinguisher must be placed within easy reach. Also, do not accumulate paper, cloth, plastic or other easily flammable items around the machine. In 2024, there was a processing shop in Chengdu. As a roll of packaging paper was piled next to it, the sparks generated by the machine ignited it and the fire spread quickly. Fortunately, a fire extinguisher was nearby and it was put out in time.

After each round of processing, remember to turn off the laser or light gate to prevent accidental activation. And you must check once a week whether the pressure of the fire extinguisher is in normal condition to ensure that it can indeed function in an emergency. Finally, I have a question for you: When was the last time the fire extinguishers in your workshop were inspected? Welcome to leave a message in the comment area to share your own safety experience. Don’t forget to like and forward it to more peers!