Security alarm! Laser engraving machines dangerous in online trading!

In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) there are serious security warnings in connection with the online purchase of laser engraving machines. Karl-Josef Laumann, Minister of Labor in North Rhine-Westphalia, addressed the risks that can occur when personalizing objects such as cups or boards. The occupational safety administration of North Rhine -Westphalia has found serious defects in many of the devices available on the Internet, which led to an immediate review by the district governments of Cologne and Düsseldorf as well as the State Institute for Occupational Safety and Work Design NRW (LIA).

In the study, all the tested devices were objected to, and as a result of this, over 300 dangerous offers were removed from the online shops. These controls are to be continued by 2025. Essential security deficiencies concern, among other things, incomplete or easily removable protective panes that are installed in the machines.

High risks from laser engraving machines

The class 4 lasers used are particularly dangerous; You can cause serious eye damage and burns when handling improperly. The performance of these machines is between 3 and 30 watts, which makes it 3,000 to 30,000 times stronger than a conventional laser pointer, the power of which is a maximum of 1 billion. Even a short exposure to the laser rays can cause irreversible damage.

The authorities expressly advise consumers to pay attention to security features when buying. In particular, buyers should pay attention to the CE marking, the complete manufacturer address as well as German warnings and a declaration of conformity. Safe devices should have protective devices that cover the laser and automatically switch off when a flap is opened. In addition, caution is advised to take care of other online products such as toys, electrical appliances and protective equipment.

The occupational safety administration of North Rhine-Westphalia emphasizes the need for buyers to pay more attention to product safety when shopping online. The current warnings revive the tariff standards for the purchase of Christmas presents and draw attention to the relevance of test seals such as the GS sign.

The recommendations also include that customers should pay attention to whether the dealer is based within the EU to avoid possible customs fees and legal problems. Further information on product safety is available on the website of the occupational safety administration NRW.