Preliminary remark
It should be taken into account that the bits of advice presented here are not of a instructions nature. They are only indications allowing for safer work with a CNC machine with a laser head. They may also not be included all hazards for particular cases. With regard to preparing and securing a workplace, you should always follow the official standards prevailing in your country and your common sense.
Room features
The entry/exit doors to the room must be lockable to prevent access by unauthorized persons or children. Only noncombustible items should be used in the room. The entire room should have an anti-slip tiled floor (which will also make cleaning easier), metal furniture, which will reduce the risk of fire. It is good to have dry powder extinguisher with at least 2 kg powder refill pack which extinguishes electrical devices.
The workplace should be well and evenly lit - daylight and artificial (electric) light. Emergency lighting should be also provided in the room.
The door to the room should be sealed with, for example, rubber to limit the ingress of dust or poisonous fumes to the rest of the building. However, they should not have a threshold that can be tripped over.
Freedom of movement
What is more, the room should be adapted to the size of the machine so as to move freely next to the machine without the risk of knock it over or even sweep the material being processed back and so as to set the position for work materials and free access to it (space at the communication area should be at least 75 cm).
Matte finish
Finishes in walls and furniture should be matt, which protects against the risk of accidental reflection of the laser beam. It is worth applying especially in the case of a CO2 laser having more power and whose radiation beam is invisible, but well absorbed by living tissue.
First Aid Kit
There should be the First Aid Kit located somewhere in a visible quickly accessible and known to all place. It must include stuff used:
- in mechanical injuries (disinfectant, plaster, bandage),
- in burns (sterile alcohol swabs, foam for different types of burns),
- an eye bandage in case of eye injury.
Next, to the first aid kit, you should also have directions for first aid.
Electrical issues
The electrical installation in the room must be adapted to heavy load. Make sure you have free access to electrical outlets. A good solution is an emergency UPS, or a fuse strip is turned off - independent of the device.
In the case of DIY CNC machines, it is worth to insulate all wires and electrical contacts well. Also, you make sure that they do not create a short circuit, and that the machine is equipped with properly functioning fuses.
Ventilation
In terms of preparation for the laser engraving machine, the room should be well ventilated. It must be ensured supply and exhaust ventilation systems. Ventilation is extremely important due to the inconvenience of smoke generation and during the processing plastic poisonous fumes may be generated.
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