Safety
Safety Guide
Required reading before operating any SWYFT laser cutter. Covers fumes, fire risk, eye safety, and student operation rules.
Ventilation — non-negotiable
Never operate a CO2 laser without an active fume extraction system. Use the included exhaust fan connected to an external vent, or a standalone activated carbon filter rated for laser fumes. Inadequate ventilation exposes operators to particulate matter and chemical fumes. This is the most important safety requirement.
Materials that must never be cut
Never cut PVC, vinyl, or any chlorine-containing plastic — cutting these materials produces toxic chlorine gas. Never cut polycarbonate (PC) — produces hazardous fumes. Never cut carbon fiber, fiberglass, or GFRE without industrial ventilation. Never attempt to cut metal. Check any unknown material's safety data sheet before cutting.
Fire prevention
Keep a Class C fire extinguisher within reach of the machine at all times. Never leave a running job unattended. Use the shortest possible unattended period. Keep the lens and mirrors clean — debris buildup increases fire risk. Remove scrap material from the bed after each job.
Eye safety
CO2 laser light is infrared and invisible. The machine's safety enclosure blocks the beam when the lid is closed. Keep the lid closed during all cutting and engraving jobs. Do not defeat or bypass the lid safety interlock. CO2 wavelength laser safety glasses are required if the enclosure is ever opened while the laser is armed.
Emergency stop
The red emergency stop button cuts laser power immediately. Locate it before first use and verify it works before allowing students to operate the machine. In any emergency — smoke, fire, unusual smell, electrical issue — press emergency stop and then cut main power.
Student operation rules
Students should receive a safety walkthrough before operating the machine unsupervised. Recommended minimum age is 13 with mentor supervision. Never leave students operating alone until they have demonstrated safe operation procedure. Review emergency stop location and fire extinguisher location at the start of every build season.
Electrical safety
Connect only to a grounded 110V / 60Hz outlet. Do not use extension cords longer than 12 feet. Do not operate during thunderstorms or power fluctuations. The water cooling system contains high-voltage components — never open the machine cabinet while powered. Contact support before performing any electrical maintenance.
This safety guide covers general safe operation. Your local fire marshal or building safety officer may have additional requirements for operating a laser cutter in your facility. Check with your institution before installation.