# 🔥 Fire risk

Remember that there is only a laser in the space due to a fire caused by inattention. Any material that the laser will cut through presents an inherent risk of catching fire.

##### Before you use the laser

- Make sure you know what you are cutting is safe to use - see the [material guide](https://wiki.leicesterhackspace.org.uk/books/laser/chapter/what-materials-can-i-cutengrave "What materials can I cut/engrave?")
- Follow any material specific guidelines to reduce fire risk, e.g. removing the protective plastic/paper on acrylic; making sure any paper masking is burnished and well-adhered across the whole area to be lasered
- Make sure you know where the fire blanket is and the nearest fire extinguisher
- Familiarise yourself with how to raise the alarm if a fire occurs
- Make sure the bed is clean and free of debris

##### While using the laser

- Know how to stop/pause the laser should a fire begin and what to do next
- Always stay in view of the laser and monitor the cut/engrave at all times using the camera
- Do not allow a flame to develop into a fire - deal with it straight away
- If cut out pieces fall in a way that will block the laser, pause and deal with them - a stuck laser or moving material creates a significant fire risk

##### After using the laser

- Remove your material from the laser and check it is not quietly smouldering - this is particularly important when cutting corrugated cardboard
- Remove all debris from the laser bed between cuts
- Clean the bed and blades thoroughly at the end of your session