With the introduction of new UKCA regulations on 1st January 2025, ensuring safety during engraving is more important than ever. Ignoring these rules could invalidate your insurance and result in intervention by the Health and Safety Executive. Don’t let this be an afterthought—your safety and compliance are worth the investment.
What Are the New Regulations?
Most people are familiar with CE marking, which has been a standard to ensure products meet legislative, health, and safety requirements before being sold in the UK. However, starting 1st January 2025, new machinery that only carries a CE mark will no longer be compliant.
Instead, all new machines must:
- Be UKCA marked
- Include a Declaration of Conformity
- Provide instructions in English
As a business owner, it’s critical to ensure any new machinery purchased after this date meets these updated standards to protect your workforce and stay compliant.
How Is Your Environment Set Up?
Safety while engraving isn’t just about the machine—it’s about the entire environment. Effective fume extraction is essential to protect against the harmful effects of airborne particles. Poor ventilation or reliance on natural airflow can result in the buildup of toxic chemicals, which may harm both employees and equipment.
Why You Need an Extractor
- Fume and Dust Safety: Both rotary and laser engraving generate a mix of toxic gases and fine particles that can be harmful when inhaled.
- Equipment Longevity: Extractors reduce wear and tear on machinery by preventing dust and fumes from settling on sensitive components like lenses and electronics.
- Compliance: Proper extraction ensures adherence to Health and Safety requirements, minimising risks for employees and your business.
Investing in the Right Equipment
Industrial processes, even small engraving tasks, create dust and fumes that are potentially hazardous. A specialist extractor not only protects health but also maintains equipment efficiency. This is particularly important for laser engravers, where improper extraction can lead to costly damage over time.
Best Practices for Compliance and Safety
- Check Certifications: Ensure all new machinery is UKCA marked and comes with the necessary documentation.
- Install Proper Ventilation: Use approved extraction systems to prevent harmful airborne particles from accumulating.
- Prioritise Employee Wellbeing: Equip your team with the tools and environment they need to stay safe and productive.
With the 2025 deadline, make sure you, your employees and your business are safe. By upgrading to UKCA-compliant machinery and focusing on effective extraction, you can safeguard your employees, maintain compliance, and protect your investment
