3D Printer and Laser Cutter Safety in Schools and Learning Environments Toolbox Talk

This toolbox talk provides a concise, practical safety briefing for teachers, technicians and support staff who operate 3D printers and laser cutters in educational settings. It translates the requirements of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 and the technical specifications of BS EN 60825‑1 (laser safety) and BS 4163 (design and technology facilities) into clear, everyday actions.

Use this toolbox talk for:

• Science laboratories and design & technology workshops
• College or further‑education makerspaces
• Any school setting where additive manufacturing or laser cutting equipment is used

Key topics covered include ventilation and fume extraction, personal protective equipment, interlock and safety‑shield checks, fire‑watch procedures, incident reporting and the importance of training. Each section contains a short purpose, an explanation of the hazards, the legal and standards basis, and a set of 10+ do and don’t actions.

By following this talk, staff will meet their legal duties under COSHH 2002, maintain compliance with BS EN 60825‑1 and BS 4163, and create a safer learning environment.

Compliant with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 and the British Standards BS EN 60825‑1 for laser safety and BS 4163 for D&T educational environments.

It is fully editable and shareable, so you can customise it for your own workshop and distribute it electronically or in print.

For ongoing compliance, review the talk annually, update it with new material safety data sheets, and ensure all new staff receive the required training. Additional resources such as manufacturer manuals, COSHH assessment templates and local fire‑safety procedures are available on the school intranet.