A stop rule is a decision made before the job starts. It prevents the operator from spending dangerous seconds deciding whether an abnormal flame, smoke leak or failed extraction is “probably fine”. LightBurn cannot make the machine, material or room safe on its own.
Before pressing Start
- Read the machine manufacturer's emergency-stop and fire-response instructions.
- Identify the normal Stop control, emergency stop and main power disconnect. You must be able to reach them without leaning over the machine.
- Keep the fire-response equipment required by the manufacturer and local rules accessible, and know how to use it before an incident.
- Remove scraps and flammable clutter from the machine and the area around it.
- Start extraction and any cooling required by the machine. Confirm airflow before enabling output.
- Stay in the room and in a position where you can see and hear the machine. A camera feed is not supervision.
Stop immediately when
- a flame persists or grows instead of disappearing at once;
- smoke escapes the enclosure or is no longer captured by extraction;
- the material rapidly blackens, curls toward the head, melts unpredictably or shifts;
- extraction, cooling, air assist, a lid interlock or another required safety system stops;
- the laser fires during a travel move or continues firing after the job is stopped;
- you hear an abnormal mechanical or electrical sound, see arcing, or smell an unfamiliar sharp or electrical odor;
- the job no longer matches Preview, framing or the intended work area;