A method for monitoring a handling device (12) that is used to guide an energy source (14), wherein the energy source that applies energy to a work piece (16, 18) is moved at a speed V inside a protective cabinet (22). To allow the energy source to be moved relative to a work piece, without inadmissible temperature increases occurring, it is proposed that the speed of the energy source (14) moved inside the chamber be established as the current speed V.sub.akt, that the current speed V.sub.akt of the energy source (14) be compared with a minimum speed V.sub.min that is dependent upon the power being emitted by the energy source, and that if the current speed should fall below the minimum speed V.sub.min at least the energy source (14) shall be switched off immediately or following expiration of an allowable period of time below this minimum speed.