A device for safeguarding a monitoring area in which an automatically operating machine is arranged, having a camera system for monitoring the monitoring area, a configuration unit for defining at least one protection area within the monitoring area, and an analysis unit for triggering a safety-related function. The camera system supplies camera images of the protection area and the analysis unit analyzes whether a foreign object is present in the protection area or penetrates into the protection area. The analysis unit is configured to classify a foreign object, which is present in the protection area or penetrates into the protection area, by analysis of the camera images, to determine on the basis of one or more features characteristic of welding sparks whether the foreign object is a welding spark. The analysis unit triggers the safety-related function if the foreign object has not been recognized as a welding spark.