Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a bending press (10), wherein the bending press (10) comprises a first platform (1) with a first tool mount (11) and a second platform (2) with a second tool mount (12), wherein one of the platforms (1) is movable relative to the other platform (2) for performing a working movement, a safety device (20) for creating a light barrier (27), in particular laser light barrier, extending between the tool mounts (11, 12) transversely to the working movement of the movable platform (1), which light barrier (27), in a cross-section, forms a light field (7), wherein the safety device (20) has a first mount (21), which carries a light emitter (25) for creating the light barrier (27), and a second mount (22), which carries a light receiver (26) for receiving the light of the light barrier (27), and wherein the first mount (21) is arranged on a first side of the first platform (1) and is adjustable relative to the first platform (1) by a first adjustment drive (23), such