I primarily use InkScape for laser cutting and etching of wood.

I am doing a deep(ish) dive into InkScape and trying to understand the symbols next to the Layers names.

The underlying issue is whether to worry about whther there is an indication that I may have a problem with the layer before I go to the laser with the file.

The screenshot shows the symbol I am concerned about. 

I have found no information using forums searches or Google. Perhaps I am using the wrong search terms, but I have tried many.

If you open the SVG file you will see that I have duplicated the various layers that are set to .001 strike width. This width indicates to the laser to cut those paths. This is because the 40 watt laser requires two passes to make the cut.

Inkscape 1.3.2 - I downloaded the installer years ago then deleted it. I think I got to the curent version by uninstalling the older version then installing the current version.

Windows 11 (yuck)

Imported from PDF but have had no issues until I noticed this icon (which may or may not indicate an issue)

No helpers, extensions, or modifiers.

Thanks in advance.

The icons in the Objects and layers panel are not super helpful. Particularly when the file came from another program.

A better indication of a selected object's nature is at the bottom of the screen in the information area of the Status Bar.

IMHO, theses icons are helpul to quickly spot who's who in object's panel. Here, the two problematic objects have an offset. Sadly, inkscape icons do not discriminate if it's a linked offset or an object that has undergone an offset (here, status bar should answer).

I'd turn theses two objects into path (path > object to path) : you'll see the icons changing to path icon (a small path with handle). This should solve your problem (my guess is that your device doesn't deal offseted paths or linked offsets).

XML Editor and Objects and layers panel compared with a screenshot of the Objects panel in another SVG editor (Boxy).

The icons in Inkscape are helpful, but could be improved IMO.

Thank you to all that have answered.

Somehow I had turned a Path into an Object. I have now returned it to a Path and it is editable again.