Safe Installation & Use of Fiber Optic Cables

Fiber optic systems transmit digital information using light -- visible or infra-red. The pulses of light are sent down cables made up of long glass-like filaments. Because light is involved and because these filaments are very friable, special precautions are necessary when installing and using fiber optic cables. Strong light sources can be hazardous to eyesight, while fragments of broken fiber optic cable can cause injury.

Personnel

• Fiber optic cables and installations should only be handled by people who've been trained in proper handling and safety precautions, and who have access to the required safety clothing and equipment. The general public should not be allowed to enter an area where fiber optic installation is in progress.

Light Hazards

• Although the light transmitted along fiber optic cables is generally of a low intensity, looking into the end of a cable can still be dangerous to your eyesight. Testing equipment is available that lets you know whether a fiber is "dark" (not connected to a light source) before you look at it. If visible light is in use, look at the fiber from an angle, holding it at least six inches away to see if light is present.

General Physical Hazards

• When cutting, splicing (joining) or terminating (fitting terminals to) fiber optic cables, you are continually exposing the bare ends of the fibers and creating minute scraps of broken fiber. These are small, brittle and very difficult to see. The ends of these fiber scraps are extremely sharp and can easily penetrate skin or become lodged in your eyes.

Work Spaces

• Only work with fiber optic cables in designated work spaces. Don't leave fiber scraps outside of the proper work space. Wear a disposable apron when working and throw it away once you are done; do not wear the apron outside of the work area as you might accidentally transfer fibers to other areas. If fiber scraps are dropped on the floor they must immediately be cleaned up so that they are not picked up on people's shoes and walked into other areas. When your work is completed, thoroughly clean up your work area.

Food, Drink and Smoking Hazards

• Do not eat or drink -- or even bring food or drink -- into the work area. Fiber scraps can cause injury if ingested with food. Don't smoke when working with optical fiber -- you could transfer scraps of fiber to your mouth. Smoking can also pose fire hazards and creates dirt that can interfere with good-quality fiber optic installation.

Handling and Disposal

• When handling fibers, avoid touching the broken ends. Keep track of any scraps you cut off or which break off. Place them in a dedicated receptacle or pick them up using a piece of adhesive tape. Some people use a piece of double-sided sticky tape with one side stuck to the bench and the other side upwards so that fibers and scraps can be stuck to the adhesive. Tape used to pick up fragments of fiber must also be placed int the container for fiber scraps and disposed of safely.

Eye Hazards

• Protect your eyes when working with optical fiber. Wear eye protection so that scraps cannot fly into your eyes. Don't rub your eyes when you're handling fibers. Contact lens wearers must wash their hands very thoroughly before handling their lenses. If fiber scraps do get into your eyes, you should seek medical attention immediately. Fiber scraps in the eye are hard to flush out. They will probably require a trip to the emergency room to be removed.

Chemical Hazards

• The process of splicing and terminating fiber optic cables can require the use of chemical cleaners and adhesives. These need to be handled carefully as they can include irritant and flammable substances. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for handling each substance.

Fusion Splicers

• Fusion splicers are used to join sections of cable together. They use an electric arc to make splices (joins). Because of this, they pose a fire hazard. Flammable materials must be cleared up and disposed of. Fusion splicers must not be used in areas where flammable gases might be present.