OPTICAL FIBRE AND LASER LIGHT SAFETY.

Safety issues relevant to operation and maintenance staff involved in optical fiber
systems fall into one of three categories.
(1) Laser Light Sources
(2) Handling of bare optical fibre ends.
(3) Hazardous chemicals.
These categories will now be briefly addressed on an individual basis.
Note:- It is most important that you consult the Health policy documents drafted
for your company and observe the information and recommendations made.
1.Laser Light Sources
This includes both optical line transmission equipment and optical test
equipment.
A laser can cause damage to human tissue either on the surface of the skin or in
and around the eyes. The reason for this, is the intense energy of the collimated
beam emitted from the light source. This energy can be absorbed into the tissue
which causes heat to be produced. If exposed to this light for a prolonged period
of time, this heat can cause severe inflammation of the surrounding areas.
Continuous wave or continuous beam type lasers are less hazardous than short
pulsed lasers, as the short pulses have a higher power density and are therefore
more likely to rupture the tissue by physically displacing an area exposed to the
light.
1.1.

The Eyes.

The eyes, being a very sensitive part of the human body, can be very susceptible
to the hazards of laser light.
It exposed for any period of time the energy of the laser beam can be absorbed
in to the ocular media and focused through the lens to the retina. This could
cause damage to the retina and lead to eventual loss or impaired vision.
Note:- The problem with laser light is that it often operates outside the visible
spectrum so that the human eye cannot see it. The damage could be occurring
whilst the operator is unaware of the danger.
1.2. Laser Safety Requirements.
Only staff who have attended an optical fiber training course and had their eyes
tested may install, test and repair Optical Fiber Cables.

Note:-The optical power launched into the fiber core in the Telecom systems in a
no fault condition is limited by internal circuitry to a safe level. However, the laser
may emit a dangerous level if this circuitry fails.
1.3. Laser Safety Procedures.
To ensure complete safety for all staff is achieved the following procedures must
be observed:

Under no circumstances should an optical fiber, or connector that is

connected to an optical source, be viewed directly with the eye or be
directed at the skin.
Ensure that the power is turned off at both ends of the section while the
optical fiber cable is being worked on.
In some circumstances it may be necessary to test fusion splices in
conjunction with jointing operations. Under no circumstance must a light
signal (from an OTDR) be transmitted through a fiber until jointing staff
have completed splicing operations on the fiber and have notified the
Testing Officer that it is safe to do so.
If measurements are being performed during splicing operations then as an
added safety precaution reliable communications between jointing and
transmission staff must be maintained in good working order.
Viewing aids such as microscope or magnifying glass must NOT be
used to view the end of an optical fiber or connector that is connected
to an optical source. If there is any doubt that a fiber or connector is
energized, then leave it along until it is confirmed that the fiber or
connector is not energized.
Any accidental exposure to LASER radiation is to be reported.
Take notice of any Laser warning signs that may be displayed on the
cable or on any equipment.
1.4.

Some General Rules and Laser Safety.

I.
II.
III.
IV.

Never look into the beam of a transmitting laser,

either via the output port of equipment or the end of
a connected fiber.
Initially assume that all fiber and equipment is active
in transmitting light.
Optical connectors should always be held at least
300mm from the eye.
If it is necessary to maintain fibres or connectors,
ensure that the laser source is disconnected from
both ends before starting work. Check at regular
intervals, using a power meter, that no light is being
emitted from the fibre or connector you are working
on.

V.

VI.

During emergency restoration work, ensure that the

transmission equipment is disconnected and turned
off and that some one is responsible for ensuring
that no one reconnects during the repair.
Extreme caution must be exercise before viewing
fibre ends or connectors through a microscope. Get
a colleague to protect the other end if necessary.

2.Handling of Bare Fibres.

Bare fibres should be treated with more care than handling a piece of broken
glass in the home. If optical fibre glass accidentally penerates the skin, it will
probably remain there and eventually infect the area around it. However in
extreme cases it could potentially end up in the blood stream, which would be
extremely dangerous.
So, some general rules are :1) Never touch the end of a bare fiber.
2) Always dispose of broken fibres or fibre off cuts in
receptable designated for this purpose i.e. a fibre
bin.
3) Do not through bare fiber ina waste disposal bin or
on the floor.
4) If a fibre off cut is dropped accidentally, use a torch
to locate and dispose of it properly.
5) Always wash hands thoroughly after handling
optical fibres, especially when eating food.
6) Do not eat, drink of smoke anywhere near an
optical fibre workstation.
7) Always keep the work area clean.
Note:- If you are in doubt about an accident or a potential risk as a result of
optical fibre CONSULT A DOCTOR OR SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE.
3.Hazardous Chemicais
3.1. Moisture Barrier Gels
Although the moisture barrier gels are not poisonous or dangerous if in contact
with the skin, they are chemicals and should be treated with care. They may
attract dust or small glass particles which could potentially be transmitted into the
skin or worse till the eyes.
Disposable, protective gloves may be used if desired.
3.2. Cleaning Chemicals.

Moisture barrier gel is often cleaned from the fibres using kerosene. Caution
should be used to avoid oral and eye contact.
Bare fibres are often cleaned with a cloth or tissue soaked with Isopropyl Alcohol.
This is 100% pure alcohol and is extremely dangerous if taken orally. Avoid
getting Isopropyl alcohol on the skin or in the eyes.
All cleaning chemicals are generally highly flammable and should not be used
near heat or an open flame.
As a result of this do not smoke in the vicinity of optical fibre preparation.
3.2.

Solvents

Only Telecom approved cleaning solvents must be used at all times. When
using solvents the following safety precautions must be observed.

Safety glasses and mittens must be worn.

Solvents should be used in well ventilated areas and stored in suitable
sealed containers and a policy of No Smoking be adopted when using
the solvents .
Skin contact with the solvents should be avoided by using No Spill
dispenser bottles.
Avoid inhalation of the vapours.
Ensure that no naked flames exist when cleaning cable sheaths with
solvents. This is especially important when jointing inside vans as the
enclosure could result in a built up of fumes if the air conditioning is not
operating correctly.
4. Location of Optical Sources.
Semiconductor laser diode sources are located in the following equipment:

Optical Line Terminal Equipment.

Optical Repeaters.
Stabilised Laser Diode Light Sources
Optical Time Domain Refractometers.

Some types of optical power meters can be fitted with a light emitting diode,
(L.E.D.) for use as a calibrating source. Although the output from such L.E.D.
sources is very much lower in power than that of a lser diode, all safety
precautions should still be observed.
5. Signs, labels and their location

The signs and labels illustrated below are used in conjunction with optical line
and testing equipment in the locations as listed below.
5.1. Area Caution Sign.
An Area Caution Sign must be prominently displayed in the immediate vicinity of
Line Transmission equipment containing semiconductor laser diodes.
1.1.

Area Caution Sign.

An Area Caution Sign must be prominently displayed in the immediate vicinity of

Line Transmission equipment containing semiconductor laser diodes.

INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION EXPOSURE TO BEAM IS DANGEROUS DO

NOT VIEW EXPOSED CONNECTOR OR FIBER AND CLOSELY CLASS 3B
LASER PRODUCT
MAX POWER

Caution
CLASS 3B LASER IN OPERATOR

AREA CAUTION SIGNS.148/188

EXPOSURE TO CLASS 3B
LASER RADIATION IS POSSIBLE PERSONNEL DO NOT VIEW EXPOSED
FIBRE OR CONNECTOR AND CLOSELY.

Invisible laser Radiation Labvel S.148/190

1.2.

Invisible Laser RadiationLabel

To be fixed to a froat cover panel of Optical Line Terminal Repeater
equipment located about mid rack height.

Fixed to top surface test equipment containing laser diode source.

OPERATOR TRAINING MANUAL

OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, you will:
1.

Be able to identify the key components of the Lightbridge

splicing system and the Lightbridge installation tool.
2.
Be able to identify the tools and materials necessary to
complete a splice using the Lightbridge system.
3.
Know the preparation necessary to complete a splice with
the Lightbridge system.
4.
Know how to complete a splice using the Lightbridge
system.
Know how to open and adjust a splice.