Programming Documents for Pre-K for SA - The City of San Antonio

13. Safety And Cautions For Fiber
Optic Installation
13.1 Fiber Optic Installation Safety
13.1.1 General
Safety in fiber optic installations includes avoiding exposure to invisible light radiation carried
in the fiber; proper disposal of fiber scraps produced in cable handling and termination; and
safe handling hazardous chemicals used in termination, splicing or cleaning.
The following are examples of safety precautions that should be followed during fiber optic
cable installations. This is not a comprehensive list of OSHA regulations governing fiber optic
installations.
13.1.2 Eye Protection
a) Always wear safety glasses with side shields. Always ensure that safety eyewear complies
with relevant requirements including OSHA.
b) After handling fiber, wash hands thoroughly before touching eyes or contact lenses.
c) Never look directly into the end of any optical fiber unless it is certain that no light is present
in the fiber. The light used for signal transmission in fiber optics is generally invisible to the
human eye but may operate at power levels that can be harmful to the eye. Inspection
microscopes can concentrate the light in the fiber and increase the danger. Use an optical power
meter to verify that no light is present in the fiber.
d) When using an optical tracer or continuity checker, look at the fiber from an angle at least 12
inches away from the eye to determine if the visible light is present.
13.1.3 Protection From Fiber Scraps
Small scraps of bare fiber produced as part of the termination and splicing process shall be
disposed of properly in a safe container and marked according to local regulations, as it may be
considered hazardous waste.
a) Do not drop fiber scraps on the floor where they will stick in carpets or shoes and be carried
elsewhere. Place them in a marked container or stick them to double-sided adhesive tape on the
work surface.
62