Nowadays, fiber optic cables have great use in many applications, and are sure to see even more growth in future. Now question occurs. Since more and more fibers are deployed in fiber optic systems, how to ensure the safety in fiber optic cable installation? This article is gonna to have detailed description about safety issues in installing fiber optic cable.

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Fiberstore (FS.COM) | Safety Issues of Fiber Optic Cable Installation
While talking about electrical applications, one may consider the tough copper because of its high
conductivity and great tensile strength. But when it comes to telecommunication situations, here
comes the fiber optic cable. Instead of braided or bundled metal, hair-thin fiber optic cables are
glass or plastic strands, serving as the communication medium to send optical signals. Fiber optic
connectors (e.g.. ST, SC, LC, MTP) are often attached to the fibers in a fiber optic cable, like SC fiber
optic cable whose ends are capped by SC connectors. Nowadays, fiber optic cables have great use in
many applications, and are sure to see even more growth in future. Now question occurs. Since
more and more fibers are deployed in fiber optic systems, how to ensure the safety in fiber optic
cable installation? This article is gonna to have detailed description about safety issues in installing
fiber optic cable.
General Issues
While installing fiber optic cables, it’s advised to avoid exposure to invisible light radiation carried in
the fiber, and to have proper disposal of fiber scraps produced in cable handling and termination.
Besides, the hazardous chemicals used in termination, splicing or cleaning must be handled safely.
The following passages list the safety issues that should be followed.
 Eye Protection
It’s recommended to wear safety glasses with side shields. Certainly, the safety eyewear should
comply with relevant requirements. In addition, after handling fiber optic cables, to wash hands
thoroughly and carefully before touching eyes or contact lenses.
Safety Issues of Fiber
Optic Cable Installation

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Fiberstore (FS.COM) | Safety Issues of Fiber Optic Cable Installation
In no case should one 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 do harm to the eye. Inspection microscopes can
concentrate the light in the fiber and increase the danger. Keep in mind to use an optical power
meter to verify that no light is present in the fiber. 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 or not.
 Proper Disposal of Fiber Scraps
During the termination and splicing process, the small scraps of bare fiber may occur. In such a case,
these scraps must be disposed of properly in a safe container and marked according to local
regulations, as it may be considered hazardous waste.

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Fiberstore (FS.COM) | Safety Issues of Fiber Optic Cable Installation
Under no circumstance can fiber scraps be dropped everywhere, like on the floor, since these scraps
will stick in carpets or shoes and be carried elsewhere. The right way is to place them in a marked
container or stick them to double-sided adhesive tape on the work surface.
After finishing installation, it’s imperative to clean the work area carefully and thoroughly. And it’s
ill-advised to use compressed air to clean off the work area. Remember to sweep all scraps into a
disposal container. Of course, one should carefully inspect clothing for fiber scraps when finish
working with fiber.
It’s known that fiber particles can be harmful if ingested, so don’t eat, drink or smoke near the
working area.
Other Safety Issues
Because confined spaces, such as equipment vaults, manholes can contain toxic or explosive gases
or insufficient air to sustain life, it’s better to work only in well-ventilated areas. Besides, because
materials and chemicals used in installation processes may be hazardous, they must be handled
properly. During splicing process, fusion splicers create an electric arc. Thus, one should ensure that
no flammable vapors and no liquids are present.
After discussing safety issues wit h fiber optic cable installation, here goes to another issue. Actually,
this issue closely related to fiber optic cable is the cleanliness. The small size of fiber optic cables
makes them very sensitive to dust and dirt. Thus, in order to achieve the optimized performance,
it’s of great importance to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, including do the following
thins: work in clean areas; keep protective dust caps on connectors, mating adapters, patch panels,
or test and net- work equipment; don’t touch the ends of the connectors; use lint-free wipes and
pure reagent grade isopropyl alcohol to clean connectors. Other solvents can attack adhesives or
leave a residue. Cotton swabs or pads may leave threads behind and are not recommended. Surely,
the test equipment should be cleaned periodically.
Conclusion

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Fiberstore (FS.COM) | Safety Issues of Fiber Optic Cable Installation
For safe installation, it’s advised to follow those tips mentioned above. Of course, the points listed in
this text are not comprehensive, with only several common issues are talked about. (The premise of
safe installation is to choose high-quality fiber cables. You can turn to Fiberstore, whose fiber optic
cables available in many types are all test and quality assured, like LC to SC fiber patch cable. You
can go there and have a look yourself.)
Contact Us
Manufacturing R & D (China)
Eastern Side, Second Floor, Science &
Technology Park, No.6, Keyuan Road,
Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518057,
China
Tel: +86 (755) 8300 3611
Fax: +86 (755) 8326 9395
Email: sales@fs.com
APAC Office (Hong Kong)
1220 Tung Chun Commercial Centre,
438-444 Shanghai Street, Kowloon,
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 81763606
Fax: +852 81763606
Email: sales@fs.com
North America (United States)
331 Andover Park East Ste330, Tukwila,
WA 98188,United States
Tel: +1-425-226-2035
Fax: +1-253-246-7881
Email: sales@fs.com
London Office (United Kingdom)
Third Floor 207 Regent Street, London,
W1B 3HH, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 2081441980
Notice: This document is for informational purposes only and does not set forth any warranty, expressed or
implied, concerning any equipment, equipment features, or service offered or to be offered by Fiberstore.
Fiberstore reserves the right to make changes to this document at any time, without notice, and assumes no
responsibility for its use. This information document describes features that may not be currently available.
Contact a Fiberstore sales team for information on feature and product availability.
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