Adhere To Fiber-Optic Safety Guidelines

Fiber optics are useful for communications, but they have certain hazards: Dangerous chemicals Light that you cannot see that can burn your eyes Tools with sharp edges that produce glass splinters Specific types of tools and chemicals are used when working with fiber-optic cable. These materials must be handled safely. Chemicals  The solvents and glues used with fiber optics are dangerous. You should handle them with extreme care. Read any instructions and follow them carefully. Also, read the MSDS that accompanies the chemicals to know how to treat someone in an emergency. Tools  When working with any tool, safety should always be your first priority. Any compromise in safety could result in serious injury or even death. The tools used for working with fiber optics have sharp cutting surfaces that are used to scribe glass. Other tools pinch cables with high pressure to fasten connectors to them. These tools can produce shards of glass that can splinter and fly into the air. You must avoid getting them in your skin, mouth, or eyes. Harmful Light Protect your eyes from the harmful light that may be in the fiber-optic strands. The light is a color that humans cannot see. It can damage your eyes before you can feel it. When you use a magnifier to inspect fiber-optic cable and connectors, the light emitted from the fiber could be directed into your eye. When working with fiber, be sure to disconnect the light source. Special detectors can tell you if a fiber is energized. Glass Shards The process of cutting and trimming the strands of fiber-optic cables can produce tiny fragments of glass or plastic that can penetrate your eyes or skin and cause severe irritation. The fibers can be extremely difficult to see on your skin because they are clear and small. When working with fiber-optic cabling, the working surface should be a dark mat so that tiny glass or plastic fragments can be seen. The mat should also be resistant to chemical spills. You should keep the work area clean and neat. Never pick up fiber-optic fragments with your fingers. Use tape to pick up small fragments and dispose of them properly. Use a disposable container, such as a plastic bottle with a screw-on lid, to store fiber fragments. Close the lid tightly before disposing of the container. CAUTION: Obtain proper training before you attempt to cut, strip, or splice fiber-optic cable. An experienced technician should supervise you until you become adequately skilled.