Two important issues to consider when working with fiber

Safety when working with fiber optics

Some people think that the major concern in fiber optic installations is eye damage when working with the laser. The reality is that lasers that perform perforations on metal or remove warts from the fingers have little relation to the typical fiber optic installation. The optical sources that are used in the optical fiber, generally have much lower power levels (the exception is the high-power telecommunications systems of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) or cable television). Of course, you should always be careful with your eyes, especially when using a fiber-optic microscope that can concentrate all the light of fiber in your eye.

The real safety problem is always related to the small glass residues that remain when cutting the ends of the fibers that have already been finished or spliced. These wastes or fiber fragments are very dangerous! The cut ends are extremely sharp and can easily penetrate your skin. If they get into your eyes, they are very difficult to remove. Don't even think about what happens if you ingest any. Always wear safety glasses when working with fiber and dispose of fiber waste carefully.

Whenever you work with fiber, follow the rules detailed below.

1. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from fiber debris.

2. Dispose of all-fiber remains properly. Always use a properly labeled container for later disposal and work on a black cloth so that the glass remains are more easily located.

3. Do not throw them on the floor where they can stick to carpets or shoes and move to any other place,

4. Do not eat food or drink near the work area.

The fiber optic splicing and termination processes involve the use of chemical adhesives and cleaners. Follow the instructions for use (detailed in the substance safety data sheet - MSDS) carefully. Remember that even isopropyl alcohol, used as a simple cleaning product, is flammable.

Fiber optics technician jobs

Zero dirt tolerance

When we work with fiber optics, dirt tolerance is practically zero. The particles present in the air are about the size of the core of single-mode fiber - they absorb a lot of light and can scratch the connectors if they are not removed! Dirt on the connectors is the biggest cause of scratches on the polished connectors, and high loss measurements!

1. Try to work in a clean area. Avoid working near heating system outlets, as these eliminate dust.

2. Always use dust caps on connectors, threaded splice connectors, connection panels or any other material with which you are going to make a connection.

3. Use special fiber optic cleaners or clothes that do not leave lint residue, and isopropyl alcohol to clean the connectors.

4. The splints of the connectors and cables used for the tests will become dirty by discarding the material from the alignment sleeve in the splice bushing, which will create an attenuator. You will see how the front edge of the connector splint turns black! Use metal or ceramic alignment sleeves for testing only.