Four types of risk are documented by INRS and the IEC 60825 standards: silica fibre slivers, exposure to active lasers, inhalation of glass particles, and chemical exposure to coatings. This guide details each one, with concrete prevention measures. Fibre optic is not dangerous like a live electrical cable. But this reputation as a "harmless cable" leads many technicians to underestimate the real risks — which do exist, are specific and require precise procedures. Additionally, another area of concern is the tools and equipment used in fiber optics, such as lasers and splicing devices. These light sources can be harmful to your eyes and skin, especially if they are high-powered, invisible, or pulsed. Before beginning any installation, safety rules should be posted on the. Besides the usual safety issues for all construction, generally covered under OSHA rules in the US (OSHA 10 and 30), fiber optics adds concerns for eye safety, chemicals, sparks from fusion splicing, disposal of fiber shards and more, covered in Part 1.
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