Alcatel-Lucent 1643 AMS User's Operation Manual page 30

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Laser Safety Precautions for Optical Fiber Telecommunication Systems
In its normal operating mode, an optical fiber telecommunication system is totally
enclosed and presents no risk of eye injury. It is a Class I/1 system under the FDA and
IEC classifications.
The fiber optic cables that interconnect various components of an optical fiber
telecommunication system can disconnect or break, and may expose people to laser
emissions. Also, certain measures and maintenance procedures may expose the
technician to emission from the semiconductor laser during installation and servicing.
Unlike more familiar laser devices such as solid-state and gas lasers, the emission
pattern of a semiconductor laser results in a highly divergent beam. In a divergent
beam, the irradiance (power density) decreases rapidly with distance. The greater the
distance, the less energy will enter the eye, and the less potential risk for eye injury.
Inadvertently viewing an un-terminated fiber or damaged fiber with the unaided eye at
distances greater than 5 to 6 inches normally will not cause eye injury, provided the
power in the fiber is less than a few milliwatts at the near IR wavelengths and a few
tens of milliwatts at the far IR wavelengths. However, damage may occur if an optical
instrument such as a microscope, magnifying glass, or eye loupe is used to stare at the
energized fiber end.
Use of controls, adjustments, and procedures other than those specified herein may
result in hazardous laser radiation exposure.
Laser Safety Precautions for Enclosed Systems
Under normal operating conditions, optical fiber telecommunication systems are
completely enclosed; nonetheless, the following precautions shall be observed:
1. Because of the potential for eye damage, technicians should not stare into optical
connectors or broken fibers
2. Under no circumstance shall laser/fiber optic operations be performed by a
technician before satisfactorily completing an approved training course
3. Since viewing laser emissions directly in excess of Class I/1 limits with an optical
instrument such as an eye loupe greatly increases the risk of eye damage,
appropriate labels must appear in plain view, in close proximity to the optical port
on the protective housing/access panel of the terminal equipment.
Laser Safety Precautions for Unenclosed Systems
During service, maintenance, or restoration, an optical fiber telecommunication system
is considered unenclosed. Under these conditions, follow these practices:
1. Only authorized, trained personnel shall be permitted to do service, maintenance
and restoration. Avoid exposing the eye to emissions from un-terminated, energized
optical connectors at close distances. Laser modules associated with the optical
ports of laser circuit packs are typically recessed, which limits the exposure
distance. Optical port shutters, Automatic Power Reduction (APR), and
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CAUTION
Laser hazard
Alcatel-Lucent - Proprietary
See notice on first page
365-312-807R7.2
Issue 4, May 2007
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