UTL/Telecoms/TBT-UTL-010

Fibre Optic Cable Installation

Utilities & Network Infrastructure › Telecoms › Fibre Optic Cable Installation

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Fibre optic cables carry data as light pulses through glass or plastic fibres at extremely high speeds.
Glass fibre splinters produced during cleaving and splicing are invisible and penetrate skin and eyes.
Fusion splicing uses an electric arc to join fibre ends, requiring eye protection from the bright flash.
Laser light transmitted through connected fibres can cause permanent retinal damage if viewed directly.
Fibre optic cable pulling into ducts requires careful tension control to avoid exceeding bend radius limits.
Installation in existing duct networks may encounter asbestos cement ducts requiring specialist handling.
Working in manholes and chambers for fibre jointing involves confined space entry hazards.
Isopropyl alcohol used for fibre cleaning is flammable and requires COSHH controls for use.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 apply to laser safety and electrical power in fibre networks.
Waste fibre offcuts must be collected in sealed containers and disposed of as sharps-type waste.

Invisible splinters	Glass fibre fragments are invisible to the naked eye, penetrate skin easily, and cause serious eye injuries during cleaving.
Laser eye damage	Looking into a connected fibre end or across a broken fibre exposes the retina to laser light causing permanent damage.
Confined space risk	Fibre jointing in manholes and chambers involves the same atmospheric and access hazards as other confined space work.

Don't

Wear safety glasses at all times when cleaving, stripping, or splicing fibre.
Collect all fibre offcuts on dark tape or in a sealed sharps container.
Never look into the end of a fibre that may be carrying laser light.
Use a fibre identifier or power meter to check for active signals before work.
Follow confined space entry procedures for all manhole and chamber jointing work.
Control cable pulling tension to stay within the manufacturer bend radius limits.
Store isopropyl alcohol away from heat sources and use in ventilated areas.
Check for asbestos cement ducts before rodding or pulling cables into existing routes.
Wear gloves to prevent fibre splinters embedding in fingers during handling.
Dispose of fibre waste in sealed containers; never put it in general waste bins.

DON'T look directly into fibre ends or across broken fibres; laser light is invisible.
DON'T handle cleaved fibre without safety glasses and gloves in place.
DON'T leave fibre offcuts on work surfaces, floors, or in clothing.
DON'T pull cables into ducts exceeding the manufacturer recommended tension limits.
DON'T enter manholes for fibre jointing without confined space entry procedures.
DON'T use isopropyl alcohol near ignition sources or in unventilated spaces.
DON'T assume existing duct routes are free from asbestos; check records first.
DON'T eat or drink in the fibre splicing area; splinters contaminate food.
DON'T view the fusion splicer arc without the built-in protective screen.
DON'T dispose of fibre waste in general bins; it injures waste handlers.

See also: Data and Comms Cabling Safety | Fibre Optic Cable Safety

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