Fiber optic cables, while efficient, require careful consideration during installation, especially for contractors working on job sites. If you’re a contractor seeking safety guidance for fiber optic cable installation, you’ve come to the right place.
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Plan Your Route
Begin by meticulously planning and organizing cable routes, armed with as much information as possible. This proactive approach ensures that Fiber optic cables remain shielded from potential hazards. In high-risk locations, consider implementing additional cable protection measures.
Wear Safety Gear
Prioritize safety gear, starting with safety glasses to shield your eyes from fiber splinters or fragments. These scraps can be hazardous and challenging to remove if they enter your eyes, making protective eyewear essential. Additionally, don a disposable apron to prevent fiber splinters from adhering to clothing and spreading to other surfaces. When handling bare Fiber optic cables, protective gloves are a must to safeguard your fingers from harm.
Be Mindful of Your Environment
Always maintain awareness of your surroundings and potential hazards while working on-site. Fiber optic cable runs often share space with power conductors and other cable types, creating proximity to power lines, electrical equipment, confined areas, or precarious locations. Consequently, it’s advisable to work in well-ventilated areas whenever possible. Hazards can range from minor splinters to dropped tools or exposure to induced voltages and live wires. Exercise extreme caution in these risky environments.
Handle Materials Safely
During Fiber optic splicing and termination processes, various chemical cleansers and adhesives are employed. It’s imperative to adhere to standard handling practices when working with these cables and substances. Ensure that your installation complies with local and national regulations and holds the required permits. If uncertain about handling procedures, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from your trusted network cabling provider in Singapore.
In addition to chemicals and adhesives, handle bare fiber with care. These fragile fibers can easily break off and penetrate the skin, causing intense pain and difficulty in removal. Wearing gloves, as previously mentioned, is essential. Dispose of scraps properly after completing your work. Some contractors opt to use double-stick tape to secure scraps, or they use a container to collect and dispose of them safely.
Handle Fiber optic Cables with Care
To prevent cable dangle and contact with sharp edges, ensure cables are properly secured in place. Conduit support may be necessary for cables subject to stress or tight turns. Avoid overbending or overstressing the cables, ensuring they stay within maximum tensile loading values to prevent sudden cable crushing. Regularly monitor tensile loading during pulling to maintain cable integrity.
Beware of Fire Hazards
Fiber optic cable installation, particularly fusion splicing, which uses electric arcs, carries inherent fire hazards. To mitigate this risk, conduct splicing in areas free from combustible vapors. Smoking should be strictly prohibited in Fiber optic work areas to prevent potential explosions and contamination of cables.
Mind Electrical Hazards
Fiber hardware, even if the fiber itself isn’t conductive, can conduct electricity. This places installations near AC power sources at risk of contact with live electrical wires. Awareness of your surroundings and necessary precautions are paramount to avoid such hazardous situations.
Avoid Eating in the Work Area
Fiber optic cable fragments can scatter widely, including on your hands. Ingesting these fragments post-work can lead to internal bleeding and serious health issues. Therefore, it’s crucial to refrain from eating or drinking in your work area and to thoroughly wash your hands after cable handling. Clean up diligently at the end of each workday to manage fiber scraps and maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Keydence Systems
If you’re searching for a reliable network cabling provider in Singapore, your quest ends here. Since its establishment in 1997, Keydence has emerged as a leading security service provider in Singapore. With over two decades of industry experience, they are committed to offering comprehensive solutions, including design, installation, testing, maintenance, and more. For any inquiries or concerns, reach out to Keydence Systems to address your queries today.