Laser safety
System compliance
Alcatel-Lucent 1665 DMX complies with the following laser safety regulations and standards:
-
Alcatel-Lucent declares that Alcatel-Lucent 1665 DMX contains as Class 1M laser products are certified under the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards IEC 60825-1 Edition 1.0 and its amendment 1 (1997) and amendment 2 (2001) and IEC 60825-2 Edition 3.1 (2007). It is a Class I/1 laser optical fiber communication systems “product” under the IEC classification.
-
Alcatel-Lucent declares that Alcatel-Lucent 1665 DMX contains as Class 1M laser products that are certified under the CENELEC standards EN 60825-1 Edition 1994 and its amendment 1 (2002) and amendment 2 (2001) and IN 60825-2 Edition 2004.
-
Alcatel-Lucent declares that Alcatel-Lucent 1665 DMX contains as Class IIIb laser products that are certified under the regulations 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11, which are implemented by the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (FDA/CDRH).
This Product is designed to ensure that personnel operating the product are not endangered by laser radiation during normal operation and fault conditions. This product does not present a risk of eye injury because it is fully enclosed and does not contain embedded lasers greater than Class I/1 unless otherwise noted.
The following table shows the optical circuit pack laser safety specifications. The pluggable transmission modules (and the supported circuit packs) are covered in Table 1-2, Pluggable transmission module laser safety specifications.
Table 1-1: Optical circuit pack laser safety specifications
|
Laser Circuit Pack Code |
Wavelength (nm) |
Output Power (dBm) |
Fiber Type (µm) |
Connector Type |
FDA Class/ IEC Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
LNW36 OC-3 1 |
1310 |
0.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW46 OC-12 1 |
1310 |
+2.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW48 OC-12 |
1310 |
−8.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW50 OC-12 |
1310 |
+2.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW54 OC-12 |
1550 |
+2.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW26B OC-48 1 |
1310 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW27 OC-48 |
1310 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW28 OC-48 1 |
1310 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW29 OC-48 |
1550 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW31 OC-48 |
1310 |
0.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW32 OC-48 |
1310 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW76 OC-48 |
1310 |
−3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW77 OC-48 1 |
1310 |
0.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW121B–159B OC-48 1 |
1550–range |
+2.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW221–259 OC-48 1 |
1550–range |
+2.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW421–459 OC-48 1 |
1550–range |
+2.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW56 OC-192 |
1550 |
+2.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW57 OC-192 1 |
1550 |
+6.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW58 OC-192 |
1310 |
−1.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW60 OC-192 1 |
1550 |
+12.5 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
IIIb/1M |
|
LNW523 OC-192 1 |
1550–range |
+6.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW527 OC-192 1 |
1550–range |
+6.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW554 OC-192 1 |
1550–range |
+6.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
LNW555 OC-192 1 |
1533.465 |
+6.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
Notes:
The following table shows the pluggable transmission module (PTM) laser safety specifications and the supported circuit packs. Use only the following Alcatel-Lucent approved Class 1 SFP/XFP transceivers.
Table 1-2: Pluggable transmission module laser safety specifications
|
Module Code |
Supported Circuit Packs |
Wavelength (nm) |
Output Power (dBm) |
Fiber Type (µm) |
Connector Type |
FDA Class/ IEC Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
100BASE-FX-I1 |
LNW70 LNW74 LNW78 LNW87 LNW170 |
1310 |
−14.0 |
Multimode (50 and 62.5) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
100BASE- LX-I1 |
LNW70 LNW74 LNW78 LNW87 LNW170 |
1310 |
−8.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
100BASE-ZX-I1 |
LNW87 LNW170 |
1550 |
+2.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
1000BASE- ZX-I1 |
LNW63 LNW64 LNW70 LNW78 LNW87 LNW170 |
1550 |
+5.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
BASE-T-C1 electrical |
LNW63 LNW64 LNW70 LNW78 LNW87 LNW170 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
RJ45 |
NA |
|
ESCON-MM-I1 |
LNW73/73C |
1310 |
−14.0 |
Multimode (50 and 62.5) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
GE-1X2XFC-LX-I1 |
LNW63 LNW64 LNW70 LNW73/73C LNW78 LNW87 LNW170 LNW705 |
1310 |
−3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
GE-1X2XFC-SX-I1 |
LNW63 LNW64 LNW70 LNW73/73C LNW78 LNW87 LNW170 LNW705 |
850 |
−2.5 |
Multimode (50 and 62.5) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
OC3IR1-I1 |
LNW37 LNW45 LNW55 LNW82 LNW705 |
1310 |
−8.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
OC3LR1-I1 |
LNW37 LNW45 LNW55 LNW82 LNW705 |
1310 |
0.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
OC-3SR1 (S155I2) |
LNW37 LNW45 LNW55 LNW82 LNW705 |
1310 |
−8.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
OC3X12X48-IR1-I1 |
LNW55 LNW82 |
1310 |
0.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
OC3X12X48-LR1-I1 |
LNW55 LNW82 |
1310 |
3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
OC12IR1-I1 |
LNW49 LNW55 LNW82 LNW203 LNW705 |
1310 |
−8.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
OC12LR1-I1 |
LNW49 LNW55 LNW82 LNW203 LNW705 |
1310 |
+2.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
OC12LR2-I1 |
LNW49 LNW55 LNW82 LNW203 LNW705 |
1550 |
+2.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
OC48LR1-I1 |
LNW55 LNW62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 LNW705 |
1310 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
OC48LR2-I1 |
LNW55 LNW62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 LNW705 |
1550 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
OC48SR1-I1 |
LNW55 LNW62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 LNW705 |
1310 |
−3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
OC192IR2-C1 |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW504 LNW603 LNW705 |
1550 |
+2.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
OC192IR2-I1 |
LNW59 LNW705 |
1550 |
+2.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
OC192LR2- C1 |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW504 LNW603 LNW705 |
1550 |
+4.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
OC192SR1- C1 |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW504 LNW603 LNW705 |
1310 |
−1.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2D23C6 (OC-48/STM–16/ OTU1 DWDM) |
LNW55 LNW62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1558.983 |
+4.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2D25C6 (OC-48/STM–16/ OTU1 DWDM) |
LNW55 LNW62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1557.363 |
+4.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2D27C6 (OC-48/STM–16/ OTU1 DWDM) |
LNW55 LNW62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1555.747 |
+4.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2D31C6 (OC-48/STM–16/ OTU1 DWDM) |
LNW55 LNW62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1552.524 |
+4.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2D33C6 (OC-48/STM–16/ OTU1 DWDM) |
LNW55 LNW62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1550.918 |
+4.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2D35C6 (OC-48/STM–16/ OTU1 DWDM) |
LNW55 LNW62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1549.315 |
+4.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2D37C6 (OC-48/STM–16/ OTU1 DWDM) |
LNW55 LNW62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1547.715 |
+4.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2D45C6 (OC-48/STM–16/ OTU1 DWDM) |
LNW55 LNW62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1541.349 |
+4.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2D47C6 (OC-48/STM–16/ OTU1 DWDM) |
LNW55 LNW62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1539.766 |
+4.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2D49C6 (OC-48/STM–16/ OTU1 DWDM) |
LNW55 LNW62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1538.186 |
+4.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2D53C6 (OC-48/STM–16/ OTU1 DWDM) |
LNW55 LNW62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1535.036 |
+4.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2D55C6 (OC-48/STM–16/ OTU1 DWDM) |
LNW55 LNW62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1533.465 |
+4.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2D59C6 (OC-48/STM–16/ OTU1 DWDM) |
LNW55 LNW62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1530.334 |
+4.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2G7C47LI (OC48/STM16 CWDM) |
VLNC55 VLNC62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1471 |
+5.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2G7C49LI (OC48/STM16 CWDM) |
VLNC55 VLNC62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1491 |
+5.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2G7C51LI (OC48/STM16 CWDM) |
VLNC55 VLNC62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1511 |
+5.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2G7C53LI (OC48/STM16 CWDM) |
VLNC55 VLNC62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1531 |
+5.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2G7C55LI (OC48/STM16 CWDM) |
VLNC55 VLNC62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1551 |
+5.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2G7C57LI (OC48/STM16 CWDM) |
VLNC55 VLNC62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1571 |
+5.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2G7C59LI (OC48/STM16 CWDM) |
VLNC55 VLNC62 LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1591 |
+5.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S2G7C61LI (OC48/STM16 CWDM) |
LNW82 LNW202 LNW402 LNW504 |
1611 |
+5.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S622C47EL (OC-3/STM-1/OC-12/STM-4 CWDM) |
LNW37 LNW45 LNW49 LNW55 LNW82 LNW705 |
1471 |
+5.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S622C49EL (OC-3/STM-1/OC-12/STM-4 CWDM) |
LNW37 LNW45 LNW49 LNW55 LNW82 LNW705 |
1491 |
+5.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S622C51EL (OC-3/STM-1/OC-12/STM-4 CWDM) |
LNW37 LNW45 LNW49 LNW55 LNW82 LNW705 |
1511 |
+5.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S622C53EL (OC-3/STM-1/OC-12/STM-4 CWDM) |
LNW37 LNW45 LNW49 LNW55 LNW82 LNW705 |
1531 |
+5.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S622C55EL (OC-3/STM-1/OC-12/STM-4 CWDM) |
LNW37 LNW45 LNW49 LNW55 LNW82 LNW705 |
1551 |
+5.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S622C57EL (OC-3/STM-1/OC-12/STM-4 CWDM) |
LNW37 LNW45 LNW49 LNW55 LNW82 LNW705 |
1571 |
+5.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S622C59EL (OC-3/STM-1/OC-12/STM-4 CWDM) |
LNW37 LNW45 LNW49 LNW55 LNW82 LNW705 |
1591 |
+5.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
S622C61EL (OC-3/STM-1/OC-12/STM-4 CWDM) |
LNW37 LNW45 LNW49 LNW55 LNW82 LNW705 |
1611 |
+5.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G21C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW603 LNW705 |
1560.606 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G22C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW603 LNW705 |
1559.794 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G23C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW603 LNW705 |
1558.983 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G24C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW603 LNW705 |
1558.173 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G25C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW603 LNW705 |
1557.363 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G26C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW603 LNW705 |
1556.555 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G27C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW603 LNW705 |
1555.747 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G28C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW603 LNW705 |
1554.940 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G31C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW504 LNW603 LNW705 |
1552.524 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G33C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW504 LNW603 LNW705 |
1550.918 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G35C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW504 LNW603 LNW705 |
1549.315 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G37C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW504 LNW603 LNW705 |
1547.715 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G45C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW504 LNW603 LNW705 |
1541.349 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G47C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW504 LNW603 LNW705 |
1539.766 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G49C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW504 LNW603 LNW705 |
1538.186 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G52C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW603 LNW705 |
1535.822 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G53C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW603 LNW705 |
1535.036 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G54C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW603 LNW705 |
1534.250 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G55C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW603 LNW705 |
1533.465 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G56C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW603 LNW705 |
1532.681 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G57C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW603 LNW705 |
1531.898 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G58C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW603 LNW705 |
1531.116 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
|
X10G59C5 (OC-192/STM-64/ OTU2 DWDM) |
LNW59 LNW502 LNW603 LNW705 |
1530.334 |
+3.0 |
Single Mode (9) |
LC |
I(LN50)/1 |
Notes:
General laser information
Optical fiber telecommunication systems, their associated test sets, and similar operating systems use semiconductor laser transmitters that emit infrared (IR) light at wavelengths between approximately 800 nanometers (nm) and 1600 nm. The emitted light is above the red end of the visible spectrum, which is normally not visible to the human eye. Although radiant energy at near-IR wavelengths is officially designated invisible, some people can see the shorter wavelength energy even at power levels several orders of magnitude below any that have been shown to cause injury to the eye.
Conventional lasers can produce an intense beam of monochromatic light. Monochromatic light is a single wavelength output of pure color that may be visible or invisible to the eye. A conventional laser produces a small-sized beam of light, and because the beam size is small, the power density (also called irradiance) is very high. Consequently, lasers and laser products are subject to federal and applicable state regulations as well as international standards for their safe operation.
A conventional laser beam expands very little over distance, or is said to be very well collimated. Thus, conventional laser irradiance remains relatively constant over distance. However, lasers used in lightwave systems have a large beam divergence, typically 10 to 20 degrees. Here, irradiance obeys the inverse square law (doubling the distance reduces the irradiance by a factor of four) and rapidly decreases over distance.
Lasers and eye damage
The optical energy emitted by laser and high-radiance LEDs in the 400 to 1400–nm range may cause eye damage if absorbed by the retina. When a beam of light enters the eye, the eye magnifies and focuses the energy on the retina magnifying the irradiance. The irradiance of the energy that reaches the retina is higher than at the cornea and, if sufficiently intense, may cause a retinal burn.
The damage mechanism at the wavelengths used in optical fiber telecommunications is thermal in origin; for example, damage caused by heating. Therefore, a specific amount of energy is required for a definite time to heat an area of retinal tissue. Damage to the retina occurs only when one looks at the light sufficiently long that the product of the retinal irradiance and the viewing time exceeds the damage threshold. Optical energies above 1400 nm cause corneal and skin burns, but these optical energies do not affect the retina. The thresholds for injury at wavelengths greater than 1400 nm are significantly higher than those for wavelengths in the retinal hazard region.
Classification of lasers
Manufacturers of lasers and laser products in the United States are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (FDA/CDRH) under 21 CFR 1040. These regulations require manufacturers to certify each laser or laser product as belonging to one of the following classes: I, II, lla, IlIa, lllb, or IV.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is an international standards body that writes laser safety standards under IEC-60825. Classification schemes are similar and divided into Classes 1, 1M, 2, 2M, 3B, 3R, and 4. Lasers are classified according to the accessible emission limits and their potential for causing injury.
Optical fiber telecommunication systems are generally classified as Class I/1, because, under normal operating conditions, all energized laser transmitting circuit packs are terminated on optical fibers which enclose the laser energy with the fiber sheath forming a protective housing. Also, a protective housing/access panel is typically installed in front of the laser circuit pack shelves. The circuit packs themselves, however, may be FDA/CDRH Class I, IIIb, or IV or IEC Class 1, 1M, 3B, 3R, or 4. State-of-the-art Raman and EDFA optical amplifiers have now extended into the Class IV/4 designations.
Laser safety precautions for optical fiber telecommunications 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/CDRH 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 lightwave emission. Also, certain measurements 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. If you inadvertently view an unterminated fiber or damaged fiber with the unaided eye at distances greater than 5 to 6 inches, normally, it will not cause eye injury provided that 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 you use an optical instrument such as a microscope, magnifying glass, or eye loupe to stare at the energized fiber end.
Laser radiation
|  | WARNING Laser hazard |
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous laser radiation exposure.
Do not view directly into the laser beam with optical instruments such as a fiber microscope because viewing of laser emission in excess of Class 1 limits significantly increases the risk of eye damage.
Never look into the end of an exposed fiber or an open connector as long as the optical source is switched on.
Ensure that the optical source is switched off before disconnecting optical fiber connectors.
Laser safety precautions for enclosed systems
Under normal operating conditions, optical fiber telecommunication systems are completely enclosed. Observe the following laser safety precautions for enclosed systems:
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Because of the potential for eye damage, do not stare into optical connectors or broken fibers.
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Do not under any circumstances perform laser/fiber optic operations before satisfactorily completing laser safety training.
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Since viewing lightwave emission directly in excess of Class I/1 limits with an optical instrument such as an eye loupe greatly increases the risk of eye damage, observe/follow laser safety labels. 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. Observe the following laser safety precautions for unenclosed systems:
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Only authorized, trained personnel shall be permitted to do service, maintenance, and restoration. Avoid exposing the eye to emissions from unterminated, 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 automatic power shutdown (APSD) are engineering controls that are also used to limit the emissions. However, do not stare or look directly into the optical port with optical instruments or magnifying lenses when removing or replacing laser circuit packs. (Normal eye wear or indirect viewing instruments, such as a Find-R-Scopes, are not considered magnifying lenses or optical instruments.)
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Only authorized, trained personnel shall use the optical test equipment during installation or servicing since this equipment contains semiconductor lasers. (Some examples of optical test equipment are Optical Time Domain Reflectometers [OTDRs] and Hand-Held Loss Test Sets.)
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Do not, under any circumstance, scan a fiber with an optical test set without verifying that all laser sources on the fiber are turned off.
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Only authorized personnel are permitted in the immediate area of the optical fiber telecommunication systems during installation and service.
For guidance on the safe use of optical fiber optic communication systems in the workplace, consult ANSI Z136.2, American National Standard for Safe Use of Optical Fiber Communication Systems Utilizing Laser Diodes and LED Sources in the United States or outside the United States, IEC-60825, Part 2.
Laser warning labels
The following figure shows the different types of laser warning labels:
Figure 1-1: Laser warning labels
Legend
1. Laser symbol
2. Laser classification labels (This label may show only the laser class or both the laser class and the maximum output power.)
3. Laser warning labels