Sun Microsystems 96257 manual Fiber Optic Component Handling Precautions, Protect Your Eyes

■Fiber Optic Component Handling Precautions

To prevent damage to optical fiber cables and connectors, and to mitigate inherent haz- ards from laser-light emissions, always follow these general handling precautions:

Protect Your Eyes

Never aim the output of a laser, or of an optical fiber connected to a laser, directly into your eyes. Do not examine an optical connector on any cable that is still attached to its data transmission port, since laser light may be present in the cable. Before examining the end of an optical fiber, verify that no laser-light signals are present. Always cap unused data transmission ports on channel interface cards.

Handle Fiber Optic Components Gently

Handle fiber cables and connectors gently to prevent damage. Never grasp cables or con- nectors with pliers or grippers, or attach pulling devices to them. Never bend fiber cables (e.g., when routing along cable paths or guides) to a radius of <12 mm (<0.5 in.), and do not coil cables to <96 mm (<3.74 in.) in diameter. Use strain-relief mechanisms to prevent the weight of cables from damaging fibers. Protect cables from sharp edges or protru- sions, heat sources, and other damaging conditions. Ensure that equipment openings and floor cutouts have protective edging at cable contact points.

Prevent Contamination of Cable Ends

Avoid touching the core of optical cables, as this can contaminate fibers and prevent light transmission. If a cable-end becomes contaminated, remove any loose debris using canned air or by gently tapping the connector, then clean the cable-end with an approved cleaning kit. Leave protective caps on cable-ends until cables are attached to a connector; after disconnecting cables, always reinstall clean protective caps.

xvii	Sun Confidential: Internal Only	96257
	Revision A