Optical fibre transmission systems¿the problems of formulating optical radiation safety criteria

Although national and international standards regarding laser safety either already exist or are in the course of preparation, they do not specifically cover the use of lasers in optical fibre transmission systems. It is necessary to relate the safety requirements for lasers as published in the national and international standards to optical sources as used in optical fibre transmission systems. This paper attempts to do this and to stimulate discussion of the problems involved. The paper concludes that under normal operation optical fibre systems are intrinsically safe, since no exposure to optical radiation is possible. In cases where a fibre end is exposed, minimum viewing distances are proposed.