Laser safety standards activities for optical fiber communication systems

Abstract

New technologies, like Dense Wave Division Multiplexing, or DWDM, are being deployed in optical fiber communication systems. These systems can carry high powered, optically amplified signals in Class 3B and, eventually, Class 4 ranges. Over the past several years, the laser safety standards community has been working on updating their standards so as to address this emerging technology and ensure worker and public safety. Manufacturers and operators are joining to develop standards and controls. This paper will discuss some of the activities in the following affected standards associations: • Accredited Standards Committee Z136 that develops the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136.2 optical fiber communications systems (OFCS) safety standard, • International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) TC76 WG5 that develops Part 2 of IEC 60825: Safety of laser products which addresses OFCS, and • ITU SG15WP4/15, the ITU committee that addresses characteristics of optical systems for inter-office and long distance networks which includes DWDM systems.This paper will describe the February 12, 1998 joint meeting held in Geneva between TC76 WG5 and the ITU SG15WP4/15. The goal of this meeting was to help clarify laser safety issues associated with the emerging DWDM technology. This paper also will touch on new developments in optical communication technology.New technologies, like Dense Wave Division Multiplexing, or DWDM, are being deployed in optical fiber communication systems. These systems can carry high powered, optically amplified signals in Class 3B and, eventually, Class 4 ranges. Over the past several years, the laser safety standards community has been working on updating their standards so as to address this emerging technology and ensure worker and public safety. Manufacturers and operators are joining to develop standards and controls. This paper will discuss some of the activities in the following affected standards associations: • Accredited Standards Committee Z136 that develops the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136.2 optical fiber communications systems (OFCS) safety standard, • International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) TC76 WG5 that develops Part 2 of IEC 60825: Safety of laser products which addresses OFCS, and • ITU SG15WP4/15, the ITU committee that addresses characteristics of optical systems for inter-office and...