37
A
Laser Safety Guidelines
Laser
Safety
WARNING
Use of controls, adjustments, and procedures other than those specified in this
document may result in hazardous laser radiation exposure.
Optical fiber telecommunication systems use semiconductor laser transmitters that emit
infrared light that is normally not visible to the human eye. Although a conventional laser
produces a small beam of light, the power density is very high, and it can cause damage to
your eyes.
If a beam of laser light enters the eye, the eye magnifies and focuses the energy on the
retina. The energy that reaches the retina can be as much as 100,000 times more than at the
cornea and, as a result, it can burn the retina.
Laser transmission products are classified in four major groups (Class 1, 2, 3, and 4),
according to their emissions and potential for causing injury. Fiber optic transmitter modules
in this series are designated Class 1.
