Receiving Fiber Optic Cabling and Equipment on Site
Fiber
Optic equipment and components are subject to damage by improper
handling or storage and must be handled accordingly.
Receipt
Fiber
optic cable, equipment and supplies should be scheduled for delivery to
the work site as closely to the time of use as possible to minimize
possible damage from other construction, weather or theft. Coordinating
deliveries can be difficult so delivery to a staging area offsite or
providing a locked storage container onsite should be arranged. When
initially received, all fiber optic components should be carefully
inspected for damage and tested for continuity or loss if damage is
suspected. Ensure that all components and parts have been
shipped, received, match quantities ordered (e.g. fiber optic cable
contains the number and type of fiber ordered and is the length
ordered), and that any discrepancies or damaged goods are noted, the
supplier notified and replaced as required.
Handling Fiber Optic Cables
Handle
reels of fiber optic cable with care. All reels, regardless of
size or length, must have both ends of the cable available for the
testing. A fiber tracer or visual fault locator and bare fiber
adapters can be used for continuity testing.
The cable reels shall be moved carefully to avoid damage to the cable. Move
small, lightweight spools of fiber optic cable by hand. Move
larger reels with appropriate lifting equipment or using two or more
installers skilled in the moving operation. Lifting equipment
shall only move reels with a matched set of slings or chokers, attached
to an appropriately sized piece of pipe inserted into the hole in the
center of the reel. Slings and chokers shall never be attached
around the spooled cable area of the reel.
Storage
All
equipment and cabling shall be stored in a
clean and dry location, protected from harsh environments such as
extremes
of cold and heat. Due to the value of the cable and potential for
theft, all components should be in secure storage with guards provided
when or where necessary.
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