ASTM F2462-05(2021)

Standard Practice for Operation and Maintenance of Sewers with Optical Fiber Systems

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This is intended to outline O&M issues that require discussion and mutual agreement by both the optical fiber cable owner and sewer pipeline operator. The purpose is developing sufficient written procedures and practices to allow optical fiber systems to coexist as a secondary use within a sewer. To the extent that sewers are primarily for conveying flow, it is the responsibility of the optical fiber cable owner to accommodate sewer O&M practices and develop optical fiber system O&M procedures that will not material impact the sewer’s primary function.  
5.2 Since the practice of integrating sewers and optical fiber systems is an emerging activity, this practice will help establish guidelines for its rapid and safe deployment, ensuring that the installed facilities are operable as intended on a long-term basis.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice applies to the operation and maintenance of sewers with a subsequent installation of optical fiber cable in accordance with Practice F2303.  
1.2 This practice applies to gravity flow storm sewers, sanitary sewers, and combined sewers.  
1.3 This practice does not apply to force mains, siphons, or other pressurized sewers.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2021
• ICS: 93.030 - External sewage systems
• Technical Committee: F36 - Technology and Underground Utilities
• Drafting Committee: F36.10 - Optical Fiber Systems within Existing Infrastructure

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F2303-03(2009) - Standard Practice for Selection of Gravity Sewers Suitable for Installation of Optical Fiber Cable and Conduits
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM F2303-03 - Standard Practice for Selection of Gravity Sewers Suitable for Installation of Optical Fiber Cable and Conduits
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-2003

Overview

ASTM F2462-05(2021) - Standard Practice for Operation and Maintenance of Sewers with Optical Fiber Systems provides comprehensive guidelines for managing the coexistence of optical fiber cable systems within gravity sewer pipelines. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is designed to facilitate clear operational and maintenance (O&M) procedures for both sewer operators and optical fiber cable owners. The document applies specifically to gravity flow storm sewers, sanitary sewers, and combined sewers, excluding force mains and other pressurized pipelines.

This standard aims to promote collaboration between sewer operators and fiber system owners, ensuring that sewer operation remains efficient while supporting the long-term and safe operation of integrated optical fiber systems.

Key Topics

The standard outlines several critical areas to support the reliable and safe integration of fiber optic systems within sewer infrastructure:

• Safety Practices: Emphasizes the need for thorough safety protocols, including air quality monitoring and specialized training for work in confined spaces and around hazardous gases.
• O&M Coordination: Stresses the importance of written procedures that enable both systems to coexist without impacting the sewer’s primary function of conveying wastewater or stormwater.
• Emergency Response: Outlines processes for timely notification and coordinated response during sewer emergencies that may affect optical fiber cables.
• Routine Maintenance: Details mutual notification processes, preferred repair and maintenance methods, and worker qualifications.
• Mapping and Documentation: Requires accurate mapping and record-keeping of all optical fiber system components, with documentation shared between both parties.
• Identification and Marking: Sets requirements for clear identification of vaults and conduits containing optical fiber, ensuring safety and easy access during inspections and repairs.

Applications

Practical Uses

Adopting ASTM F2462-05(2021) benefits organizations and municipalities by:

• Ensuring Reliable Utility Operations: By carefully coordinating sewer and optical fiber O&M, integral wastewater and data services are protected from disruption.
• Supporting Smart Infrastructure: Facilitates the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure within existing municipal networks, helping to expand high-speed internet access efficiently.
• Strengthening Emergency Preparedness: Standardized procedures enable rapid, coordinated action in the event of sewer pipeline repairs, spills, or other emergencies affecting optical fiber lines.
• Maintaining Regulatory Compliance: The standard advises users to assess and comply with relevant safety, health, and environmental regulations for both sewer and telecommunication activities.

Target Users

• Sewer pipeline operators and municipal utility departments
• Telecommunication and optical fiber system owners
• Engineering consultants involved in utility integration projects
• Contractors engaged in the installation and maintenance of fiber in sewers

Related Standards

ASTM F2462-05(2021) references and aligns with several important standards to ensure best practices in both the sewer and telecommunications industries:

• ASTM F2303: Practice for selection of gravity sewers suitable for installation of optical fiber cable and conduits
• IEC 60825-1: International standard for the safety of laser products, including optical fibers
• IEC 60050-731: Electrotechnical vocabulary for optical fiber communications
• ANSI Z117.1: Safety requirements for confined spaces
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146: Regulations regarding permit-required confined spaces
• World Trade Organization TBT Principles: Conformance with internationally recognized standardization practices

Using ASTM F2462-05(2021) ensures organizations follow internationally accepted guidelines, enhancing the safety, efficiency, and reliability of both sewer operations and optical fiber system performance. This collaborative framework advances the deployment of smart municipal infrastructure while protecting essential services.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2462 − 05 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Practice for
Operation and Maintenance of Sewers with Optical Fiber
Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2462; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.3 IEC Standards:
IEC 60825-1 Ed. 1.2, en 2001, Safety of Laser Products—
1.1 This practice applies to the operation and maintenance
Part 1: Equipment Classification, Requirements and Us-
ofsewerswithasubsequentinstallationofopticalfibercablein
er’s Guide
accordance with Practice F2303.
IEC 60050-731 Electrotechnical Vocabulary: Optical Fiber
1.2 This practice applies to gravity flow storm sewers,
Communications
sanitary sewers, and combined sewers. 5
2.4 Federal Standard:
1.3 This practice does not apply to force mains, siphons, or OSHA Regulation 29 CFR Part 1910.146, Permit-Required
other pressurized sewers. Confined Spaces
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3. Terminology
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1 Definitions:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.1 conduit, n—tubing used to house optical fiber cable
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
that is connected to, but separate from, a sewer pipeline.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.2 O&M, n—operation and maintenance.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.3 optical fiber cable, n—cable formed of one or more
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
strands of optical fiber for transmission of data, video, audio,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
voice, or other information.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.4 optical fiber cable owner, n—entity holding legal
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
rightsto,andresponsiblefortheoperationandmaintenanceof,
the optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable owner is also
2. Referenced Documents
responsible for operation and maintenance of any components
2.1 ASTM Standards:
associated with the optical fiber system that are not part of the
F2303 Practice for Selection of Gravity Sewers Suitable for
sewer pipeline as defined in this standard.
Installation of Optical Fiber Cable and Conduits
3.1.5 optical fiber system, n—group of components that
2.2 ANSI Standard:
comprisetheelementsnecessarytoenableopticalfibercableto
ANSI Z117.1-2003 Safety Requirements for Confined
be installed, maintained, and operated inside a sewer pipeline.
Spaces
3.1.6 sewers,n—pipelinesfortheconveyanceofwastewater
1 or stormwater, or both.
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F36 on Technology
and Underground Utilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F36.10
3.1.7 vault, n—manhole, hand hole, or other buried enclo-
on Optical Fiber Systems within Existing Infrastructure.
sure used to store slack-loops of cable, fiber cable splices or
Current edition approved May 1, 2021. Published May 2021. Originally
provide access to the sewer for maintenance and inspection, or
approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as F2462 – 05(2015).
DOI: 10.1520/F2462-05R21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3 rue de
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Varembé, 1st floor, P.O. Box 131, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://
the ASTM website. www.iec.ch.
3 5
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., Available from U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO), 732 N. Capitol St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org. NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, http://www.gpo.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2462 − 05 (2021)
any combination thereof. Vaults designated only for optical 6.1.4 Optical Fiber Fusion Splicing Operations—Fiber fu-
fiber systems may be located within the street or off-street. sion splicing equipment may provide a potential ignition
Sewervaultsaretypicallylocatedinthestreetand,asapproved source for flammable mixtures. Prior to fusion splicing, verify
by the sewer pipeline operator, may serve the dual purpose of the safety of this operation in the presence of potentially
also housing optical fiber systems. flammable sources (vehicle exhaust, fuel storage, sewers, and
so forth).
4. Summary of Practice
6.2 Mapping and Record-Keeping:
4.1 Sewers with optical fiber systems must be safely oper-
6.2.1 The optical fiber cable owner must maintain accurate
ated and maintained without significant negative impacts on
and up-to-date records of the type and location of all parts of
sewer service and minimal impact on optical fiber system
the optical fiber system and must provide copies to the sewer
users.To satisfy that criteria, the equipment and practices must
pipeline operator.
be well defined and designed with responsible workers trained
6.2.2 Unless otherwise required by the sewer pipeline
to implement and perform the required tasks. Key issues
operator, records may be in the form of maps, drawings, notes,
include:
or any combination thereof consistent with good practice for
4.1.1 General safety considerations;
as-built documentation. As a minimum, the records must
4.1.2 Emergency response procedures, including sewage
indicate the location, extent, size, and orientation of the optical
spill control, emergency sewer pipeline repair, and communi-
fiber system along the sewer pipeline and through vaults.
cation procedures;
6.3 Sewer Emergency Response Procedures:
4.1.3 Routine sewer O&M activities, including service and
6.3.1 Field Activities—During a sewer emergency, the pipe-
main connections; sewer pipeline repairs; periodic sewer
lineoperatorcontrolsallfieldactivitiesnecessarytomitigateor
inspection; sewer pipeline cleaning;
stabilize the emergency event. During such emergencies, all
4.1.4 Routine optical fiber system O&M activities;
optical fiber cable operations and maintenance activities pro-
4.1.5 Cable and conduit marking; and
ceedonlyaspermittedbythesewerpipelineoperator.Theneed
4.1.6 Worker qualification.
to remove an optical fiber cable or conduit. or both, may also
arise where the sewer pipeline structural integrity is affected
5. Significance and Use
and a damaged sewer pipe section must be replaced. The
5.1 This is intended to outline O&M issues that require
optical fiber cable owner must provide the sewer pipeline
discussionandmutualagreementbyboththeopticalfibercable
operator with written procedures for its safe removal.
owner and sewer pipeline operator. The purpose is developing
6.3.2 Notification—As possible, the pipeline operator will
sufficientwrittenproceduresandpracticestoallowopticalfiber
provide timely notification to th
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