IEC 60825-2:2004+AMD1:2006+AMD2:2010 CSV

Safety of laser products - Part 2: Safety of optical fibre communication systems (OFCS)

IEC 60825-2:2004+A1:2006+A2:2010 Provides requirements and specific guidance for the safe operation and maintenance of optical fibre communication systems (OFCS). In these systems optical power may be accessible outside the confinements of transmitting equipment or at great distance from the optical source. This Part 2 requires the assessment of hazard levels at accessible locations as a replacement for classification according to IEC 60825-1. It applies to the complete installed end-to-end OFCS, including its components and subassemblies that generate or amplify optical radiation. Individual components and subassemblies that are sold only to OEM vendors for incorporation into a complete installed end-to-end OFCS need not be assessed to this standard, since the final OFCS should itself be assessed according to this standard. The objective of this Part 2 of IEC 60825 is to:
- protect people from optical radiation resulting from OFCS;
- provide requirements for manufacturers, installation organizations, service organizations and operating organizations in order to establish procedures and supply information so that proper precautions can be adopted;
- ensure adequate warnings are provided to individuals regarding the potential hazards associated with OFCS through the use of signs, labels and instructions. This consolidated version consists of the third edition (2004), its amendment 1 (2006), its amendment 2 (2010), interpretation sheet 1 (2008) and 2 (2018). Therefore, no need to order amendments in addition to this publication.

Sécurité des appareils à laser - Partie 2: Sécurité des systèmes de télécommunication par fibres optiques (STFO)

La CEI 60825-2:2004+A1:2006+A2:2010 Donne des exigences et des directives spécifiques pour l'exploitation et la maintenance en toute sécurité des systèmes de télécommunication par fibres optiques (STFO. OFCS en Anglais). Dans ces systèmes, la puissance optique peut être accessible en dehors des confinements des équipements d'émission ou à grande distance de la source optique. Cette Partie 2 nécessite l'évaluation des niveaux de risque dans les zones accessibles en remplacement de la classification selon la CEI 60825-1. Elle s'applique à l'intégralité du STFO complet tel qu'il est installé, y compris à ses composants et à ses sous-ensembles qui génèrent ou amplifient le rayonnement optique. Les composants individuels et les sous-ensembles qui sont vendus aux seuls vendeurs OEM en vue de leur incorporation dans un STFO complet installé n'ont pas besoin d'être évalués selon cette norme dans la mesure où le STFO devrait l'être lui-même. L'objectif de cette Partie 2 de la CEI 60825 est de:
- protéger les personnes contre le rayonnement optique provenant d'un STFO.
- fournir des exigences à l'usage des fabricants, des organismes d'installation, d'entretien et d'exploitation, dans le but d'établir des procédures et de fournir des informations, de telle sorte que des précautions appropriées puissent être prises;
- garantir que des mises en garde adaptées, concernant les risques potentiels liés au STFO, sont données aux individus par le biais d'une signalisation, d'étiquettes et d'instructions.  Cette version consolidée comprend la troisième édition (2004), son amendement 1 (2006), son amendement 2 (2010), sa feuille d'interprétation 1 (2008) et 2 (2018). Il n'est donc pas nécessaire de commander les amendements avec cette publication.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 13-Dec-2010
• ICS: 17.240 - Radiation measurements
• ICS: 31.260 - Optoelectronics. Laser equipment
• ICS: 33.180.01 - Fibre optic systems in general
• Technical Committee: TC 76 - Optical radiation safety and laser equipment
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Completion Date: 16-Mar-2021

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60825-2 ®
Edition 3.2 2010-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Safety of laser products –
Part 2: Safety of optical fibre communication systems (OFCS)

Sécurité des appareils à laser –
Partie 2: Sécurité des systèmes de télécommunication par fibres optiques
(STFO)
IEC 60825-2:2004+A1:2006+A2:2010

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IEC 60825-2 ®
Edition 3.2 2010-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Safety of laser products –
Part 2: Safety of optical fibre communication systems (OFCS)

Sécurité des appareils à laser –
Partie 2: Sécurité des systèmes de télécommunication par fibres optiques
(STFO)
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CS
CODE PRIX
ICS 31.260; 33.180.01 ISBN 978-2-88912-246-2
Publication IEC 60825-2 (Third edition – 2004 and its amendment 1 – 2006) I-SH 01

Safety of laser products – Part 2: Safety of optical fibre communication systems (OFCS)

INTERPRETATION SHEET 1
This interpretation sheet has been prepared by TC 76: Optical radiation safety and laser
equipment.
The text of this interpretation sheet is based on the following documents:
ISH Report on voting
76/376/ISH 76/380/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this interpretation sheet can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.
___________
Due to the inconsistency between the new IEC 60825-1:2007 and the current IEC 60825-2,
the previous edition of IEC 60825-1 (IEC 60825-1:1993 and its amendment 1 (1997) and
amendment 2 (2001)) should be used for calculating or measuring hazard levels of optical
fibre communication systems using IEC 60825-2:2004, incorporating amendment 1:2006.
This instruction will remain valid until a new version of IEC 60825-2 is published.

___________
April 2008
IEC 60825-2:2004/ISH2:2018  IEC 2018 – 1 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
IEC 60825-2
Edition 3.0  2004-06
SAFETY OF LASER PRODUCTS –
Part 2: Safety of optical fibre communication systems (OFCS)

INTERPRETATION SHEET 2
This interpretation sheet has been prepared by IEC technical committee 76: Optical radiation
safety and laser equipment.
The text of this interpretation sheet is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
76/599/FDIS 76/606/RVDISH
Full information on the voting for the approval of this interpretation sheet can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.

___________
IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3.0 (2014) introduced a new formula for C between 1 200 nm and
1 400 nm. This formula significantly increases the AEL of class 1 in this wavelength range.
The new formula for C in IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3.0 should not be used within IEC 60825-2 Ed. 3.2
(2010) because it may lead to excessive power limits, for example within Hazard Level 1.
Note e) to Table A.1 of IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3.0 states that: “In the wavelength range between
1 250 nm and 1 400 nm, the limits to protect the retina given in this table may not adequately
protect the anterior parts of the eye (cornea, iris) and caution needs to be exercised. There is
no concern for the anterior parts of the eye if the exposure does not exceed the skin MPE
values.”
IEC 60825-2 Ed. 3.2 Clause 2 (normative references) contains a dated reference to
IEC 60825-1:2007 in which the correction factor C was set equal to 8 within the wavelength
range of 1 200 nm to 1 400 nm. This dated reference in the normative references section is
technically sufficient for the correct interpretation of IEC 60825-2 Ed. 3.2, even though
undated references to IEC 60825-1 occur in other clauses. This interpretation sheet is
therefore provided as an additional warning and prompt for users of IEC 60825-2 Ed. 3.2.
Accordingly, within the wavelength range 1 200 nm to 1 400 nm the formula C = 8 is still to
be used within all affected clauses of IEC 60825-2 Ed. 3.2.
ICS 31.260; 33.180.01
IEC 60825-2:2004-06/ISH2:2018-06(en-fr)

– 2 – IEC 60825-2:2004/ISH2:2018  IEC 2018
This interpretation sheet will remain valid until a new edition of IEC 60825-2 is published.
NOTE Exposure limits for the eye and the skin of employees in the workplace and the general public are in many
countries specified in national laws. These legally-binding national exposure limits might differ from the MPEs
given in the informative Annex A of IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3.0.

– 2 – 60825-2 Ó IEC:2004+A1:2006+A2:2010
CONTENTS
FOREW ORD . 4

1 Scope and object . 6
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Requirements . 10
4.1 General . 10
4.2 Protective housing of OFCS . 11
4.3 Fibre cables . 11
4.4 Cable connectors . 11
4.5 Automatic power reduction (APR) and restart pulses. 12
4.6 Labelling or marking . 13
4.7 Organizational requirements. 18
4.8 Assessment of hazard level . 19
4.9 Hazard level requirements by location type . 20

Annex A (informative) Rationale . 21
Annex B (informative) Summary of requirements at locations in OFCS . 22
Annex C (informative) Methods of hazard/safety analysis . 23
Annex D (informative) Application notes for the safe use of OFCS . 24
Annex E (informative) Guidance for service and maintenance . 48
Annex F (informative) Clarification of the meaning of “hazard level” . 50

Bibliography . 52

Figure D.1 – PON (passive optical network)-based system . 33
Figure D.2 – Simple laser drive circuit . 35
Figure D.3 – Risk graph example from IEC 61508-5 Clause D.5 . 39
Figure D.4 – Graph of FIT rate and mean time to repair . 42

Table 1 – Marking in unrestricted locations . 14
Table 2 – Marking in Restricted Locations . 15
Table 3 – Marking in controlled locations . 16
Table D.1 – OFCS power limits for 11 mm single mode (SM) fibres and 0,18 numerical
aperture multimode (MM) fibres (core diameter < 150 mm) . 26
Table D.2 – Relation between the number of fibres in a ribbon fibre
and the maximum permitted power (example) . 32
Table D.3 – Identification of components and failure modes (example). 36
Table D.4 – Beta values (example) . 36

60825-2 Ó IEC:2004+A1:2006+A2:2010 – 3 –
Table D.5 – Determination of failure rates (example) . 37
Table D.6 – Consequence classification from IEC 61508-5 Table D.1 . 39
Table D.7 – Frequency classification from IEC 61508-5 Table D.1 . 39
Table D.8 – Possibility of avoiding hazard classification from IEC 61508-5 Table D.1 . 40
Table D.9 – Classification of the probability of the unwanted occurrence
from IEC 61508-5 Table D.1 . 40
Table D.10 – Modes of operation – Definitions from IEC 61508-4, 3.5.12 . 41
Table D.11 – SIL Values from 7.6.2.9 of IEC 61508-1 . 41
Table D.12 – Determination of equipment monitoring classification . 43
Table D.13 – FIT rates from example above . 43
Table D.14 – Examples of power limits for optical fibre communication systems
having automatic power reduction to reduce emissions to a lower hazard level . 47

– 4 – 60825-2 Ó IEC:2004+A1:2006+A2:2010
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
SAFETY OF LASER PRODUCTS –
Part 2: Safety of optical fibre communication systems (OFCS)
FOREWORD
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60825-2 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 76:
Optical radiation safety and laser equipment
This consolidated version of IEC 60825-2 consists of the third edition (2004) [documents
76/288/FDIS and 76/293/RVD], its amendment 1 (2006) [documents 76/346/FDIS
and 76/353/RVD] and its amendment 2 (2010) [documents 76/409/CDV and 76/419/RVC],
and the Interpretation sheets 1 (April 2008) and 2 (June 2018).
The technical content is therefore identical to the base edition and its amendments and
has been prepared for user convenience.
It bears the edition number 3.2.
A vertical line in the margin shows where the base publication has been modified by
amendments 1 and 2.
The French version of this standard has not been voted upon.

60825-2 Ó IEC:2004+A1:2006+A2:2010 – 5 –
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
IEC 60825 consists of the following parts, under the general title Safety of laser products:
Part 1: Equipment classification, requirements and user's guide
Part 2: Safety of optical fibre communication systems (OFCS)
Part 3: Guidance for laser displays and shows
Part 4: Laser guards
Part 5: Manufacturer's checklist for IEC 60825-1
Part 8: Guidelines for the safe use of laser beams on humans
Part 9: Compilation of maximum permissible exposure to incoherent optical radiation
Part 10: Application guidelines and explanatory notes to IEC 60825-1
Part 12: Safety of free space optical communication systems used for transmission of
information
Part 13: Measurements for classification of laser products
Part 14: A user’s guide
The committee has decided that the contents of the base publication and its amendments will
remain unchanged until the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under
"http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the
publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The “colour inside” logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this publication using a colour printer.

– 6 – 60825-2 Ó IEC:2004+A1:2006+A2:2010
SAFETY OF LASER PRODUCTS –
Part 2: Safety of optical fibre communication systems (OFCS)

1 Scope and object
This Part 2 of IEC 60825 provides requirements and specific guidance for the safe operation
and maintenance of optical fibre communication systems (OFCS). In these systems optical
power may be accessible outside the confinements of transmitting equipment or at great
distance from the optical source.
This Part 2 requires the assessment of hazard levels at accessible locations as a replacement
for classification according to IEC 60825-1. It applies to the complete installed end-to-end
OFCS, including its components and subassemblies that generate or amplify optical radiation.
Individual components and subassemblies that are sold only to OEM vendors for incorporation
into a complete installed end-to-end OFCS need not be assessed to this standard, since the
final OFCS should itself be assessed according to this standard.
NOTE 1 The above statement is not intended to prevent manufacturers of such components and subassemblies
from using this standard if they wish to do so, or are required to do so by contract.
This standard does not apply to optical fibre systems primarily designed to transmit optical
power for applications such as material processing or medical treatment.
In addition to the hazards resulting from laser radiation, OFCS may also give rise to other
hazards, such as fire.
This standard does not address safety issues associated with explosion or fire with respect to
OFCS deployed in explosive atmospheres.
Throughout this part of IEC 60825, a reference to ‘laser’ is taken to include light-emitting
diodes (LEDs) and optical amplifiers.
NOTE 2 The optical hazard of light emerging from a fibre is determined by the wavelength and power emerging
from the fibre and the optical characteristics of the fibre. (See Annex A.).
The objective of this Part 2 of IEC 60825 is to:
– protect people from optical radiation resulting from OFCS;
– provide requirements for manufacturers, installation organizations, service organizations
and operating organizations in order to establish procedures and supply information so
that proper precautions can be adopted;
– ensure adequate warnings are provided to individuals regarding the potential hazards
associated with OFCS through the use of signs, labels and instructions.
Annex A gives a more detailed rationale for this part of IEC 60825.
The safety of an OFCS depends to a significant degree on the characteristics of the
equipment forming that system. Depending on the characteristics of the equipment, it may be
necessary to mark safety relevant information on the product or include it within the
instructions for use.
60825-2 Ó IEC:2004+A1:2006+A2:2010 – 7 –
Where required by the level of potential hazard, it places the responsibility for the safe
deployment and use of these systems on the installer or end-user / operating organization or
both. This standard places the responsibility for adherence to safety instructions during
installation and service operations on the installation organization and service organizations
as appropriate, and operation and maintenance functions on the end-user or Operating
organization. It is recognised that the user of this standard may fall into one or more of the
aforementioned categories of manufacturer, installation organization, end-user or operating
organization.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60825-1:2007, Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification and
requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions contained in IEC 60825-1 as well
as the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
accessible location
any part or location within an OFCS at which, under reasonably foreseeable events, human
access to laser radiation is possible without the use of a tool
3.2
automatic power reduction (APR)
a feature of an OFCS by which the accessible power is reduced to a specified level within a
specified time, whenever there is an event which could result in human exposure to radiation,
e.g. a fibre cable break
NOTE The term “automatic power reduction” (APR) used in this standard encompasses the following terms used
in recommendations of the International Telecommunication Union ITU:
– automatic laser shutdown (ALS);
– automatic power reduction (APR);
– automatic power shutdown (APSD).
3.3
end-user
person or organization using the OFCS in the manner the system was designed to be used
NOTE 1 The end-user cannot necessarily control the power generated and transmitted within the system.
NOTE 2 If the person or organization is using the OFCS for a communications application in a manner other than
as designed by the manufacturer, then that person/organization assumes the responsibilities of a manufacturer or
installation organization.
3.4
hazard level
the potential hazard at any accessible location within an OFCS. It is based on the level of
optical radiation which could become accessible in a reasonably foreseeable event, e.g. a
fibre cable break. It is closely related to the laser classification procedure in IEC 60825-1

– 8 – 60825-2 Ó IEC:2004+A1:2006+A2:2010
3.5
hazard level 1
hazard level 1 is assigned to any accessible location within an OFCS at which, under
reasonably foreseeable events, human access to laser radiation in excess of the accessible
emission limits of Class 1 for the applicable wavelengths and emission duration will not occur.
The level of radiation is measured with the conditions for Class 1 laser products (see
IEC 60825-1), but with condition 2 being as defined in clause 4.8.1 of this standard
(IEC 60825-2)
3.6
hazard level 1M
hazard level 1M is assigned to any accessible location within an OFCS at which, under a
reasonably foreseeable event, human access to laser radiation in excess of the accessible
emission limits of Class 1 for the applicable wavelengths and emission duration will not occur.
The level of radiation is measured with the conditions for Class 1M laser products (see
IEC 60825-1), but with condition 2 being as defined in clause 4.8.1 of this standard
(IEC 60825-2)
NOTE If the applicable limit of hazard level 1M is larger than the limit of 2 or 3R and less than the limit of 3B,
hazard level 1M is allocated.
3.7
hazard level 2
hazard level 2 is assigned to any accessible location within an OFCS at which, under a
reasonably foreseeable event, human access to laser radiation in excess of the accessible
emission limits of Class 2 for the applicable wavelengths and emission duration will not occur.
The level of radiation is measured with the conditions for Class 2 laser products (see
IEC 60825-1), but with condition 2 being as defined in clause 4.8.1 of this standard
(IEC 60825-2)
NOTE If the applicable limit of hazard level 1M is larger than the limit of 2 and less than the limit of 3B, hazard
level 1M is allocated.
3.8
hazard level 2M
hazard level 2M is assigned to any accessible location within an OFCS at which, under a
reasonably foreseeable event, human access to laser radiation in excess of the accessible
emission limits of Class 2 for the applicable wavelengths and emission duration will not occur.
The level of radiation is measured with the conditions for Class 2M laser products (see
IEC 60825-1), but with condition 2 being as defined in clause 4.8.1 of this standard
(IEC 60825-2)
NOTE If the applicable limit of hazard level 2M is larger than the limit of 3R and less than the limit of 3B, hazard
level 2M is allocated.
3.9
hazard level 3R
hazard level 3R is assigned to any accessible location within an OFCS at which, under a
reasonably foreseeable event, human access to laser radiation in excess of the accessible
emission limits of Class 3R for the applicable wavelengths and emission duration will not
occur. The level of radiation is measured with the conditions for Class 3R laser products (see
IEC 60825-1), but with condition 2 being as defined in clause 4.8.1 of this standard
(IEC 60825-2)
NOTE If the applicable limit of hazard level 1M or 2M is larger than the limit of 3R and less than the limit of 3B,
hazard level 1M or 2M is allocated.

60825-2 Ó IEC:2004+A1:2006+A2:2010 – 9 –
3.10
hazard level 3B
hazard level 3B is assigned to any accessible location within an OFCS at which, under a
reasonably foreseeable event, human access to laser radiation in excess of the accessible
emission limits of Class 3B for the applicable wavelengths and emission duration will not
occur. The level of radiation is measured with the conditions for Class 3B laser products (see
IEC 60825-1), but with condition 2 being as defined in clause 4.8.1 of this standard
(IEC 60825-2)
3.11
hazard level 4
hazard level 4 is assigned to any accessible location within an OFCS at which, under a
reasonably foreseeable event, human access to laser radiation in excess of the accessible
emission limits of Class 3B for the applicable wavelengths and emission duration may occur.
The level of radiation is measured with the conditions for Class 3B laser products (see
IEC 60825-1), but with condition 2 being as defined in clause 4.8.1 of this standard
(IEC 60825-2)
NOTE This standard is applicable for the operation and maintenance of OFCS. In order to achieve an adequate
level of safety for persons who may come into contact with the optical transmission path, hazard level 4 is not
permitted within this standard. It is permitted to use protection systems, such as automatic power reduction, to
achieve the required hazard level where the transmitted power under normal operating conditions (e.g. no fault
exists in the fibre path) exceeds that permitted for a particular location type. For instance, it is possible for
accessible parts of an OFCS to be hazard level 1 even though the power transmitted down the fibre under normal
operating conditions is Class 4.
3.12
installation organization
an organization or individual that is responsible for the installation of an OFCS
3.13
location with controlled access; controlled location
an accessible location where an engineering or administrative control is present to make it
inaccessible, except to authorized personnel with appropriate laser safety training
NOTE For examples see D.2.1 a).
3.14
location with restricted access; restricted location
an accessible location that is normally inaccessible by the general public by means of any
administrative or engineering control measure but that is accessible to authorized personnel
who may not have laser safety training
NOTE For examples see D.2.1 b).
3.15
location with unrestricted access; unrestricted location
an accessible location where there are no measures restricting access to members of the
general public
NOTE For examples see D.2.1 c).
3.16
manufacturer
organization or individual that assembles optical devices and other components in order to
construct or modify an OFCS
3.17
operating organization
organization or individual that is responsible for the operation of an OFCS

– 10 – 60825-2 Ó IEC:2004+A1:2006+A2:2010
3.18
optical fibre communication system (OFCS)
an engineered, end-to-end assembly for the generation, transfer and reception of optical
radiation arising from lasers, LEDs or optical amplifiers, in which the transference is by means
of optical fibre for communication and/or control purposes
3.19
reasonably foreseeable event
an event the occurrence of which under given circumstances can be predicted fairly
accurately, and the occurrence probability or frequency of which is not low or very low
NOTE Examples of reasonably foreseeable events might include the following: fibre cable break, optical
connector disconnection, operator error or inattention to safe working practices.
Reckless use or use for completely inappropriate purposes is not considered as a reasonably foreseeable event.
3.20
service organization
an organization or individual that is responsible for the servicing of an OFCS
3.21
subassembly
any discrete unit, subsystem, network element, or module of an OFCS which contains an
optical emitter or optical amplifier
4 Requirements
4.1 General
This section defines the restrictions that are to be placed on an OFCS and on the location
types in which an OFCS can operate, in accordance with the hazard that arises from optical
radiation becoming accessible as a result of a reasonably foreseeable event. Whenever one
or more alterations are made to an OFCS, the organization responsible for that alteration
shall make a determination of whether each alteration could affect the hazard level. If the
hazard level has changed, the organization responsible for the alteration(s) shall re-label
those locations in the system that are accessible so as to ensure continued compliance with
this standard.
Each accessible location within an OFCS shall be separately assessed to determine the
hazard level at that location. Where multiple communications systems are present at a
location, the hazard level for the location shall be the highest of the levels arising from each
of those systems. Based on the hazard level determined, appropriate actions shall be taken to
ensure compliance with this standard. These actions could for example involve restriction of
access to the location, or the implementation of safety features or redesign of the optical
communications system to reduce the hazard level.
Suppliers of active components and subassemblies in conformance with this standard that do
not comprise an OFCS need to comply only with the applicable portions of Clause 4.
OFCS that also transmit electrical power shall meet the requirements of this standard in
addition to any applicable electrical standard.
NOTE When determining the hazard level, two characteristics have to be taken into account.
1) What is the maximum permissible exposure (MPE)? The level of exposure must be determined at a location
where it is reasonably foreseeable that a person could be exposed to radiation coming from the OFCS. The time
taken for the APR system (if present) to operate must be included when determining the MPE. If the OFCS does
not incorporate APR, then meeting the requirements referred to in Note 2 below will be taken as automatically
meeting the requirements of this Note 1 without further investigation or tests. Requirements are described in 4.8.2.
2) What is the maximum permitted power at which the OFCS can operate after a reasonable foreseeable event
(such as a fibre-break) has caused the radiation to become accessible? This maximum power value could be lower
than the normal operating power in the fibre as a result of activation of the APR system. Requirements are
described in 4.8.1.
60825-2 Ó IEC:2004+A1:2006+A2:2010 – 11 –
4.2 Protective housing of OFCS
Each OFCS shall have a protective housing which, when in place, prevents human access to
laser radiation in excess of hazard level 1 limits under normal operating conditions.
4.3 Fibre cables
If the potential hazard at any accessible location within an OFCS is hazard level 1M, 2M, 3R
or 3B, then the fibre optic cable shall have mechanical properties appropriate to its physical
location. Cables for various physical locations are described in the IEC 60794 series. Where
necessary, additional protection, for example ducting, conduit or raceway, may be required for
locations where the fibre would otherwise be susceptible to damage.
4.4 Cable connectors
The following requirements for cable connectors may be achieved by the mechanical design
of the connectors, or by the positioning of the connector, or by any other suitable means.
Whichever means is chosen, human access to radiation above that permitted for connectors
in a particular location type shall be prevented.
NOTE The use of a tool for disconnection is one example of a mechanical solution.
4.4.1 Unrestricted locations
In unrestricted locations, if the accessible radiation level exceeds:
– hazard level 2 within the wavelength range 400 nm to 700 nm, or
– hazard level 1 in all other cases,
then suitable means shall limit access to the radiation from the connector.
NOTE In an unrestricted location the highest hazard levels permitted are hazard level 2M for the wavelength
range 400 nm to 700 nm and hazard level 1M in all other cases (see 4.9.1)
4.4.2 Restricted locations
In restricted locations, if the accessible radiation level exceeds:
– hazard level 2M within the wavelength range 400 nm to 700 nm, or
– hazard level 1M in all other cases,
then suitable means shall limit access to the radiation from the connector.
NOTE In a restricted location the highest hazard level permitted is hazard level 1M, 2M or 3R, whichever is the
higher (see 4.9.2).
4.4.3 Controlled locations
In controlled locations, if the accessible radiation level exceeds:
– hazard level 2M within the wavelength range 400 nm to 700 nm, or
– hazard level 1M in all other cases,
then suitable means shall limit access to the radiation from the connector.
NOTE In a controlled location the highest hazard level permitted is hazard level 3B (see 4.9.3).

– 12 – 60825-2 Ó IEC:2004+A1:2006+A2:2010
4.5 Automatic power reduction (APR) and restart pulses
If equipment makes use of an automatic power reduction (APR) system in order to reduce its
assigned hazard level, then it shall be restarted with restrictions which are described in the
following three scenarios. In addition, the APR shall be designed to have an adequate level of
reliability (see Note 1).
NOTE 1 Examples of calculating the reliability of APR systems are given in Clause D.5.
NOTE 2 The restart interval described in the following scenarios is wavelength-dependent as described in
IEC 60825-1.
4.5.1 Automatic restart
In the case where the restart is initiated automatically, the timing and power of the restart
process shall be restricted such that the hazard level assigned to each accessible location of
the system shall not be exceeded.
4.5.2 Manual restart with assured continuity
In the case where the restart is initiated manually and the continuity of the communications
path is assured by the use of administrative controls or other means, the timing and power of
the restart process is not restricted (see Note 3). The manufacturer’s instructions shall specify
that administrative controls (or other means) must take account of the fact that the assigned
hazard level at any accessible location may be exceeded during this restart procedure.
NOTE 3 Since in this case the timing and power of the restart process is not restricted, the administrative or other
controls will need to take into consideration any increased risk of new hazards (such as fire). It is important that
these additional controls be documented in the appropriate service instructions.
4.5.3 Manual restart without assured continuity
In the case where the restart is initiated manually and the continuity of the communications
path is not assured, the timing and power of the restart process shall be restricted such that
the hazard level assigned to each accessible location of the system shall not be exceeded.
4.5.4 Disabling of the APR
If a manual initiated restart of the system temporarily inactivates the APR, the system must
indicate that the APR is not operable for the duration of the reboot so that the operating
organization can take the appropriate precautions. Unless these conditions are met, the
hazard level must be assigned using the transmitting power level before APR.
Disabling of the APR mechanism shall not be permitted for Class 3B and 4 transmitting
powers, unless all of the following conditions are met:
1) that such disabling is necessary only for the infrequent incidences of system installation
and service;
2) that such disabling can only be done via software commands or a manual lockout key
system;
3) if disabling is done via software commands, incorporated in such software shall be a
security system that prevents inadvertent disabling of the APR mechanism;
4) that such software incorporate a warning indicator that the APR will be disabled if the
procedure is continued;
5) continuous operation of the traffic-carrying OFCS with APR disabled shall be prevented
by suitable engineering means;
6) proper instructions on the safe use of the equipment with the disabled APR are included
in the documentation.
60825-2 Ó IEC:2004+A1:2006+A2:2010 – 13 –
7) it shall not be possible to disable the APR permanently – the APR must automatically re-
enable (see also note 3);
8) it shall only be possible to disable APR at the transmitting equipment (i.e. remote
disabling of the APR is not normally permitted), except when in direct communication with
persons (possibly at remote locations) likely to be exposed to higher levels of radiation
than before the APR is disabled.
NOTE 1 Consideration should be given to the fact that Raman systems may also emit high power from the
receive termination.
9) a clear and unambiguous warning shall be displayed continuously while the APR remains
disabled;
10) manual start-up or re-start of high power systems with APR disabled
It is recognised that systems utilising high optical powers (by their very nature) must use high
powers to ensure continuity - otherwise no signal will be received at the far end. Therefore it
is permitted to use high powers (class 4) at initial system start-up, provided this is done by
trained personnel under defined conditions.
Every effort must be made to ensure system continuity (i.e. OTDR continuity testing from both
ends of the system) and to ensure personnel are not exposed to class 3B or class 4 radiation.
This can also be done by rigorous administrative controls.
NOTE 2 Except where otherwise explicitly stated, this standard does not permit end-to-end OFCS to operate if
accessible locations within that system are hazard level 4. If the transmitting power of a transmitter, amplifier, etc.
is Class 4 and the APR has been disabled, then the result would be accessible locations operating at hazard
level 4. Nevertheless, it is recognised that it may be necessary to disable the APR in certain conditions, but these
conditions need to be well controlled and time-limited so that the probability of exposure to a Class 4 radiation is
very low.
NOTE 3 Regarding condition 5), an example of a ‘suitable engineering means’ is a control system that
automatically re-enables the APR as soon as practicable after a time interval that is long enough to complete
whatever task that caused the APR to be initially deactivated.
NOTE 4 One hour is suggested as a suitable time after which the APR should re-enable.
4.6 Labelling or marking
4.6.1 General requirements
Where required by this subclause, each optical connector, splice box or other part emitting
radiation when opened shall be marked (e.g. with a label, sleeve, tag, tape etc.), if the hazard
level at the location is in excess of hazard level 1. The information shall consist of the
information identified in Tables 1, 2 or 3 as applicable.
Where the accessible radiation at points of disconnection is hazard level 1 or hazard level 1M
it is permitted for the above information to be provided in information for the user instead of
as a marking on the product.
Markings shall be coloured black on a yellow background. Labels reproduced in the
documentation provided by the manufacturer or by the operating organisation are permitted to
use black on a white background.
It is acceptable to reduce the marking in size, providing that the result is legible. For
subassemblies containing
...