Besides the usual safety issues for construction, generally covered under OSHA rules (OSHA 10 and 30), fiber optics adds concerns for eye safety, chemicals, sparks from fusion splicing, disposal of fiber shards and more. Fiber-optic cables are the backbone of modern connectivity—powering 5G networks, global internet backbones, and data center interconnections with near-light-speed data transmission. While these cables are engineered for durability (with some rated to last 25+ years), they are not invulnerable. Understanding the differences between these technologies is the first step in accurately assessing the real-world risks, which. There are plenty of hazards to watch for when working on commercial and industrial networks. More often it's a lack of understanding of the real hazards of fiber optic cable that can be the most. Understanding the safety hazards that go with fiber optic cable is critical for those who install or maintain fiber optic systems. As electrical professionals, most of us take fiber optic (FO) safety for granted.