JAY TOURIGNY FIBRE CLEANING
the-job training is one way to educate. However, it may not enable engineers to fully understand why they must follow certain cleaning and inspection processes. Classroom based training offers the time and the details required to properly install and repair fibre optic systems in both inside and outside plant operations. There are specialised companies that offer detailed training in the correct steps of inspect, clean, inspect. They also cover more advanced topics including troubleshooting systems, planning for damage loss and maintaining necessary documentation about the fibre optic system. Alternatively, there is remote and online training. Online learning is increasingly becoming a powerful tool with which to improve the skills of a workforce. Implementing an effective e-learning programme can help to enhance the levels of workplace skills which is critical to the success of modern networks. The fibre optic industry is consistently changing with new regulations, requirements and operating procedures being introduced. Any e-learning technology should have the flexibility to incorporate new updates and the latest industry guidelines, for example, any changes to the IEC 61300-3-35 standard. By understanding proper cleaning procedures and improving skills and knowledge through training, technicians can confidently install and maintain fibre correctly, therefore increasing its reliability and ensuring networks run efficiently. FIND A CLEANING PARTNER Taking extra care to inspect, clean, inspect both end-faces before mating will ensure the reliability and longevity of the fibre optic network. The cleaning procedures themselves are straightforward. If technicians take the extra few minutes and don’t rush the process, the connections will have greater integrity over the life of the fibre optic system. When choosing fibre optic cleaning fluids, tools and methods, technicians should seek the help of an experienced supplier that specialises in fibre optic cleaning tools and methods. They can recommend specific products engineered for their use, and provide expertise on how to use them properly. Jay Tourigny is Senior Vice President at MicroCare, which offers Sticklers brand fibre cleaning solutions. He has been in the industry more than 30 years
A READY-TO-USE FIBRE OPTIC CLEANING KIT KEEPS CLEANING TOOLS AND FLUIDS TO HAND
• Do make sure the end-faces are free of any contaminants before they are put into service. If you notice any contaminants left on the end-faces, repeat the cleaning process with a new wipe until it inspects as clean. • Do perform routine inspections when installing new or servicing existing fibre optic connections. Clean connectors ensure the system is running correctly and all data is being transmitted at optimal speed. • Do it right the first time. Leaving contaminants on the end-faces can degrade the system performance or cause a complete shutdown resulting in costly and time-consuming rollbacks and system trouble shooting and repairs. MANAGE THE STEPS THROUGH TRAINING It is all very well having the right cleaning tools to hand, but if they are being used incorrectly and without proper training, they will be ineffective. Training is recommended for anybody who specifies, installs or repairs fibre optic systems. Technicians should be trained in ‘best practice’ cleaning procedures to future- proof each installation. Learning may need to be refreshed at regular intervals, and long-standing engineers may require re-educating to ensure everyone follows a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in cleaning and inspecting processes. As a SOP, technicians should be working to the international standard IEC 61300- 3-35 for inspection and cleaning fibre optic connectors. It includes a list of requirements for fibre optic connector end-face quality. The guideline highlights specific cleanliness grading criteria to measure pass or fail certification for the inspection of a fibre end-face before connection. Technicians should understand this standard and use it as a reference tool to ensure all cleaning undertaken is precise and thorough. On-
This attracts more contaminants and causes oils to transfer onto the cleaning wipe or swab, and potentially the end- face you are trying to clean. • Don’t wear gloves when working with wipes and swabs. While you may think that wearing gloves will protect the cleaning materials from the oils in your skin, you will actually be adding more particulates. Gloves are a carrier of all kinds of microscopic contaminants. It’s best to simply wash your hands prior to cleaning a connector. • Don’t wipe the end-face of the fibre optic on your shirt or other clothing. This is not an appropriate cleaning mechanism and will only cause the end- face to be dirtier than when the cleaning process started. • Do use an optical grade cleaning fluid that is ultra-pure, non-flammable, static-dissipating and residue-free. It should also be in a hermetically sealed (unrefillable) container to prevent cross- contamination and spilling. • Do use high-quality wipes and swabs (or sticks) to prevent linting and cross- contamination of the fibre end-faces. • Do throw away all wipes and swabs after each use. This ensures that the contaminants picked up by the cleaning materials won’t end up back on the end-face. • Do use the wet-dry cleaning method. Dampen a section of a lint-free cleaning wipe with a static-dissipative cleaning fluid. Then wipe the end-face, starting at the damp area and moving in one direction towards the dry area of the cleaning wipe. This removes the contamination and dissipates electro- static charges in one step. STEP 3 INSPECT • Don’t forget to repeat the inspection process. This is a critical step to make sure the fibre optic end-faces in the system will function reliably.
and holds a BS from The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Tourigny holds numerous U.S. patents for cleaning-related products that are used on a daily basis in fibre optic,
medical and precision cleaning applications.
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ISSUE 21 | Q3 2020
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