What is EDFA laser safety?
Laser safety is a systematic strategy used in telecom, cutting, medical and industrial settings to ensure the safe use of lasers. It seeks to reduce the incidence of accidents that can cause major injuries such as skin burns and eye impairment. Government restrictions restrict the sale and use of lasers due to the potential for permanent eye injury, even with little volumes of light.
Why is EDFA laser safety so important?
High-power lasers typically decrease exposure to laser radiation during regular operation. EDFA has pump laser inside that generates invisible laser radiation in the infrared and optical ranges.
PL2000H Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier is a Class 3B laser product per IEC 60825-1:1993.Lasers in this class may cause damage if the beam enters the eye directly. This generally applies to lasers powered from 5–500 mW.
Lasers in this category can cause permanent eye damage with exposures of 1/100th of a second or more depending on the strength of the laser. A diffuse reflection is generally not hazardous but specular reflections can be just as dangerous as direct exposures. Lasers at the high power end of this class may also present a fire hazard and can lightly burn skin.
PL2000x high power EDFA  is a class 4 laser safety according to the international classification that can burn the skin or cause devastating and permanent eye damage as a result of direct, diffuse, or indirect beam viewing.
These lasers may ignite combustible materials and thus may represent a fire risk. These hazards may also apply to indirect or non-specular reflections of the beam, even from apparently matte surfaces, indicating that great care must be taken to control the beam path.Â
What should we do for EDFA laser safety?
When EDFA is a high power type with class 3b and 4 laser.
Use the appropriate laser safety eyewear when operating this device.
Do not install or terminate the fibers when the amplifier is active.
Do not look directly at any fiber end. Always keep your eyes at least 30 cm away from any light-guiding fiber or device.
Do not view an activated fiber with optical instruments (e.g., magnifiers, microscopes)
Do not open the cover! Laser hazards might increase.
Keep in mind that merging multiple light signals increases the hazard.
Allow only personnel trained in laser safety to operate the amplifier. Otherwise, injuries to the personnel may occur.