User's Manual

Bronx Justice Centre Radio Repeaters
Handbook Number: 80-283501HBKM Page: 7 of 86
2.4 Chemical Hazard
Beryllium Oxide, also known as Beryllium Monoxide, or Thermalox™, is sometimes
used in devices within equipment produced by Aerial Facilities Ltd. Beryllium oxide
dust can be toxic if inhaled, leading to chronic respiratory problems. It is harmless if
ingested or by contact.
Products that contain beryllium are load terminations (dummy loads) and some power amplifier
transistors. These products can be identified by a yellow and black “skull and crossbones” danger
symbol (shown above). They are marked as hazardous in line with international regulations, but pose
no threat under normal circumstances. Only if a component containing beryllium oxide has suffered
catastrophic failure, or exploded, will there be any danger of the formation of dust. Any dust that has
been created will be contained within the equipment module as long as the module remains sealed.
For this reason, any module carrying the yellow and black danger sign should not be opened. If the
equipment is suspected of failure, or is at the end of its life-cycle, it must be returned to Aerial
Facilities Ltd for disposal.
To return such equipment, please contact the Quality Department, who will give you a Returned
Materials Authorisation (RMA) number. Please quote this number on the packing documents, and on
all correspondence relating to the shipment.
PolyTetraFluoroEthylene, (P.T.F.E.) and P.T.F.E. Composite Materials
Many modules/components in AFL equipment contain P.T.F.E. as part of the RF insulation barrier.
This material should never be heated to the point where smoke or fumes are evolved. Any person
feeling drowsy after coming into contact with P.T.F.E. especially dust or fumes should seek medical
attention.
2.5 Laser Safety
General working practices adapted from EN60825-2: 2000
“Do not stare with unprotected eyes or with any unapproved optical device at the fibre
ends or connector faces or point them at other people.”
“Use only approved filtered or attenuating viewing aids.”
“Any single or multiple fibre end or ends found not to be terminated (for example,
matched, spliced) shall be individually or collectively covered when not being worked
on. They shall not be readily visible and sharp ends shall not be exposed.”
“When using test cords, the optical power source shall be the last connected and the first
disconnected.”
“Use only approved methods for cleaning and preparing optical fibres and optical connectors.”
Always keep optical connectors covered to avoid physical damage
Do not allow any dirt/foreign material ingress on the optical connector bulkheads.
The optical fibre jumper cable maximum bend radius is 3cm; any smaller radii may result in optical
cable breakage or excessive transmission losses.
Note: Not all AFL products use fibre optic units and they are NOT weather proof.
2.6 Emergency Contact Numbers
The AFL Quality Department can be contacted on:
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-mail
[e-mail]