What is a primary safety concern when installing aerial fiber-optic cables between poles?

The primary safety concern when installing aerial fiber-optic cables between poles is the buildup of lethal amounts of static electricity. This is particularly significant in aerial installations because fiber-optic cables are often exposed to various environmental conditions, including wind, rain, and changes in humidity. These factors can impact the insulation and design of the cables, leading to the potential for static electricity to accumulate.

Static electricity can pose serious risks not only to the equipment being installed but also to the technicians working on the installation. When high levels of static charge build up, it can result in a discharge that might cause electric shock or even ignite flammable materials in the vicinity. Therefore, awareness and proper grounding measures must be taken during the installation process to mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of personnel and the integrity of the installation.

The other concerns, while they may be relevant to certain aspects of fiber-optic cable installation, do not pose the same level of imminent danger as static electricity accumulation during aerial installations. For instance, while cable tangling can lead to complications, it is more of a logistical issue rather than a direct safety hazard. Similarly, physical damage from falling objects and wildlife interference are certainly considerations in aerial installations, but they are not as critical to immediate personal safety as