04 Jan Computer Room Safe Work Practices

Computer Room Safe Work Practices

Computer rooms and data centers contain concentrated electrical equipment, battery backup systems, specialized cooling systems, raised floors, and fire-suppression equipment. These conditions create hazards that require controlled access, good housekeeping, electrical awareness, and familiarity with site-specific emergency procedures.

Fire and Electrical Hazards

Computer rooms contain significant electrical loads and equipment that can generate considerable heat. Electrical faults, overheated equipment, damaged wiring, batteries, and combustible materials can contribute to fire hazards.

Employees working in computer rooms should:

• Know the location of fire alarms, emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and emergency power-off (EPO) controls.
• Keep electrical panels, equipment, extinguishers, and exits unobstructed.
• Report unusual odors, smoke, overheating equipment, damaged wiring, or electrical problems immediately.
• Never overload receptacles, power strips, or extension cords.
• Do not perform electrical repairs unless trained, qualified, and authorized.
• Follow applicable lockout/tagout procedures when servicing equipment that could expose employees to hazardous energy.
• Remember that UPS systems, batteries, generators, or other backup sources may remain energized even when normal building power has been disconnected.

Never assume equipment is de-energized solely because an EPO has been activated.

Fire Protection Systems

Depending on the facility, computer-room fire protection may include:

• Smoke or early-warning fire detection systems;
• Automatic sprinklers;
• Clean-agent fire-suppression systems;
• Portable fire extinguishers;
• Fire-alarm pull stations; and
• Emergency power-off systems.

Employees must understand the systems installed in the specific computer room where they work.

Older facilities may still contain legacy fire-suppression systems. Halon systems should not be assumed to be present in modern facilities, and employees should follow the procedures established for the actual suppression system installed.

Never disable, bypass, place into manual mode, or otherwise alter a fire-detection or suppression system unless specifically authorized under an established facility procedure.

If a Fire Occurs

If you discover smoke or fire:

1. Warn others and activate the facility’s emergency notification or fire-alarm system.
2. Call 911 or the designated emergency number as required by the Emergency Action Plan.
3. Evacuate according to established procedures.
4. Activate an EPO only when required by the facility’s emergency procedure and when it can be done safely.
5. Do not assume the EPO has eliminated every electrical energy source.
6. Attempt to use a portable fire extinguisher only if you are trained and authorized, the fire is small and manageable, and you have a clear evacuation route behind you.

Never place yourself at risk to protect computer equipment.

Clean-Agent Fire Suppression

Clean-agent systems may be used because they can suppress fires while limiting damage to sensitive electronic equipment.

If a suppression-system alarm or discharge warning activates:

• Stop work immediately.
• Follow posted emergency instructions.
• Evacuate when directed by the alarm or facility procedure.
• Do not remain in the room to protect equipment or investigate the alarm unless specifically trained and authorized.
• Do not re-enter until authorized personnel have determined that conditions are safe.

Smoke, combustion products, and decomposition products from a fire may be hazardous even when the extinguishing agent itself has relatively low toxicity.

Access and Security

Computer rooms should be accessible only to authorized personnel.

• Follow all badge, key, and access-control requirements.
• Do not allow unauthorized personnel to enter behind you or “tailgate” through a controlled door.
• Visitors and contractors must follow applicable escort requirements.
• Report suspicious activity, damaged security equipment, or unauthorized access.
• Do not interfere with security cameras, access-control devices, or monitoring equipment.

Security controls protect both personnel and critical equipment.

Cooling and Ventilation

Data-center equipment generates significant heat and depends on properly designed airflow for cooling.

• Do not block air-conditioning units, vents, supply openings, or return-air pathways.
• Do not relocate fans, floor tiles, airflow panels, or cooling equipment without authorization.
• Keep materials away from equipment ventilation openings.
• Report unusual temperatures, failed cooling equipment, or ventilation problems.

Never make unauthorized changes to airflow simply because an area feels unusually hot or cold.

Raised Floors and Floor Openings

Raised-access floors present additional hazards when tiles or panels are removed.

• Use the proper lifting device or tile puller to remove floor panels.
• Barricade or otherwise guard exposed floor openings immediately.
• Never leave an unprotected floor opening unattended.
• Maintain good lighting around open floor areas.
• Keep tools, cords, and materials away from openings.
• Replace panels using the proper lifting device rather than placing fingers near the opening.
• Make sure panels are properly seated after replacement.

Employees working nearby should remain alert for temporarily removed floor panels and changes in walking surfaces.

Housekeeping

Good housekeeping is especially important around sensitive electrical and electronic equipment.

• Keep aisles and exits clear.
• Remove boxes, packaging, cable scraps, and unnecessary combustible materials.
• Route cables and cords so they do not create trip hazards.
• Do not store liquids where spills could reach energized equipment.
• Clean spills immediately when safe to do so.
• Keep required clearance around electrical equipment and emergency devices.

Before Starting Work

Before performing maintenance, installation, construction, or other work in a computer room, identify:

• Emergency exits and evacuation routes;
• Fire alarms and extinguishers;
• EPO locations and site-specific procedures;
• Electrical and stored-energy hazards;
• UPS and battery systems;
• Fire-suppression system requirements;
• Raised-floor hazards;
• Cooling and ventilation restrictions; and
• Access and security requirements.

If the work could affect electrical systems, cooling, fire protection, security, or other critical infrastructure, coordinate with the facility or data-center representative before beginning.

Remember

Computer rooms may appear clean and controlled, but they contain electrical, fire, stored-energy, access, ventilation, and walking-surface hazards. Follow facility procedures, maintain security, protect floor openings, and know what to do before an emergency occurs.