{"id":28573,"date":"2024-05-01T18:15:49","date_gmt":"2024-05-01T18:15:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/serverlift.com\/?p=28573"},"modified":"2025-05-02T16:41:11","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T16:41:11","slug":"8-data-center-safety-components","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/serverlift.com\/nb\/blog\/8-data-center-safety-components\/","title":{"rendered":"Data Center Safety: 8 Key Components"},"content":{"rendered":"

Data centers can be dangerous, even for experienced workers. There are plenty of opportunities for something to go wrong, with electrical work, fire and tripping hazards, and employees often having to manually lift and move very heavy equipment. Understanding the potential dangers in data center environments ensures the proper precautions can be taken.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Top Eight Components of Data Center Safety<\/span><\/h2>\n

1. Stay up-to-date on risk assessments and protocols<\/span><\/h3>\n

Data center safety today is very different from the safety protocols of ten years ago. Safety protocols change quickly, and so do the risks in data centers. New potential hazards are introduced any time new equipment comes in, racks are rearranged, contracting work is done, or any other change to the status quo occurs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many potential hazards are easily overlooked. If a data center is hyper-focused on a particular issue\u2014for instance, fire safety\u2014it\u2019s easy for workers to step over some loose cables in the aisle or walk past a familiar area without noticing it lacks a \u201chigh voltage\u201d warning sign.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Frequent safety checks will identify new risks and update old ones. After these risks are identified, safety protocols can be developed to address them, and updated training provided to employees.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

V\u00e5re <\/span>Safety and Risk Assessment Scorecard<\/span><\/a> will help identify potential risks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Review lockout\/tagout procedures<\/span><\/h3>\n

Strict lockout and tagout procedures, which are designed to control hazardous energy, save lives. <\/span>OSHA guidelines<\/span><\/a> require equipment to be locked out\u2014totally de-energized, turned off, and\/or disconnected from a power source\u2014whenever possible before work is done. If equipment cannot be locked out, it must be tagged out, which involves marking the equipment so workers can avoid it when performing potentially hazardous procedures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Every employee who works around electrical equipment must be up-to-date on lockout\/tagout protocols before handling anything. While OSHA requires only general training as a bare minimum, the best data centers typically offer more detailed training that includes equipment-specific information and guidance on what to do when a safety issue arises.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Train qualified employees for electrical work<\/span><\/h3>\n

Electrical work should be performed only by employees who have received safety training. A best practice is that each electrical job is overseen by another employee or a manager to watch for potential mistakes. Two pairs of eyes, both trained in current safety best practices, will reduce the possibility of mistakes that could cause injuries or death.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To set this team up for success, perform these tasks before any electrical work happens:<\/span><\/p>\n