Just like any other business, data centers have certain workplace risks that must be monitored. Educating yourself on these risks, conducting assessments, and putting safety guidelines in place can all help protect your employees and business. Learn the tips and practices your data center should follow to maintain safety and security.
Learn the National Electric Code
Understanding the National Electric Code can help you identify the hazards of working with electrical equipment. The first step to creating a safe work environment is assessing the risks in your workplace, and the National Electric Code outlines these risks. If you’re new to electrical contracting or working in a data center, learning more about the National Electric Code will help you better understand the risks, guidelines, and practices that can improve your business.
Reduce Electrical Fire Risks
Once you understand the risks that come with working around electrical equipment, it’s essential to do everything you can to reduce these risks. Electrical fires, shocks, and more can all stem from poor equipment and cable maintenance. Your data center employees should always wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for working with electrical systems and equipment. Practice safe electrical cable habits and familiarize yourself with circuit protection procedures such as shut-offs and reenergizing. Never overload outlets, run cables underneath carpet or other materials, or use old cables in your data center. Electrical lines should be neat, organized, and well-marked.
Create a Safe Work Environment
Preventing fire risks is just one part of preventing accidents in a data center. Data centers can experience the same workplace risks as any other business, such as working at elevated heights, hot work, and tripping and falling hazards. Ensure that your business has devoted training periods and guidelines for these situations. Carry out safety checks for employees performing elevated operations on roofs or tall equipment; make sure employees conduct hot work away from IT and other electrical equipment to minimize fire hazards. Finally, your business’s walkways should be free of cables and debris to prevent tripping hazards.
Following these various safety tips and practices can help reduce accidents and injuries in your data center. Workplaces such as data centers have higher risks for electrical fires and other accidents, so always be sure to follow the National Electrical Code and other safety guidelines to protect your employees and business.
