Data center cleaning services require adherence to strict security background checks, specialized training to avoid damaging sensitive equipment, and the proper tools necessary for sanitizing a high-performance electronic environment.
Data Center Cleaning Services
As an IT manager or data center administrator, the last thing in the world that you want is someone poking around your server room.
However, due to the nature of raised flooring and underfloor plenum, dust can build up quickly--potentially leading to a damaged server or network equipment, and possibly triggering an alarm from the hyper-sensitive smoke detection system.
According to Doug Alder of Cisco Systems;
Data centers, with all the sensitive equipment they house, are different from any other business environment.
Not only can dust particles affect equipment operation, but the super-sensitive smoke detectors that dot server spaces can also pick up contaminants in the space, misinterpreting them as smoke and sounding an alarm when particulate counts rise.
Alarms blaring in your data center are, of course, best avoided.
Additionally, dust buildup can clog environmental control systems, leading to issues with temperature control and airflow restrictions.
Further, dust buildup on servers and network equipment can lead to similar temperature and airflow issues--a challenge which underscores the requirement for highly trained, vetted, and competent custodial technicians using the proper RF suppressed, and antistatic cleaning products and tools.
Primary Areas of Focus
Data centers have three primary areas that should be the focus of regular cleaning services.
- Servers/Server Racks - Dusting off the top and exterior of server racks and enclosures is a relatively simple and straightforward task requiring the use of antistatic microfiber equipment. Cleaning the inside and dusting off the servers and other sensitive network equipment is another matter, altogether--requiring a level of knowledge from the custodial provider regarding the sensitivity of the data, and the ability to identify critical power and network connections and controls, as well as a level of trust verified through high-level background checks.
- Floor - Raised flooring should be regularly cleaned with antistatic equipment and cleaning products on a regular basis to avoid the building of dust and dirt, which can significantly reduce the ability of the floor to dissipate static, as well as the numerous germs and bacteria present on the bottom of occupant shoes.
- Underfloor Plenum - The underfloor plenum is, unfortunately, the recipient of, and primary spreader of dust and other airborne particles throughout the data center. As the dust is blown up into the data center environment, it can lead to clogged ventilation systems and potential fire hazards, or accidental suppressant release that could lead to catastrophic damage to data, as well as present safety hazards to occupants if Halon is used.
Additional areas to focus on, though not as mission critical, are:
- Power generator rooms.
- Electrical switching spaces, and;
- Unpacking rooms.
A Note on Unpacking Rooms
Unpacking rooms (where network and server equipment are unboxed) have a bad habit of filling up with cardboard, wood, and other shipping materials that can:
- Create clutter.
- Attract dust and dirt, which can transfer to the data center.
- Present an unprofessional appearance, and;
- Act as a potential fire hazard that can negatively affect safety and insurance audits.
As such, they should be cleaned as regularly as possible, especially the floor, vents, and horizontal work surfaces.
Green Cleaning Tips
- The floor and equipment surfaces should be professionally cleaned on a quarterly basis, at least--more often as budgeting allows.
- The underfloor plenum should be professionally serviced at least once per year.
- Don't sweep; that will just knock dust into the air. Instead, use a data center dedicated dry microfiber mop or broom.
- If you need to use a vacuum, make sure that it is HEPA filtered to avoid knocking dust into the air.
- Only used specialized cleaning products rated for data centers, and only lightly dampen the cleaning cloth--preferably a high-performance microfiber towel.
References & Resources
Takeaway
Data centers house sensitive equipment storing highly-sensitive information that must be kept safe and secure at all costs.
To accomplish this, the data center will need to be regularly serviced by a custodial provider that has passed an exhaustive background check and has been trained in proper cleaning procedures, as well as be able to identify the critical server and network hardware components and cabling to avoid damaging critical hardware while cleaning.
If you would like to learn more about our highly specialized data center cleaning services or the cost-saving benefits of outsourcing to a dedicated and motivated commercial janitorial provider--contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
