🔥Comprehensive Data Centre White Space & Associated Systems Checklist📜

Managing a data centre requires adherence to stringent standards to ensure safety, operational efficiency, and continuity. This checklist prioritises fire safety, environmental management, and infrastructure integrity. The following detailed checks will assist operators in maintaining a high-performing and secure data centre environment.

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Fire Safety Systems

Fire Detection Systems

• Type of Fire Detection System: Confirm the type of fire detection system installed:

  • VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus)

  • HSSD (High-Sensitivity Smoke Detection)

  • ASD (Aspirating Smoke Detection)

  • Conventional Smoke Detection

  • Photoelectric or Ionisation Sensors

• Number of Smoke Detection Sensors: Ensure adequate coverage with an appropriate number of sensors.

• Placement of Smoke Detectors: Verify optimal positioning in the white space, ensuring compliance with fire safety standards.

• Area Covered Per Sensor: Each sensor should cover a defined area (in m²) without exceeding its design capacity.

Fire Suppression Systems

• Type of Fire Suppression System:

  • Inert Gas

  • CO2

  • Oxy-Reduction

  • HFC Gas (e.g., FM200, NOVEC1230)

  • Water Mist

  • None

• Gas Product Certification: Confirm the certification and safe handling of suppression gases.

• Pre-Action System: Verify the presence of a double-knock system for added reliability.

• Manual Release and ABORT Buttons: Ensure their presence and proper placement for immediate manual intervention.

• Fire Suppression Nozzles: Maintain a 460mm clearance below nozzles and ensure a 1.5m unobstructed radius.

• Fire Control Panels: Install these outside the data centre entrance for easy access.

• Handheld Fire Extinguishers: Place Type C extinguishers both inside and outside the data centre.

• Fire Seals: Inspect their condition and replace as needed.

Fire System Integration

• Connection to UPS: Confirm fire systems are backed by the UPS for uninterrupted operation.

• Shutdown Protocols:

  • CRAC/CRAH Units

  • Fire Dampers

  • UPS Input and Output Shunt-Trips

• Secondary Water-Based Suppression: Assess the need and presence of a secondary system.

Fire Safety Procedures and Compliance

• Ensure fire warning/evacuation signs are present both inside and outside the data centre.

• Verify the availability and currency of operational and maintenance procedures.

• Conduct regular gas pressure testing and ensure integrity certificates are up to date.

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Environmental Monitoring Systems

Environmental Management System (EMS) or Building Management System (BMS/BAS)

• Confirm the presence of an EMS/BMS and record the product name, release level, and maintenance provider.

• Verify monitoring of the following parameters:

  • Room temperature

  • Humidity

  • Air conditioning units

  • Fire detection and activation

  • UPS alarms

  • Floor water sensors

Ceiling & Wall Integrity

• Ceiling Slab (Soffit): Ensure waterproofing and sealing.

• Suspended Ceiling: Confirm the type (e.g., anti-static vinyl, steel) and condition.

• Walls:

  • Perimeter walls should extend slab-to-slab and be waterproofed.

  • Verify vapour barriers or double-walls.

  • Fire rating: Minimum 1-2 hours.

  • Doors: Check fire rating and structural integrity.

• Glass: Ensure glazing is fire-rated, shatterproof, and resistant to thermal shock.

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Flooring & Raised Floors

Raised Floor System

• Type of Raised Floor:

  • Die-Formed Welded Steel (DWS)

  • Cement Core

  • Composite

• Tile Condition:

  • Inspect for missing, damaged, or inconsistent tiles.

  • Ensure vented tiles are placed in cold aisles.

• Height and Clearance:

  • Measure raised floor void height.

  • Confirm clearance for fire suppression nozzles.

• Sealing:

  • All tile openings should be sealed with brush panels.

  • Check for airflow obstructions.

Cable Management

• Underfloor Systems:

  • Mesh cable baskets to minimise airflow disturbance.

  • Cable trays with perforations.

• Cable Separation:

  • Maintain 60cm distance between electrical and data cables.

  • Avoid fluorescent lighting proximity.

• Cable Bundling:

  • Use Velcro strips instead of plastic ties.

  • Limit bundles to 24 cables.

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Lighting and Accessibility

• Lighting Levels:

  • Measure light strength (Lux) 1.0m above the floor in cold and hot aisles.

• Accessibility:

  • Maintain a minimum pass-thru width of 1.0m and height of 2.13m.

  • Ensure door sizes can accommodate large IT equipment.

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Additional Checks

Emergency Preparedness

• Emergency exit doors must meet AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) requirements.

• Deploy “sticky mats” and shoe covers at entrances.

Structural Load & Integrity

• Verify certified load capacity (kg/m²) for ceilings and raised floors.

• Assess the general condition of the floor and surrounding infrastructure.

Documentation & Maintenance

• Ensure all relevant documentation, certificates, and maintenance records are up to date.

• Conduct periodic reviews and update the checklist as per regulatory or technological changes.

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Wrap

Adhering to this detailed checklist ensures the data centre operates securely and efficiently. Regular audits and updates are essential to address evolving risks and maintain compliance with industry standards.

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