Corrosion, an age-old nemesis, silently creeps into our equipment, wreaking havoc and causing untold damage. But fear not, for understanding the fundamentals of corrosion is the first step towards effective management.
Maintaining Data Center Cleanliness: The Importance of International Standards
In an era where data has become the most crucial asset for many organizations, ensuring the cleanliness and security of data center areas has become increasingly vital. The IEC/TS 60079-32-1 standard highlights the importance of avoiding electrostatic hazards in industrial environments where explosive atmospheres may be present. Explosive atmospheres, consisting of air mixtures with easily combustible materials such as dust or gas, introduce serious risks of fire or explosion if left uncontrolled. One critical aspect of this risk is the potential ignition caused by static electricity. In places where dust is present, static electricity can easily become an unexpected igniter, creating highly dangerous conditions. Additionally, the accumulation of static electricity on personnel, equipment, or materials can also result in potentially harmful electrostatic discharges. Therefore, understanding and implementing appropriate cleanliness and safety practices are crucial to ensuring smooth operations and preventing unwanted incidents in data centers.
Why Data Centers Are Treated as Controlled Environments: Differences from Clean Rooms
Today’s data centers are often treated as if they are controlled environments with ISO Class 9 standards, possibly even Class 8. They share many similarities with clean rooms, including temperature control, humidity, airflow, and access. However, the main differences affect the data center’s ability to achieve ISO Class 8/9 cleanliness levels. Data centers are not constructed with materials designed specifically to minimize particle release. They are also challenging to clean and have many areas where dust can accumulate. There is no requirement for individuals entering data centers to use protective clothing or other personal protective equipment. Control over items brought into the data center is also less strict. Additionally, computer room air conditioning units are unable to remove particles to sub-micron levels as done in clean rooms using HEPA filtration. As a result, data centers often have uncontrolled particle levels.
Identifying Critical Areas to Maintain Cleanliness
To identify which areas are crucial to maintain cleanliness in data centers, the first step is to review facility requirements. Identify key areas such as the subfloor with cables and sensors, the above-floor area with varied configurations, server racks and pods housing critical equipment, overhead-hung equipment, and support areas such as UPS and installation rooms. Each area requires specific cleaning methods, with equipment and chemicals suitable for each area identified on the list. Ensure these procedures are carried out by trained personnel with a good understanding of the environment. Also, consider the appropriate frequency and timing of cleaning, which may be influenced by the number of people entering the room and construction or maintenance activities that produce particles. A precise cleaning schedule with future dates and an understanding of reduced activity periods can help organize effective cleaning.
Recommendations for Cleaning Frequency in Data Centers and Server Rooms
A well-scheduled cleaning plan is an essential part of maintaining the cleanliness and safety of your data center and server room. Regular site cleaning is highly necessary to keep the environment free from dust, dirt, and other hazardous particles that can damage your operating system and pose health risks to personnel. Some data centers adopt daily, weekly, or monthly maintenance programs with our Data Center Cleaning Technicians, while others prefer tri-annual, semi-annual, or annual maintenance programs. This is a good foundation for data centers with low traffic and up-to-date equipment and building technology.
Minimum Frequency Recommendations for New Data Centers with Low Traffic:
- Subfloor Plenum Cleaning (twice a week)
Cleaning, inspecting contaminant sources/building structures, and testing air quality
- Upper Floor Access Panel Cleaning (every quarter)
ULPA and anti-static cleaning on the upper surfaces of conductive access floor tiles.
- VCT Stripping and Non-Conductive Coating (annually, if applicable)
ESD layer stripping using HEPA anti-static filtered equipment and chemicals, plus recoating with fresh ESD Protective Layer.
- Ceiling Plenum Cleaning (annually)
Cleaning the plenum in the ceiling between ceiling tiles and roof.
- Exterior Equipment/Cabinet Cleaning (every quarter)
Cleaning the exterior of equipment/cabinet equipment.
- Interior Server/Equipment Cleaning (annually)
Anti-static ionized cleaning of the inside of servers.
Risk Evaluation and Security Measures
The number of individuals entering the area has a significant impact on its cleanliness, as do activities such as construction or maintenance that may produce additional particles. Risk assessment is necessary to assess the likelihood and consequences of specific events, such as construction or maintenance activities that may affect the data center environment. Also, check the security measures implemented in the area, existing surveillance protocols, and a list of individuals with access to the area to determine if there is a possibility of others bringing contaminants into the environment.
Considerations Choosing Professional Personnel for Data Center Cleaning
When selecting professionals to perform cleaning in data centers, several important considerations need to be taken into account. Firstly, it’s crucial to know who will be responsible for carrying out the cleaning procedures. Then, consider how well you know these cleaners. Ensure they have undergone criminal background checks and have appropriate security clearances. Also, ensure that the cleaners can complete, sign, and record the cleaning task list, paying attention to any unusual aspects. Finally, ensure they receive ongoing training to enhance their understanding of the data.
Premium Data Center Cleaning Solutions from Data Clean Asia
At Data Clean Asia, we offer comprehensive data center cleaning services to reduce the risk of contamination from dust particles, dirt, and potential air pollutants that could damage sensitive equipment in these spaces effectively. As your all-in-one solution provider, we specialize in data cleaning and maintenance, with our offerings even including sophisticated particle count testing, allowing you to monitor atmospheric contaminant levels within your server rooms.
Innovations in Aisle Containment and Airflow Management
But how do we know what’s lurking beneath the surface? That’s where Data Clean Asia steps in. With our corrosion testing services, we accurately measure the levels of contaminants in your equipment, providing you with invaluable insights into the state of your infrastructure.
Direct Benefits for Your Data Center
Since 2005, one of Data Clean Asia’s major data center cleaning initiatives has been to provide perfect airflow management solutions for businesses. You can achieve energy savings and resource efficiency through our expert aisle containment and airflow management solutions. We address data center cooling challenges with our expertise in complete isolation of hot and cold aisles within existing facilities. Benefits of our airflow maintenance services include efficient airflow, leakage prevention, and removal of hot air circulation. Choose our customized and cost-effective solutions for more efficient data centers.
If you need professional services aligned with international standards for your unique data center needs, feel free to contact us now!
