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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data centres are deeply interdependent. AI relies upon the massive computing power, data storage, and cloud services that data centres supply. In turn, AI algorithms can improve energy efficiency, workload management, and cybersecurity at data centres.
What AI cannot do is perform the physical maintenance tasks necessary for the reliable operation of data centers, where any downtime can have severe ramifications for the digital economy. With the increasing demand for data storage and processing, the need for regular inspections, maintenance, and upgrades of data centre equipment has grown significantly.
Many of these tasks require work-at-height, posing inherent risks to workers and the need for fall protection systems.
Workers accessing rooftops, mezzanines, raised platforms, walkways, and other heights can be protected by safety railings, fall arrest systems, walkways, and safe access platforms to perform their tasks.
Guardrails are a valued and versatile form of fall protection. They safeguard workers near sensitive equipment, loading docks, stairs, mezzanines, elevated walkways, platforms, and rooftops. A modular aluminum or galvanized steel guardrail system offers strength, durability, and corrosion resistance whether indoors or in harsh outdoor environments. These safety railings can be fitted with smooth handrails to comply with accessibility standards.
Plus Self-closing Safety Gates
Self-closing safety gates are indispensable to many guardrail installations. They feature a spring-loaded mechanism that closes automatically as the employee passes through. Available in single-width, double-width, and full-height sizes, they integrate seamlessly into railing systems and other building structures. Safety gates limit access to restricted areas and provide added fall protection on stairs, mezzanines, walkways, platforms, and other areas.
Plus Rooftop Fall Protection
Workers maintaining building services and communications equipment on data centre rooftops face many hazards, especially in cold, wet, and windy conditions.
Slip-resistant walkways provide a safe, designated path across the rooftop and elevated areas throughout a data centre. Aluminum or glass-reinforced nylon treads with self-draining apertures prevent the buildup of snow, water, ice, or fluids. Walkways are set in aluminum or galvanized steel frames for robust, non-bounce stability.
Plus Guarded Walkways
Walkways can be fitted with compliant guardrails for added fall protection.
Plus Crossover Platforms
Modular walkways with steps, a deck, and guardrails form a crossover bridge or roof platform to overcome large obstacles or a change in level.
Plus Stepover Platforms
A compact mini-stepover unit is designed to traverse piping, cables, and other smaller obstacles.
Modular work access platforms combine anti-slip walkways with aluminum or galvanized steel frames and guardrails to provide specialized work-at-height safety. They are ideal for a multitude of tasks inside or outside the data centre, including the rooftop.
Plus Fixed Platforms
Fixed (static) platforms are designed for permanent installations and frequently performed tasks.
Plus Mobile Platforms
Mobile platforms feature heavy-duty locking casters for safer and more efficient work-at-height access than ladders.
Plus Custom Platforms
Custom work platforms can be engineered for adjustable height, fitted with racks and shelves, equipped with shop services (e.g., air, electrical), or include a self-closing safety gate.
Wherever guardrail systems are not feasible or installed, an “active” fall protection system, such as an engineered horizontal lifeline, will provide continuous fall protection along elevated areas and on the roof. They feature galvanized and stainless steel components and support up to three workers between anchorages along 39 ft. spans.
Plus Anchor Points
Certified anchor points are required for workers using personal fall arrest or rope access systems. They must support 22 kN (5,000 lbs.) or twice the maximum arrest force.
Data centres represent a significant advance in computer capability and digital power, but without human intelligence to understand and implement advanced fall protection measures, the systems and equipment that run these facilities can grind to a halt.
When maintenance workers access heights to service this vital infrastructure, guardrails, walkways, platforms, and fall arrest lifelines will provide compliant protection and enable these technicians to work comfortably and more productively.
Data centres are critical infrastructures and any outage could cost a company millions of dollars. They require a variety of equipment, like ventilation and cooling systems, UPS, generators and cabling, to ensure continuous operation. As most of these systems will be situated on the roof, access will be required by engineers and contractors to carry out regular inspections, maintenance and emergency repair work. This means that safe access onto and across the roof is vital.