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The inside of a typical data centre is sleek and modern, filled with sophisticated servers housed on racks encased in glass, connected by cables, and monitored by high-tech security, management, and environmental systems.
The rooftop of a data centre is a maze of equipment to support the core functions inside. The priority is backup power systems and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Other apparatus, including satellite dishes, cell towers, antennas, solar panels, transformers, and water tanks for fire suppression systems, can also populate the rooftop.
Since any outage or interruption in service can be costly, frequent monitoring, inspections, and maintenance of rooftop equipment are needed. Falls from heights are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries, and this risk is magnified on data centre roofs that house complex equipment. Compliant fall protection is critical for ensuring the safety of the workers who perform these tasks.
Guardrails are the first line of defense for roof fall protection on three fronts.
Since the transition to and from the roof via a ladder or roof hatch presents a fall hazard, guardrail systems for ladders and hatches need a self-closing gate. They feature a spring-loaded mechanism that closes behind the worker to secure the opening and prevent the worker from falling through.
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Designed for flat and low-slope roofs, these modular, pipe-fitted guardrail systems and safety gates are constructed of anodized aluminum or galvanized steel for strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. They are installed without welding or drilling and do not penetrate the roof membrane, preventing moisture, dust, or debris from contaminating the sensitive computers and other equipment inside the data centre.
Railings are “collective” fall protection systems, which is the preferred method of fall protection. They “collectively” protect multiple workers without needing specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) and training.
Data centre rooftops are not only populated with building services systems and equipment; they can also be cluttered with cables, conduits, piping, ductwork, and other obstructions. Uneven surfaces and changes in the roof level present additional trip hazards. Rain, snow, ice, and windy conditions are further risks.
To access panels, instruments, and “hard-to-reach” or elevated areas on large equipment, a modular roof platform will provide a stable and secure work surface. Featuring aluminum or galvanized steel frames and guardrails with anti-slip steps and platform decks, platforms can be tailored to the specific layout of the rooftop and the configuration of the equipment to service.
Even with the best fall protection equipment in place, workers accessing the rooftop should still have appropriate training to become familiar with current legislation, recognize fall hazards, and follow rooftop safety protocols.
Ensuring rooftop safety in data centres requires effective fall protection systems and proper worker training. By installing robust guardrails, walkways, platforms, and safety gates, data centers can significantly reduce the risk of falls and accidents. Workers who are more confident in the safety measures taken to protect them are more productive. This is especially important on the rooftop, where the equipment supports the high-tech equipment inside the data centre.
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.