Square Care team members were recently interviewed by Processor Magazine on the subject of Data Center Cleaning. The full interview can be found on http://www.processor.com/ and the content in this post summarizes the discussion.
Why is data center cleaning so important?
The data center is the brain and central nervous system of the organization. Unclean areas negatively affect the performance and longevity of the equipment. One of the least seen but most dangerous culprits is dust, which can collect on server processors and act as a thermal insulator by impeding airflow. Overheated processors cause intermittent freezes, crashes and can fail prematurely. Large data center operations can lose up to $1 million per minute due to systems outages brought on by processor performance degradation.
What types of services do data center cleaning companies provide?
Cleaning services are typically provided in three situations: 1. for newly constructed data centers, both before and after the equipment is installed, 2. after a disaster or major renovation and, 3. as part of an ongoing maintenance program. Cleaning involves a number of different activities including debris retrieval, vacuuming, wipe down and the application of static dissipative cleaning solutions. It’s how it’s done that is important.
What all can be cleaned in a data center?
In short, everything can and should be cleaned. Inside the server areas one should clean under all access floors and within plenum spaces, access floor panels, server racks, CRAC (HVAC) units, UPS (power) units, light fixtures, walls and ceilings, and all non-raised floor surfaces. An often neglected area is outside the server environment including all carpeted and non-carpeted flooring, upholstered items such as chairs and systems furniture (modular) panels, lobbies, break rooms, loading docks and storage areas.
What goes into the cleaning process?
Work is typically performed in stages: 1) Above floor including light fixtures, racking, and equipment, 2) Under floor cleaning, and 3) Surface floor cleaning. Rack interiors, when cleaned, are done with a hover-vacuuming technique that avoids touching any of the wiring or equipment. Under floor cleaning involves removal of all “large” debris. The concrete sub-floor, risers and stringers, and conduit are vacuumed using the appropriate attachments, without touching any of the wiring or cable. Above floor cleaning involves vacuuming and cleaning with an anti-static solution appropriate for the flooring material. At all times the emphasis is on safety, through the use of cones, signage, safety glasses, clothing and, above all, a solid and consistent process.
What should companies look for in a data center cleaning vendor?
When looking for a data center cleaning vendor, it is important to look for companies with:
- Liability insurance coverage of at least $3.0 million
- Strong adherence to a consistent, safe and error free process
- Deployment of the most effective equipment and supplies for the given task
- Employees that are security clearance/background checked annually, and drug tested at least twice a year, with a high average technician tenure measured in several years, not a few weeks or months.
- A proven reputation for attention to detail and demonstrated competency
- Impeccable Client references
- Willingness to conduct a free test cleaning of a representative area of your data center
- When asked if you can sleep at night knowing they are on the job, you would answer unequivocally “Yes!”
How often should companies invest in a data center cleaning?
Frequency depends on type of facility, area within the facility, frequency of system maintenance/modification, interior and exterior environment, and age of the facility. Typical frequencies are:
- Under floor: annually
- CRAC/UPS and other systems/areas: annually
- Top of floor: monthly to semi-annually
What are some “best practices” tips for data center cleaning?
- Advise your insurer that you have an active scheduled data center maintenance program. Regular maintenance, including cleaning, is required by most risk management agencies.
- Ask to see all debris retrieved from the cleaning process. This alone can justify the cost of the cleaning. (See the file photo attached.)
- Don’t allow heavy pallets or carts onto data center flooring, eliminating a major cause of scuffing.
- Require progress reports from your cleaning vendor, daily.
- Standards: no food or drink, use sticky mats and change them daily, limit non-essential materials
For more information on how we can support your building operations please contact: sam@squarecare.com or call 1.800.200.9680.
