Data Center Construction
Data centers are built quickly, with huge power systems, cooling plants and thousands of cables. Many trades overlap in tight spaces under heavy schedule pressure. Planning and coordination keep the pace from causing injuries.
- Electricians
- Mechanical Trades
- General Contractors
Main hazards
- High-power electrical: medium-voltage switchgear, transformers, busways and UPS systems create arc flash and shock risk. See Switchgear & MCCs and Arc Flash.
- Batteries: large UPS and energy storage banks have shock, chemical and fire risks. See Battery Energy Storage.
- Generators and fuel: diesel tanks, exhaust and testing. See Standby Generators.
- Cranes and heavy lifts of chillers, generators and precast or tilt-up panels. See Lift Planning.
- Hot work for piping and structure near wiring and foam. See Hot Work Permits.
- Congestion and falls from lifts, scaffolds and ladders; overhead work with cable trays.
- Heat and noise during commissioning with load banks and chillers.
Commissioning
Energizing and testing equipment is the riskiest phase. The project should use a formal energization plan, a permit system and trained, qualified people only. See Energized Work Permits.
- Mark and barricade energized areas and keep unqualified workers out. See Qualified vs. Unqualified Persons
- Lock out equipment under work and verify it is dead before touching
- Use arc-rated PPE, insulated tools and rated test gear
- Set up clear communication between crews and the commissioning team
- Check ventilation and exhaust for generators and load banks
- Keep an emergency plan with first aid and rescue ready
Managing the schedule
- Sequence work to limit overlap of trades in the same space.
- Hold daily coordination meetings and pre-task plans. See Job Hazard Analysis.
- Give workers authority to stop work. See Stop-Work Authority.
- Control housekeeping, trip hazards and laydown to prevent trips and fires.
- Manage fatigue on long shifts. See Sleep & Shift Workers.
Standards & references
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