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Meetings to discuss the value of hot sites and the "hardening" of the data center, telecommunication rooms, and switch rooms are addressing complex issues. Other meetings are going on down the hall discussing the cooling and humidity problems. In these two separate meetings, solutions are being sought. However, the solution to both could be the same. Here are some tips to help them both:
In the battle to protect your business mission, your floors, walls, and ceilings are the first line of defense. A catastrophic event in the building which contains your data platform could send smoke, fire or super heated gases through the various layers of your infrastructure.
Due diligence is not transferable. Here are some tips to protect the room:
- Get a certified integrity fan test. The NFPA recommends having one done every 12 months.
NOTE: Make sure that it is not a pass/fail exam. Make sure there are measurable results.
- Get signed fire stopping done in your facility -- accountability.
- Have fire dampers inspected regularly to assure it is functioning properly.
- Assess the risks in your room with a thorough infrastructure evaluation.
- Confirm with your architectural firm, general contractor, or property management firm that your room is smoke and fire rated. NOTE: Be sure to get the hourly rating.
The chances of a fire in the building are much greater than the chances of a fire beginning in your computer room. However, the chance remains high that a fire could enter your facility and cause havoc. Begin taking steps today! An action plan of prevention will be beneficial in the long run.
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