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Since September 11th, the issue of life safety has been under intense scrutiny. In an effort to increase the chance of survival, we have been called upon to remove expandable foam that was formerly used to seal data centers and replace it with a UL Standard system. There is no law against using expandable foam; but as it states on the can, the foam may release a harmful gas during application. Unfortunately, this warning is often overlooked.
Since companies are legally responsible for what they install in their buildings, most have installed fire-rated cable in an effort to give survivors and fire fighting resources a better chance. Unfortunately, the expandable foam sealant warning is often ignored and used in the rooms.
This foam is often used as an economical solution to closing gaps and decreasing air flow. However, it is a dangerous substance to introduce into a data center. As the labels show, it is extremely flammable. Additionally, when burned, it releases a toxic gas that could harm anyone in the vicinity.
With all of the precautions you have taken, the chances of a fire in your computer room are extremely remote; however, the chances of a fire in your building affecting your data center could be high. While taking the initiative to block the movement of fire from one room to another is commendable, using a foam sealant product may not be the best solution. Be sure to use UL rated systems when preparing your room for potential disasters.
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