Data centers contain highly charged equipment and technology that can present risks to nearby workers. To keep everyone safe on the job, make sure you know and provide the essential protective gear for data center workers. No one should begin working in a data center without wearing these protective gear essentials.
Eye Protection
While repairing and servicing data center equipment, you could experience several conditions that put your eyes at risk. Small pieces of flying debris could come from changing broken parts or cables. Your eyes can also dry out quickly from the warm air that electrical fans produce. Always wear safety glasses or goggles when servicing and inspecting data center equipment. In some cases, you may even need a face shield for certain operations.
Heavy-Duty Gloves
Heavy-duty gloves are a crucial part of electrical engineering safety. Electricians and other data center workers can experience electrical shocks and static electricity buildup while working with the equipment. To protect against electrocution, workers must wear heavy-duty, insulated gloves that offer antistatic protection. These gloves can also help protect your hands from cuts and scrapes that occur in industrial conditions like these.
Arc Flash Protection
Arc flashes are one of the most dangerous accidents that can happen while working with electrical equipment at a data center. Arc flashes are explosions that can occur when an electrical current leaves its intended path and travels between conductors. Arc flashes release heat and metal debris into the air, usually directly at the worker servicing the equipment. This is why electrical workers should always prepare by wearing arc flash safety gear, including thermal-resistant body suits, face shields, protective gloves, and more. Workers should wear these suits whenever they approach energized equipment.
Additional Safety Gear
Depending on the situation and the maintenance required, electrical engineers may also utilize safety equipment such as hard hats for head protection, steel-toed boots, and fitted clothing. These pieces of protective equipment are usually recommended when other risks are present, such as falling materials.
As a data center worker, it’s important to wear these protective equipment essentials for each job you complete. Studying these data center safety risks and following the rules of the national electrical code are just a couple of ways to keep your data center safe and secure.
