Computer Room Safety; Installation And Maintenance Precautions; Fire Protection; Fire Suppression - HP BL685c - ProLiant - 4 GB RAM Site Planning Manual

Computer room safety

Inside the computer room, fire protection and adequate lighting (for equipment servicing) are important
safety considerations. Federal and local safety codes that govern equipment installations.

Installation and maintenance precautions

To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to the equipment when installing, maintaining, or servicing
Enterprise products, observe the following general precautions:
•
Provide overhead clearance for fire sprinkler devices—A minimum clearance is required between the
top of the rack and any fire protection sprinkler devices. Check the local building code for details.
•
Be aware of power voltages and use trained personnel—Some Enterprise products are capable of
producing hazardous voltages and hazardous energy levels. The installation of internal options and
routine maintenance and service of these products should be performed only by individuals who are
familiar with the procedures, precautions, and hazards associated with this type of equipment.
•
Secure all equipment—Rack equipment should be operated only with all enclosures in place and
properly secured. Always refer to the equipment installation guide and observe all applicable
warnings and precautions.
•
Follow manufacturer instructions—Always refer to the individual equipment installation instructions
for any special considerations when installing equipment in a rack.

Fire protection

The National Fire Protection Association's Standard for the Protection of Electronic Computer Data
Processing Equipment, NFPA 75, contains information on safety monitoring equipment for computer
rooms.
Most computer room installations are equipped with the following fire protection devices:
•
Smoke detectors
•
Fire and temperature alarms
•
Fire extinguishing system
•
Air handling (plenum) space that is segmented from the remainder of the building
Additional safety devices:
•
Circuit breakers
•
An emergency power cutoff switch
•
Devices specific to geographic location (such as earthquake protection)

Fire suppression

Though fires in computer rooms are rare, they are a critical safety and business consideration. HP
recommends the use of gaseous agents as primary fire control, with water as a backup system. Gaseous
agents include CO
HP recommends the use of dry pipe water valving, with suitably rated temperature heads. Dry pipe water
valving lowers the business risks associated with accidental water pipe discharge.
, and Halon substitutes, like Intergen. Where fire suppression using water is dictated,
2
General site preparation guidelines 13