Increasing the lifespan of server equipment within data centres

Over three decades, ExcelRedstone has become one of the foremost companies in delivering IT infrastructure and support services to clients in some of the UK’s landmark buildings and offices.

ExcelRedstone makes spaces, which are critical to organisations, work smarter and harder. Its smart building technology solutions are developed in partnership with customers, from the design phase through to operation, implementation, delivery and management.

Requirement

2bm was asked to provide clinical cleaning for a prestigious fit-out in the financial sector within the City of London. The complex and thorough cleaning was needed in-service equipment rooms to ensure no remaining dust and dirt.

2bm has worked in partnership with ExcelRedstone for seven years within London’s financial sector, becoming their go-to company for clinical cleaning.

The scope of works for cleaning the data centres and comms rooms included intensive cleaning of floors and walls, together with everything above the line of lighting, such as cables, trunking, pipework and fire/smoke detectors. The build-up of dirt and/or static discharge can lead to the loss of critical data. Therefore, by improving the circulation of the air, computer equipment will function more efficiently, contributing to long-term energy cost savings. 2bm has a team of experienced experts in the field of clinical cleaning offering solutions in a variety of scenarios, including construction sites, legacy sites, maintenance programmes, as well as quarterly, half-yearly and annual cleans.

Challenge

Clinical cleaning schedules are vital to not only eliminate dirt, but also discover the potential sources of contamination and the depreciation and malfunction of company assets. Modern day computer equipment is increasingly sensitive to environmental conditions, with recent studies showing that 75% of storage and hardware failures are a result of factors in the environment.

Whilst temperature and humidity accounted for most of the issues, carbon and concrete dust, together with zinc whiskers have also been highlighted as key areas of concern.

Clinical cleaning, which involves the removal of dust particles, static and other contaminants, also incorporates the use of anti-static solutions within rooms.

Result

The following was carried out by our dedicated and security vetted team, in line with the latest COSHH guidelines:

• Initial audit to establish the clinical cleaning needs;
• Guaranteed a level of cleaning to class 8;
• A team of experts brought in for an initial deep clean;
• Removal of dust particles, static and other contaminants from the room environment with all areas (including sub-floor) being treated with anti-static solutions;
• Use of specialist tacky cloths or HEPA-filtered vacuums on all surfaces which can be seen and are unseen; Internal cleaning of all devices;
• A schedule of regular preventative clinical cleaning to prevent contaminants such as dust and dirt having a major impact on the client’s operation;
• Restricted access to workmen during the cleaning process to avoid disruption and delay;
• Test for dirty airborne particles to ISO standard class 8;
• Checks for chlorine, hydrogen sulphide and sulphur dioxide which, when combined with water, form weak acids and can corrode electronic equipment;
• Checks for airborne hydrocarbons such as petroleum, paraffin and lubricating oils which are highly flammable and can bring about the deterioration of electrical components;
• Checks for human skin cells and stray fibres from clothing or hair loss;
• Safe removal of zinc whiskers.