Did you know that unclean data centres can lead to equipment failures costing businesses an average of £400,000 per hour in downtime? Data centres are the backbone of modern businesses, powering everything from cloud services to critical enterprise applications. Each centre stores the IT infrastructure which is critical to the continued use, longevity, and advancement of computer systems and data storage for businesses worldwide.
Poor hygiene can have a detrimental effect on equipment performance, lifespan, and operational efficiency, making the maintenance of a clean data centre essential for the IT systems of what could be thousands of global clients. Cleaning data centres is, however, a specialist operation with high risks such as electrostatic discharge (ESD) present.
As a specialist cleaning supplier, Samsic has extensive expertise in cleaning within data centres, including with prominent clients such as Equinix. We are committed to utilising our deep industry knowledge for optimum data centre cleaning, ensuring electrostatic discharge prevention, and ongoing critical environment maintenance for our clients.
In this blog post, we will explore how to maintain cleanliness in your data centre and how professional cleaning services like Samsic can expertly ensure these processes are handled to avoid devastating consequences.
The Importance of Data Centre Cleaning
Dust, dirt, sand, pollen, and skin particles accumulate over time within data centres, finding their way inside sensitive machinery such as servers and networking equipment. Dirt and residue within fan bearings and heat sinks cause slow-running servers, inoperative fans, and system failures. Thermal clogging (the accumulation of debris that impedes airflow), along with other technical failures such as short-circuiting, can cause hundreds of thousands of pounds in lost revenue for a data centre’s clients and irreparably damage the centre’s reliability and reputation.
To minimise or eliminate threats such as data loss or system downtime, preventable issues, such as dust accumulation, must be addressed with expert cleaning as part of a plan designed to handle the sensitive machinery and to minimise risks, such as electrical short-circuiting, that may arise from the overuse of water.
Samsic provides professional data centre cleaning services for Equinix, aimed at enhancing and optimising the lifespan of their assets. Whether we are operating within a large-size data centre or medium-sized server room, we implement a bespoke cleaning plan focused on the needs of the client, building an ongoing partnership to ensure longevity and continuous improvement.
Electrostatic Discharge Prevention Within Data Centre Cleaning
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is when static electricity accumulates on one surface and discharges to another, whether through contact or proximity. This discharge can damage the sensitive electronic equipment within a data centre, affecting servers, storage systems, and other equipment. ESD events often lead to equipment failure, downtime, and costly repairs.
To prevent ESD anti-static cleaning materials are essential. Cloths, mops, and wipes must be created from anti-static materials to diffuse static electricity, with cleaning conducted within a controlled environment. Low humidity can increase the risk of static build-up, making the room temperature an important factor during cleaning. Abrasive materials should be avoided to minimise electrostatic discharge.
At Samsic, we train all cleaning teams in ESD-safe practices, including correct use of PPE such as anti-static footwear.
Critical Environment Maintenance: Bespoke Cleaning Services for Data Centres
With over 35 years of experience providing cleaning and maintenance services to a wide range of clients, Samsic are the experts in creating happy, healthy workplaces. Our specialist cleaning services include critical environments such as data centres, data halls, server rooms, and communication, patch, and distribution rooms.
We provide services that cover the entire life cycle of any facility bespoke to the requirements of our clients and are not only aligned but ahead of the latest industry methods and innovations.
Here are key areas Samsic cleaning teams focus on to ensure proper maintenance in these sensitive environments:
Areas to Clean
Samsic conducts a comprehensive exterior cleaning service for the following components:
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We also deep clean areas such as:
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Ensuring a clean environment prolongs asset life, increasing operational efficiency.
Data Centre Cleaning Processes
A robust and safety-assured cleaning regime is essential for critical environment maintenance. At Samsic, we enforce daily and periodic cleaning schedules, ensuring no area is left untouched to protect facility cleanliness.
Typical elements of the daily cleaning routine, include:
- I-Tack cloth cleaning of visible surfaces to minimise electrostatic discharge
- Waste disposal
- Vacuuming with HEPA-filtered vacuums to remove fine dust particles
- Dry buffing floors to remove scuff marks and dust
To prevent dust from being blown towards already-cleaned areas, Samsic teams work in the direction of the airflow—starting from the floor and working toward air-handling units as necessary.
Samsic teams additionally utilise air scrubber technology that purifies the air, killing any contaminants such as sand, pollen, dust, organisms that create mould and viruses, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which create odours such as smoke.
Training and Communication
Effective training and management are key indicators of a successful data centre cleaning service. At Samsic, we support our teams with the tools they need to perform at their best.
Recruitment and Onboarding
Samsic takes a values-based approach to recruitment, hiring individuals who align with our values and goals. This helps to create a positive team dynamic, ensuring high performance and quality from the start.
New team members undergo a comprehensive onboarding process that includes skills training, health and safety training, and bespoke site training. Regular welfare meetings ensure employees feel supported and integrated into Samsic’s culture.
Performance Management
We support our employees’ progression within our company and encourage them to take ownership and pride in their work. We hold regular one-on-one sessions with each team member to understand their needs, address any issues, and help them achieve their goals. We encourage training, development, and open communication to improve the overall experience of our team. By establishing a culture of open communication, we have developed a culture of collaboration for our people and clients alike, encouraging active participation and engagement, and enhancing our service for our clients.
Quality Auditing
To ensure consistent quality performance, Samsic uses the ECAT digital quality auditing tool. ECAT provides real-time audit data accessible 24/7, which is reviewed with clients during regular meetings to track progress and ensure continuous improvement.
Toolbox Talks
Our toolbox talk scheme helps to support continuous development and high-quality standards within our contracts. These sessions take place between Samsic management and the team of cleaning operatives and enable the exchange of ideas, ongoing training, and team support. Typical sessions cover refresher training, new processes to be introduced, and client-specific ideas development and training.
Ongoing Training and Support
As an organisation, we provide professional development opportunities for all our people. In-house training through our BICSc-accredited Professional Skills Suite Academy, which has received awards for excellence in training and assessment, is part of our online induction process. However, we offer certified apprenticeship courses to our internal teams, virtual reality training, and provide access to hundreds of free online courses through our Learning Management System (LMS). Our LMS system, which covers everything from basic skills training to personal support courses, has over 58 learning categories to choose from, and includes training for specialist environments and dust control.
DBS checks
Due to the sensitive nature of the data stored within data hall facilities, we require DBS checks for all of our cleaning operatives. Data centre cleaning requires trust and should be a peace of mind service for our clients, making the security of our teams imperative.
Sustainable Cleaning Practices Within Data Centres
Data centres are large facilities, averaging around 100,000 square feet worldwide. It’s important to limit water usage in these spaces to prevent accidents, however, this is also an effective measure in sustainability and environmental practice. Sustainable practices not only help create a greener facility but can also make the cleaning process more efficient for staff and can help reduce site-wide costs.
At Samsic, alongside minimising water usage within data centre cleaning, we promote use of our Samsic Pure AIR purification system as part of our sustainable cleaning approach. These purifiers eliminate up to 99.99% of mould, bacteria, and viruses, while also removing indoor odours and dust. By reducing indoor carbon emissions, Pure AIR contributes to a greener facility, integrating into HVAC systems for comprehensive coverage throughout the data centre. It generates active, charged particles that circulate through the air, effectively killing viruses and bacteria and capturing dust, particulates, and other pollutants. This process removes 94% of airborne contaminants, creating a cleaner and healthier environment within our client’s data centres.
Our Samsic Sensor Technology further enhances data centre cleaning and sustainability by optimising the cleaning process based on actual usage. By utilising sensor technology, our cleaning teams can focus their efforts where they are most needed, reducing material wastage and improving process efficiency. This targeted approach ensures that more time is spent on essential and demanding tasks, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient data centre environment.
Data centre cleaning is critical for maintaining the operation, functionality, and longevity of IT infrastructure. Dust and debris can lead to severe operational issues, equipment failures, and costly downtime when not regularly cleaned, and therefore, to ensure a stable and dependable service for data centre customers, thorough cleaning is essential.
At Samsic, we specialise in data centre cleaning, focusing on critical environment maintenance with industry-leading techniques. We use anti-static cleaning tools and carefully control humidity and temperature to protect valuable equipment. Our teams are continuously trained to stay up-to-date with the latest methods, ensuring high-quality service every time.
Our bespoke cleaning services are designed to meet the specific needs of each client, whether you manage a large data centre or a smaller server room. We work in partnership with our clients, helping to safeguard their facilities against equipment failures, and helping to extend the life of their hardware.
Contact us today to learn how our professional data centre cleaning services can benefit your business.
FAQ’s
What health and safety measures does Samsic follow for data centre cleaning?
At Samsic, we adhere to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all other relevant legislation to ensure a safe working environment. We also follow strict protocols and use an E-permit system for specific activities to minimise risk and ensure that all personnel and contractors are aware of the hazards associated with a particular area or operation.
How does Samsic differentiate itself from other data centre cleaning providers?
Samsic works in partnership with clients to create a bespoke service, driven by technology to deliver continuous improvement. We combine a values-based approach to our operations and are committed to innovation and honesty. We focus on building a unified team that mirrors our core values, ensuring that we deliver an exceptional service that encourages engagement and collaboration with our clients.
Additionally, alongside servicing the data centre main working space, we have the technical capability to conduct deep cleans of data halls where we clean under-floor panels, cable racking, with all wipeable surfaces pre-agreed and risk-assessed.
What advanced processes or equipment does Samsic use for data centre cleaning?
We use cutting-edge equipment and processes tailored to the unique needs of data centres, including anti-static cleaning tools, HEPA-filtered vacuums, and specialist microfiber cloths that prevent dust and debris from entering sensitive equipment. Our teams are trained in the latest techniques to ensure thorough, efficient cleaning without risking damage to valuable IT infrastructure.
How does Samsic ensure continuous improvement in its data centre cleaning services?
Samsic employs the digital quality auditing tool ECAT, which provides real-time audit data accessible 24/7 to both our clients and managers. This tool allows us to conduct audits on a regular or as-needed basis, upload data with photographic evidence, and make data-driven decisions to continually enhance our services. The ECAT system also facilitates communication between our management and clients to address any discrepancies and track progress across multiple sites.
Can Samsic handle specialised cleaning requirements for data centres?
Yes, Samsic is equipped to handle specialised cleaning requirements for data centres, with our people additionally trained in contamination control, environmental monitoring, and the removal of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Our team is trained in best practices for data centre cleaning, ensuring that we meet the unique needs of each facility, and receive regular training refreshes.
How does Samsic ensure the safety of its personnel and client equipment during cleaning?
We follow strict safety protocols and use non-invasive cleaning methods to protect both our personnel and client equipment. Our teams are trained to work in high-security environments like data centres and understand the importance of safeguarding sensitive equipment and data while maintaining a clean and safe workspace.
