Rack and Devices Cleaning

Internal Server & Network Device Cleaning

Server Rack Cleaning

Server rack interiors and pod exteriors are especially susceptible to accumulation of airborne particles on horizontal surfaces. However, these areas are often not considered when establishing cleaning protocols for the rest of the data centre. Based on experience, CTS recommends that server racks and pods undergo internal and external cleaning at least Twice a year. Cleaning equipment inside as well as outside helps maintain particle level standards for the entire room.

Highlight:

■ CTS supervisors conduct a customer briefing to discuss all power connection preferences, access to closed/locked rack doors, and direction of workflow.

■ Only electrical equipment dedicated to cleaning IT environments is used, with in-line safeguards to protect against power surges.

■ Server rack and pod cleaning targets vertical as well as horizontal surfaces, rack doors, and removal of any gross contaminants such as cable cuttings and ties, screws, bolts, and packaging materials.

■ All CTS cleaners are trained not to disturb circuit breakers, switches, and cabling connections when cleaning adjacent areas.

■ No moisture of any form is used; CTS techniques employ low-lint disposable cloths which trap and remove loose dust without building up a static charge during use.

Benefit:

■ Accumulated contaminants that could harm internal circuitry or obstruct airflow are eliminated.

■ Annual cleaning of these areas aids in maintaining ISO 14644 particle level standards for the entire room.

■ Normal operation is not disrupted during this service.

■ Server rack and pod cleaning can be automatically scheduled as part of CTS annual or half-yearly servicing of the room.

Server Rack Cleaning - Colo Techxpert Solutions

Internal Server / Network Device Cleaning

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) of a server is a component that generates heat during operation. Air circulated by cooling fans is used to reduce the temperature inside computer equipment. An accumulation of contamination pulled in by the fans will restrict airflow and reduce cooling efficiency, causing heat build-up. Overheating leads to improper operation or even total system failure. Trained personnel and special procedures are required to eliminate dust and debris from inside a server..

Highlight:

■ Before opening any equipment, COLO TechXpert cleaners remove contaminants from all external surfaces and establish an electrostatic discharge (ESD) safe clean zone.

■ ESD-safe precautions are always taken, including grounding of the COLO TechXpert cleaner.

■ An ESD-safe, HEPA-filtered vacuum and attachments are used to remove dust from the interior.

■ Specialist equipment and procedures are used to clean any residue and baked-on contaminants.

■ After replacing the cover and reconnecting the peripherals, the outer casing and cabling are cleaned.

■ As a final check, COLO TechXpert cleaners organise to power up equipment, checking that it is fully operational.

Benefit:

■ COLO TechXpert cleaners are trained in ESD-safe procedures, use specialised cleaning techniques, and carry the appropriate equipment.

■ Customers do not need to buy all the ESD-safe equipment used in this type of cleaning.

■ Equipment functions effectively and runs at lower temperatures when internal dust and dirt build-up is removed.

■ Cleaning equipment inside and out aids in maintaining ISO 14644 particle level standards for the entire room.

Network Device Cleaning - Colo Techxpert Solutions

Key Parameters	Competition	COLO TechXpert	How are we better
Cleaning approach	Piece meal type – Only interested in the cleaning of that specific area	Holistic type – with environmental dust management as a key driving force behind the endeavour.	We will advise and suggest ways to Deter, Detect, Deny, Delay, and Defend the Critical environment from environmental dust accumulation and related hazards.
Method of Execution	More manpower intensive cleaning	More mechanized cleaning; optimized use of tools, tackles, and consumables.	Multi-fold increase in cleaning efficiency. Consistent cleaning output with excellent results due to optimized RPM, suction power, and UV light intensity.
Execution time	Remarkably high due to dependency on physical labor	Usage of ergonomic tools, tackles, and a strict sequential cleaning process avoids duplicate actions.	Results in a 250% quicker turnaround time for the given work area.
HSE	Lack of awareness about safe practices to follow.	Adherence to HAZOP and implementation of mitigation measures like pre-site audits, toolbox talks, ensuring relevant PPE, ergonomic tools, and non-corrosive chemicals.	Safety-first approach ensures safety of personnel, premises, and the environment.
Types of cleaning agents used	Corrosive and non-ESD deterrent by nature.	Non-corrosive, pH-neutral, ESD deterrent cleaning agents from Johnson Diversey.	Noncorrosive, ESD deterrent coating on the floor increases system reliability.
Dedicated training and continuous up-skilling program	Generic and old training methods.	Specific training programs for Data Center cleaners, technical area cleaners, and critical environment supervisors with a competency matrix evaluation and correction mechanism.	Ensures faster turnaround time and maintains safety and excellence in cleaning operations.
Top Level cleaning	No mechanism to address airborne dust from top-level cleaning.	Standardized approach to capture and remove airborne dust from top-level surfaces.	Point of origin dust capture results in a more pristine environment with less airborne dust.
HVAC filter cleaning	Does not support	Conducts pre and post-cleaning of HVAC air filters as per OEM recommendations.	Prevents reintroduction of dust inside the critical environment, improving energy efficiency.
Sub floor cleaning	Normal vacuuming	Industrial vacuum machines, UV light-based vacuuming of trays/cables in the plenum.	Ensures high-quality cleaning.
Tools and tackles used	Mostly generic	Ergonomic, ESD-compliant tools and tackles with relevant attachments.	Optimized cleaning with utmost safety using ESD-compliant tools.
Environmental sampling and reporting as per ISO 14644-2	Internal testing and certification	External third-party testing and certification	No conflict of interest, ensuring transparency.
Directors’ Subject Matter expertise	Opaque	Multiple tiers of data centers managed: 7 million sq. ft.; 25 years in hospitality, 39 years in facilities management, 18 years in HSE, 20 years in construction.	Domain expertise ensures critical task execution with utmost care, resulting in best-in-class service delivery.
Optimization of housekeeping costs for critical environment cleaning	Excessive cost due to dedicated workforce deployment by area.	Intensive cleaning on an agreed frequency rather than permanent deployment.	Reduces operational expenditure and compliance management burden.

Feature	Benefits
Project Management and Communication	CTS manages all aspects of the facility and IT infrastructure relocation, so that clients can concentrate on their core business.
Defined Relocation Approach	By leveraging the CTS data center relocation approach, many typical pitfalls are anticipated in advance, and contingency plans are put in place, avoiding likely problems.
Defined Roles and Responsibilities	This clear understanding helps to avoid problems and delays in the project schedule.
Pre-move Assessment and Site Preparation	CTS prepares the current facility and IT equipment for the relocation, including labelling of all equipment, along with a move passport detailing device specifications, relocation position, cabling attachments, and other device-specific requirements.
Move Implementation Services	Efficient management of load, transport, and unload shortens actual network downtime, allowing the business to effectively manage operations during migration with minimal downtime.
Post-Move Consulting	Project completion activities, including punch list completion, move reviews, documentation of all relocated elements, clean-up, and client acceptance, allow the business to focus back on operations quickly and efficiently.