Safe Working Practices Policy
Health, safety, and conduct requirements for all non-GridSite personnel working within GridColo facilities
The Safe Working Practices Policy defines the minimum health, safety, and conduct requirements for all non-GridSite personnel working within GridColo facilities. Data centers are specialized environments containing high-voltage electrical systems, heavy mechanical equipment, raised-floor areas, and critical IT infrastructure that must remain in continuous operation.
Unsafe behavior by even a single individual can jeopardize not only their personal well-being but also the safety of others and the reliability of mission-critical systems. The objective of this policy is therefore twofold: to protect all persons from injury, and to protect the facility and its customers from operational disruption due to unsafe acts.
This policy applies to all customers, vendors, contractors, consultants, and visitors performing any form of work or activity within a GridColo site. It applies equally to technical and non-technical tasks, whether short-term or long-term, and whether performed in customer cages, shared data halls, loading docks, staging rooms, or mechanical/electrical spaces.
Important Note:
This policy supplements and does not replace compliance with applicable laws, including OSHA, NFPA, and local building and fire codes.
Every individual in a GridColo facility is expected to conduct themselves in a manner that prioritizes safety and operational continuity. All work must be performed in accordance with approved methods, using appropriate protective equipment, and with full awareness of the risks inherent to the environment.
Strictly Prohibited:
- Bypassing lockout/tagout procedures
- Blocking egress pathways
- Mishandling heavy equipment
- Attempting work outside authorization
Safety is a shared responsibility: GridColo establishes standards, sponsors ensure their personnel are trained and briefed, and individuals themselves must comply fully with the rules in this policy.
All individuals must remain situationally aware while in GridColo facilities. Running, horseplay, loud or disruptive behavior, and the use of headphones or personal audio devices in operational areas are prohibited.
Conversations in shared spaces must be kept professional and at a low volume. Individuals should be alert to warning signage, posted instructions, and the presence of moving equipment such as forklifts or pallet jacks.
PPE must be worn whenever entering designated areas or performing tasks that present risk. Minimum requirements include:
Electrical and Mechanical Rooms
Safety glasses, closed-toe footwear, and flame-resistant clothing where required by NFPA 70E.
Loading Docks and Staging Areas
Hard hats, safety vests, gloves, and steel-toe footwear when handling heavy equipment or when overhead work is occurring.
Roof and Exterior Plant Areas
Fall protection harnesses when working at height, weather-appropriate clothing, and high-visibility vests.
Note: Individuals must supply their own PPE unless specifically provided under contract. PPE must be in good condition and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
Only properly maintained tools and equipment may be used. Extension cords, ladders, carts, and lifting devices must meet OSHA standards. Improvised tools or unsafe substitutes are prohibited.
GridColo may inspect tools at any time and deny use of items deemed unsafe. Customers and vendors must not connect personal tools or equipment to facility power unless specifically authorized.
⚠️ DANGER
Electrical systems within GridColo facilities operate at potentially lethal voltages.
No individual may access energized panels, transformers, busways, or UPS systems unless expressly authorized and trained. Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures must be followed at all times when performing work on electrical systems.
Only GridColo personnel or pre-approved contractors under GridColo supervision may apply or remove LOTO devices on facility infrastructure. Customers are responsible for applying safe work practices, including LOTO, within their own cages and cabinets.
Any activity involving open flame, cutting, welding, soldering, or other ignition sources is considered "hot work" and requires a Hot Work Permit issued by GridColo Operations.
The permit specifies fire watch requirements, extinguisher placement, and environmental controls. Hazardous activities such as use of chemicals, refrigerants, or compressed gases must also be approved in advance, with proper containment and ventilation measures in place.
Equipment entering or leaving the facility must be moved safely. Forklifts, pallet jacks, and dollies must only be operated by trained personnel. Loads must not exceed the rated capacity of lifts, raised floors, or elevators.
Team lifting is required for heavy items where mechanical assistance is unavailable. Individuals must use proper body mechanics to avoid musculoskeletal injury.
Blocking aisles or emergency egress routes with carts, crates, or unpacked equipment is prohibited.
Data halls may include raised-floor systems containing power and cabling. Floor tiles must only be removed with approved tools and immediately covered or barricaded. Unattended open tiles are not permitted.
Overhead cable trays, ladder racks, and pipe spaces may only be accessed using approved ladders or lifts, and items must be properly secured to prevent falling hazards.
Cleanliness is essential to safety and to the protection of IT equipment. Work areas must be kept orderly, free of debris, and clear of trip hazards.
Food, drink, and tobacco products are prohibited beyond designated break areas. Waste must be disposed of in approved receptacles. Packaging materials, pallets, and crates must not be left in common aisles or raised-floor areas.
Individuals must familiarize themselves with posted evacuation routes, muster points, and emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, and AEDs.
In the event of an alarm:
- All work must cease immediately
- Proceed to the nearest exit in an orderly manner
- Re-entry is prohibited until authorized by GridColo staff
Any injury, no matter how minor, must be reported immediately to GridColo Operations. First aid may be administered by qualified personnel, but serious medical events will be escalated to emergency responders.
Sponsors must notify GridColo of any incident involving their personnel, and GridColo will maintain records for compliance and safety improvement purposes.
The following are strictly prohibited:
Performing work without proper authorization or training
Bypassing or defeating safety devices or interlocks
Operating facility infrastructure without explicit GridColo approval
Using alcohol, drugs, or being under the influence while onsite
Sleeping or resting in unauthorized areas
Individuals
Must comply with this policy, wear appropriate PPE, and immediately report unsafe conditions.
Customers and Vendors
Must ensure their personnel are trained, insured, and briefed on site-specific hazards.
GridColo Staff
Are responsible for issuing permits, monitoring compliance, and intervening in unsafe activities.
Violations of this policy may result in immediate suspension of work, removal from the facility, revocation of credentials, and, in severe cases, termination of colocation privileges.
Repeated violations may trigger contractual penalties or reporting to regulatory authorities.
This policy takes effect upon publication and remains in force until superseded. GridColo may revise it to reflect evolving safety standards, laws, or operational requirements.
All individuals will be expected to comply with the most current version.