Data centers are the backbones of countless businesses around the world. These data centers store and manage vast amounts of critical information companies rely on to operate. Responsible for so much data, the importance of these facilities cannot be overstated, and neither can the risks associated with their potential failure.
While it may not be a data center outage per se, the recent Microsoft Azure IT outage demonstrates the impact of IT systems going offline. Microsoft experienced a massive global outage caused by a defective CrowdStrike update in July 2024. This impacted more than 8.5 million Windows devices and majorly impacted air travel, health care services, and business worldwide.
Similarly, in July 2022, record-setting and unexpected temperatures of 104 degrees Fahrenheit in London led to cooling system failures and widespread outages at Google and Oracle data centers.
These incidents highlight the importance of protecting your systems to ensure smooth and secure operations. One way to do this is by understanding and adhering to data center legal responsibilities for electrical safety.
Data center owners are legally obligated to maintain robust electrical safety standards that protect both their facilities and the people who work there.
Yet, these legal responsibilities aren’t uniform across the globe. The exact requirements can vary depending on the geographical location of your data center. It is crucial to understand and comply with the specific regulations that apply to your facility. This means conducting thorough research and reaching out to relevant governing bodies to ensure you meet the necessary legal standards.
In this article, we’ll explore the key legal responsibilities for electrical safety in data centers across the US, and in the UK and Europe, offering you a useful guide for navigating these complex requirements.
Legal responsibilities in the US for data center electrical safety
Make sure your US data centers have strong electrical safety foundations by following regulations set by the relevant governing bodies, with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Electrical Code (NEC) being key.
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
OSHA is the cornerstone of workplace safety in the US. Working as part of the United States Department of Labor, OSHA was established in 1970 to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees across all 50 states of the US. Among its many regulations, OSHA lays out specific guidelines for electrical safety.
Since its creation, OSHA has vastly improved workplace safety, contributing to a dramatic reduction in work-related fatalities and injuries. With that said, the “control of hazardous energy” is one of the most frequently violated OSHA standards — highlighting that we still have a long way to go when it comes to electrical safety education and adherence.
OSHA's electrical standards are designed to protect employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions. Within OSHA, you’ll find general electrical safety guidelines, OSHA-approved state plans, guidance for hazard recognition and possible solutions, and training resources.
OSHA also specifies that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used when working with or near electrical equipment, as per their general safety requirements. This includes insulated gloves, safety glasses, and arc-rated clothing to protect workers from electrical hazards.
National Electrical Code (NEC)
In addition to OSHA regulations, NEC compliance is also crucial for US-based data centers. The NEC, also known as NFPA 70, sets the standard for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection to protect people and property from electrical hazards. This safety standard is enforced across all 50 US states.
By following NEC guidelines, you can ensure all electrical installations within your data center meet the highest safety standards. In turn, this helps minimize the risk of electrical fires, arc flash, electric shocks, and other hazards.
The extensive safety standards within NEC cover everything from general wiring and protection requirements to guidelines for special equipment.
NFPA 70E
Another essential standard for data center electrical safety in the US is NFPA 70E. This National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard outlines comprehensive electrical safety-related work practices and the maintenance requirements of electrical equipment.
NFPA 70E outlines the requirements for PPE designed to protect the wearer against arc flash. This arc-rated clothing ensures your workers have the necessary protection when working on or near electrical equipment — something that’s especially important when working in a highly energized environment like a data center.
Compliance with NFPA 70E also involves conducting arc flash assessments and implementing appropriate safety procedures. Adhering to NFPA 70E will help your data center meet OSHA requirements, while also helping protect your workers from electrical hazards such as shock, arc flash, and arc blast.
Legal responsibilities in the UK for data center electrical safety
In the UK, making your data center electrically safe involves complying with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) legislation. The HSE details national workplace health and safety standards and guidelines, including electrical safety.
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 is the cornerstone of workplace safety in the UK. This legislation outlines employer responsibilities to ensure the health and safety of their employees.
Key obligations under this act include:
- Providing and maintaining systems, ensuring they are practicable, safe, and without risk to health
- Providing information, instruction, training, and supervision
- Ensuring the workplace, environment, equipment, and duties are safe and without risk to health
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 go into further detail to specify legal requirements for electrical safety. These regulations mandate that all electrical systems must be properly maintained and safe to use. This includes regular maintenance, inspection, and testing of electrical equipment to prevent hazards such as electrical shock, burns, arc flash, and fire.
These regulations share comprehensive guidelines for various aspects of electrical safety. Some scenarios covered by the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 include earthing, working on or near live conductors, and precautions for work on equipment made dead. Understanding and complying with these guidelines will ensure the safety of your data center employees.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 emphasizes the need for employers to conduct thorough risk assessments and implement appropriate safety measures and procedures. This regulation is in place to ensure potential hazards are identified and mitigated, creating a safe working environment for employees.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 details procedures for serious and imminent danger and for danger areas. These procedures are useful for data centers where employees will be exposed to energized electrical systems and equipment. By following these legal regulations, you can ensure the safety of your data center workers. Other procedures covered by these regulations include capabilities and training, risk assessment, health and safety arrangements, and more.
Adherence to British Standards and Codes of Practice
Following the British Standards and Codes of Practice is critical for maintaining the safety and efficiency of data centers.
As part of these safety standards and codes of practice, there are several guidelines regarding electrical safety. You can find an extensive list of electrical standards and approved codes of practice on the HSE website. Some relevant standards include:
Complying with these standards helps ensure your data center operates efficiently and safely, minimizing the risks associated with electrical systems.
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 outlines employers’ legal duty to provide suitable PPE for their employees. In data centers, this means providing PPE that specifically protects against thermal and electrical hazards such as arc flash. Equipping workers with the appropriate PPE is crucial for ensuring their safety at work.
Fulfilling your legal duties to data center electrical safety
Ensuring electrical safety in data centers isn’t a simple exercise. It requires careful compliance with various legal requirements depending on your location. You need to fully understand the risks and responsibilities involved in electrical safety.
In the US, this includes adhering to OSHA regulations, the NEC, and NFPA 70E standards. In the UK, you’ll be required to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act, Electricity at Work Regulations, and other relevant British Standards and Codes of Practice. Elsewhere in the world, other legal requirements exist.
Staying informed, compliant, and legally responsible helps protect your facilities and workforce, minimizing risks and data center disruptions. For more information on data center electrical safety, download our Electrical Safety Issues in Data Centers eBook today.
