3 Golden Rules for Data Centres

Data centres and IT operations must comply with Workplace Safety and Health acts, especially when handling heavy equipment like servers, equipment inspections, operator training, and workplace hazard controls.

Manual handling in data centres is a high frequency cause of accidents and injuries. If workers need to lift something manually – and this includes pushing, pulling, lifting, lowering, and carrying.

1. Safe Handling of Equipment and Materials 


Heavy servers, routers, and other equipment are commonplace in data centres.

OSHA advises that all equipment handling is done using proper lifting techniques and mechanical aids like carts or lifts when possible.

Similarly, EU has specified regulations for safe lifting and handling, including Directive 2009/104/EC (Use of Work Equipment). These include:

  • Use mechanical aids like lifts for heavy servers and routers.
  • Train workers in proper lifting techniques to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Store and handle equipment safely to avoid accidents.
  • Assess risks and provide ergonomic workstations.
  • Maintain and inspect equipment regularly.
Data centres frequently install, upgrade, or replace servers, switches, and other rack-mounted devices.
Hispanic worker falling from ladder inside building

 2. Fall Protection and Ladder Safety 

Why it matters: Data centers often undergo migrations, reconfigurations, or expansions. Moving servers between racks or rooms requires precision and speed, especially during scheduled maintenance windows or live migrations.

How IXOLIFT DataLifts help:

  • Compact footprint fits through standard doors and narrow aisles.
  • Rotates on its own axis for exact positioning.
  • Maintenance-free gearbox and non-marking wheels ensure clean, uninterrupted operation in sensitive environments.
  • High lifting range (2,3 to 2.4 m) supports installations across full rack heights (up to 52U)

Impact:

  • Supports scalable infrastructure growth without compromising safety.
  • The system facilitates scalable infrastructure expansion while ensuring safety standards are maintained.
  • Enables faster, safer migrations with minimal disruption.
  • Improves operational efficiency during rack refreshes or layout changes.

3. Ergonomics for Workers 


Heavy servers, routers, and other equipment are commonplace in data centres. OSHA advises that all equipment handling is done using proper lifting techniques and mechanical aids like carts or lifts when possible. Similarly, EU has specified regulations for safe lifting and handling, including Directive 2009/104/EC (Use of Work Equipment). These include:

  • Use mechanical aids like lifts for heavy servers and routers.
  • Train workers in proper lifting techniques to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Store and handle equipment safely to avoid accidents.
  • Assess risks and provide ergonomic workstations.
  • Maintain and inspect equipment regularly.
Data centres frequently install, upgrade, or replace servers, switches, and other rack-mounted devices.