Situation:

During normal operation of UPS systems inside the Data Center, charging alarms indicated that several batteries showed an overvoltage condition.

Challenge:

Signs of burnt battery straps were noted on the initial investigation of the battery banks. After the overvoltage condition was detected by the system, it caused the battery breaker to open to prevent a thermal runaway.

Result or near-miss:

The battery had vented electrolyte fluid onto the nylon handling strap. The liquid saturated across the fabric and allowed contact with the grounding bracing.

Next time:

Handling straps should be removed before placing batteries into service as they are only for temporary handling.

About the Data Center Safety Council

Established by founding members Edgecore Digital Infrastructure, Salesforce, STACK Infrastructure, Vantage Data Centers, Yondr, and new member Digital Realty, the Data Center Safety Council was created to establish a unified approach towards ensuring safety and wellbeing of personnel in data center operations. The vision is to create a forum where health and safety professionals work collaboratively as an industry group to improve data center worker safety wholistically. Together, member companies will address common issues and seek long-term solutions with vendors and suppliers for the benefit and safety of data center workers.