Planning Detail

The entry to the computer room from non-computer room spaces shall lead into a controlled space within the data center, prior to providing access to the computer room areas.
Entry for equipment, if separate from main entry, shall be controlled by the data center personnel only. The entry to the computer room should be positioned away from the direct access to the exterior.
Equipment  entry  should  be  located  near  a  staging/storage  area  for  unpacking  and  preparation  of
equipment prior to entry into a computer room.

The Command center should be near the main entrance and shall house environmental monitoring equipment, computer system monitors, and space for the number of data center operators present at any given time. A console is recommended to house all monitors.

The command center shall be located so that it has direct access to the computer room space.
As  needed, office  and  conference  facilities  shall  be  provided  adjacent  to  the  command center  for supervisory functions and to form a war room or emergency troubleshooting area.

The printer room shall be provided adjacent to the personnel areas. The printer room shall be self- contained with a filtration system on the return air leaving the room. Space shall be provided for paper staying within the printer room to ensure the stabilization of paper.

For facilities that produce in-house removable record storage media and store in-house for an extended time the media that has been removed from the library, a separate room shall be provided for media storage. A separate media room in not required when media is removed from the library and directly transferred to a permanent off-site storage location.

Storage of critical media shall be contained within a 2-hour fire rate enclosure.

Restroom and break room areas shall be provided with easy access to the operations and office areas. Restrooms shall be accessible, for both genders per the governing local codes and standards.

For 24/7 operations data centers, where practical, access to the restroom and break room should be within the security-controlled area of the data center.