Rank: Forum user 
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We have recently commissioned an IT server room. As it has a business critical function it has an uninterruptable power supply and the room itself is protected (if that is the correct phrase) by a fire suppressant gas (FM200). Access is severely restricted to a small number of IT people who work in there on an adhoc basis for varying lengths of time from 5 minutes to a couple of hours.
All the aspects of lone working, manual handling, accidents, first aid are covered well enough and the IT staff have received electrical safety awareness training. However a question has arisen over electrical safety. This room is new and has (I am told) up to date equipment with all the standards that are required these days.
I have been tasked with finding out whether or not we should fit an emergency system in the room which would cut the power to the servers immediately.
My initial thought would be to not have such a device as the equipment is sufficiently protected. However, because of the need to continue running the servers, if an emergency power off button were to be fitted and activated by accident it could be catastrophic to the business.
I am no expert in electrics so I respectfully ask for your opinion in advising whether or not we should fit such a device.
Thanks
Graham
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Did the person who asked this explain what circumstances they envisaged that might require cutting off all the power immediately? I'm struggling to think of any.
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Rank: Forum user
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Hello Kate,
The only circumstancers they have come up with is "if someone gets an electric shock from the equipment". Well, for me, the safety interventions already installed should do just that and cut the power supply.
Graham
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I doubt (if the design is correct & legal) you have much to worry about regards electricity.
You need to implement a good lone worker procedure
You don't mention the confined space issues should the fire suppressant activate.
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Rank: Forum user
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I would be more concerned that someone is working in a room for up to 2 hrs with FM200. Check out the systems and ensure they are totally failsafe. I stand to be corrected on this point though.
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Rank: Forum user
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There is a procedure in place for FM 200 and the Lone Working risk assessments are in place. Have to admit I hadn't thought about confined space issues.
My worry lines are fading, however, regarding the installation of an Emergency Power off switch(es).
Thanks
Graham
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Rank: Super forum user 
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FM200 - When discharged they work by reducing the oxygen within a room or enclosure to below 15% (normal air 21% oxygen). Below 15% most combustible materials will not burn (Class A,B and C Fires).
At this level of oxygen life is sustainable and the healthy people would not notice any adverse effects.
There will probably be an early warning of operation with enough time for people to evacuate the area, but no worries unless of course there is a fire??????
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Rank: Super forum user
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Does your IT system have a back up, off site and a recovery system in case of shut down?
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks folks.
Firesafety101. I would like to think we have a back up facility somewhere but because of security reasons I am not told either way. For the FM200 there is an early warning with a "hold off" device for the discharge but if the system is switched to manual, as it should be when someone is working in there, there shouldn't be a discharge.
Graham
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Your query is typical of situations where someone thinks of a consequence without looking at the associated probability.
I suggest the generic response is to do an appropriate risk assessment, but in a concerned and supportive way. Ask the person, plus others who might know, to think through a sequence of events that could lead to the imagined consequence, electric shock in this case. If you can construct a 'fault tree' that results in the consequence, it will also reveal how many other controls need to fail, and thus help to define the probability. Armed with that, you can then see more clearly whether the resources needed to implement the suggested additional control make sense, or whether they should used to reduce other risks - not necessarily in the IT room!
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks imwaldra, I have done a cause and effect list as best I can but still can't come up with a reason to fit an emergency power off button. We can remotely switch the power off but because of the critical nature I can't think of a reason as to why we would want to. We have spent a fortune (relatively speaking) on putting in a system which means the power should never go off.
I'm minded not to recommend such a device.
Graham
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Tell the "person" who has told you to fit the emergency power off device to go and do a "one", or, get them to specify the requirements that they are specifying, and get them to design & sign for the design, thus accepting any and all liability for the design of the of the system that they say requires it.
Also, ensure that IF it is activated and there is ANY business interruption, or ANY consequential loss, etc. etc. that their "insurances" will cover this to the value that your company requires, and that they agree to these conditions.
Bearing in mind that the consequential loss in a data centre could run to £100's of M, never mind £k's.
If they are not prepared to put their signature where their mouth is, then again tell them to do a "one".
I cannot see any reason under any regulations or requirement for an "emergency off" system.
I can see LOADS of reasons why not though.
Ask them to quote statute law & BS7671 regulations that require this, and let us know what they say?
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