How do I keep my data-center safe from airborne contaminants?

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Dust and gases under raised floors can corrode server components and lead to costly downtime. SET3 offers subfloor cleaning and air contaminant testing to prevent failures.
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Subfloor CleaningThere are two types of airborne contaminants that most data centers have to contend with: solid particles and gases. Even with a physical separation of equipment in a data center, industrial processes can produce unacceptable levels of particulate contamination in the form of airborne dust and gases, which can damage sensitive electrical components, and lead to costly repairs and replacements. Facilities that process petroleum, metal, food, paper and chemicals are particularly prone to such particulate damage which is why they use Products like gas analysers to keep a track of the air quality. euwinsg

IBM has posted an Environmental Design Criteria list that shows general ratings of their equipment in handling airborne contaminants, temperature and humidity, which conform with industry standards.

To determine if there is risk of airborne contamination of any sort at your facility, begin with a visual inspection. Look for rusting and corrosion on exposed metal, noticeable odors of airborne chemicals such as chlorine, ozone or sulfur, depending on possible by products of your industrial processes, and layers of dust on equipment. Additionally, a Data Center Cleaning company such as SET3 can conduct ferrous metal testing, humidity testing, airborne particle counts, and chemical testing.

SET3 can help keep your data center clean and safe from airborne contaminants. Proactive safeguards can save your company big on damaged equipment and down time. Learn more about Data Center Air Filtration Systems.

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Picture of About the Author: Brian P. Hoffman

About the Author: Brian P. Hoffman

Brian P. Hoffman is a National Company Liaison with more than 30 years of experience supporting HVAC infrastructure for mission-critical facilities. His work focuses on the integration, commissioning strategy, and operational performance of mechanical systems in environments where reliability and environmental control are essential, including data centers, laboratories, healthcare facilities, and advanced manufacturing operations.
Brian’s experience includes HVAC controls integration, commissioning practices, and lifecycle service strategies that help organizations maintain uptime and system reliability while adapting to changing thermal management demands in modern data center and laboratory environments. His work often focuses on the intersection of system design, operational performance, and long-term infrastructure planning.

Brian holds EPA Universal Refrigerant certification, commissioning and air balancing credentials, OSHA safety certifications, and the Wisconsin Health Care Engineering Association’s Health Care Construction Certificate. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and a member of the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST). Through his writing and industry engagement, Brian shares insights on mechanical reliability, thermal management, and infrastructure strategy in critical facilities.

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