Data-centre cleaning and decontamination in Toronto
Dust, particulate and zinc whiskers cause faults in IT equipment, UPS fans and cooling coils. Symetrix Canada coordinates data-centre cleaning and decontamination for sites in Toronto, the GTA and Ontario: sub-floor plenums, raised-floor tiles, surfaces and equipment exteriors, planned around live equipment and timed with your UPS and cooling maintenance. Requests get a reply and a quote within 4 business hours.
Key facts
- Cleanliness target: ISO 14644-1 Class 8, the level ASHRAE recommends for data centres1
- Zinc whiskers: identified and removed at the source2
- Scope: sub-floor plenum, raised-floor tiles and pedestals, surfaces, equipment exteriors, UPS and cooling rooms
- How we deliver it: we coordinate, with a specialist critical-environment cleaning crew
- Response and quote: within 4 business hours
We coordinate this service with specialist partners.
Why contamination matters
- Particulate clogs UPS and server air filters and fans, raises operating temperature and shortens component life. ASHRAE sets a cleanliness target for data centres for this reason 1.
- Zinc whiskers are fine conductive filaments that grow from zinc-plated surfaces, including some raised-floor tiles and pedestals. Disturbed during work under the floor, they get drawn into equipment and can short circuits 2.
- Construction dust after a fit-out or renovation is a frequent one-off contamination event.
What the work covers
- Survey: particle counts or visual assessment, floor tile and pedestal inspection for zinc whiskers, and a sample if needed.
- Method statement: sequence, containment, tools (HEPA filtration only), and how live equipment is protected.
- Sub-floor plenum: debris removed, surfaces vacuumed and wiped, cable trays cleaned.
- Raised-floor tiles and pedestals: cleaned; whisker-producing tiles identified for replacement.
- Surfaces and equipment exteriors: HEPA vacuum and anti-static wipes; no compressed air near equipment.
- UPS and cooling rooms: timed with UPS maintenance and precision cooling maintenance, so filters are changed once the room is clean.
- Report: before and after condition, counts or photos, and items to fix.
Common questions
What cleanliness level should a data centre meet?
ASHRAE recommends ISO 14644-1 Class 8 for data-centre air 1.
What are zinc whiskers?
Microscopic conductive filaments that grow from zinc-plated (galvanized) surfaces, such as some older raised-floor tiles and pedestals. When disturbed they can drift into equipment and cause short circuits 2.
Can a data centre be cleaned while it is running?
Yes, with the right method: HEPA-filtered tools, anti-static materials, containment around open tiles, and work sequenced so airflow to live equipment is never blocked.
How often should a data centre be cleaned?
After any construction or fit-out, and on a regular schedule set by particle counts and the room's history. Rooms with visible dust on filters or under the floor are already overdue.
Request a quote
Reply and quote within 4 business hours; same day in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City, and 24 to 48 hours elsewhere in Canada.
Sources
- ASHRAE TC 9.9, 2011 Gaseous and Particulate Contamination Guidelines for Data Centers, Table 4
- ASHRAE TC 9.9, 2011 Gaseous and Particulate Contamination Guidelines for Data Centers, Particulate contamination section
Updated