Free PDF checklist

Data Center Safety Checklist

A printable workplace safety walk-through for data center facility teams and their contractors.

For facility safety teams, supervisors, and maintenance contractors

Starting point for site-specific review. It does not authorize work or replace your site safety plan, required inspections, or equipment-specific procedures.

Get the printable checklist

20 walk-through prompts, space for notes, and an action log for follow-up.

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What to check during your walk-through

Use these prompts during a visual walk-through of the areas your team is authorized to enter. Record concerns and refer them to the responsible facility team.

Access and walkways

  • Aisles, exits, and access to emergency equipment are unobstructed.
  • Cables, hoses, and stored materials do not create obvious trip hazards.
  • Raised-floor tiles and covers in the walk-through area appear secure.
  • Open floor areas are protected and marked under facility procedures.

Electrical work areas

  • Electrical rooms and equipment areas are accessible only as authorized by the facility.
  • Equipment doors, covers, labels, and visible boundaries appear intact.
  • Visible damage, unusual odors, or other electrical concerns are reported to the responsible team.
  • Contractors know the facility contact and approved work boundaries before starting their task.

Fire and emergency readiness

  • Emergency exits and routes are accessible and clearly identified.
  • Fire equipment access is not blocked by stored materials.
  • Visible leaks, unusual conditions, or fire protection concerns are reported.
  • Workers know how to report an emergency and where to find site instructions.

Equipment handling and environment

  • Handling equipment appears suitable for the planned load and in acceptable condition.
  • The route for moving equipment is clear and coordinated with the facility team.
  • Water leaks or other visible environmental concerns are reported.
  • Noise, temperature, and other conditions of concern are raised with the responsible team.

Contractor coordination and follow-up

  • The facility has communicated restrictions relevant to work in the area.
  • Concurrent activities and changes affecting the work area have been communicated.
  • Concerns are recorded with a location and responsible contact.
  • Outstanding observations have an owner and follow-up date.

Use the checklist as a starting point

A safety professional should review the prompts against your site, the work being performed, and your employer's and client's procedures. An observation sheet cannot establish that equipment is isolated or safe to work on. Report and escalate concerns through the site process.

For facility maintenance, the applicable requirements depend on the work and equipment. OSHA publishes general industry safety and electrical work-practice standards.

Read OSHA guidance

Frequently asked questions

Who should use this checklist?

This checklist is for facility safety teams, supervisors, and maintenance contractors. Adapt it to the work, site, and responsibilities of the person performing the walk-through.

Does the checklist replace the site safety plan?

No. It is a starting point for a visual walk-through. A qualified safety professional should review and adapt it to the site, the work, and applicable requirements.

What should I do when I find a concern?

Follow the site reporting and escalation process. Record the location, responsible person, follow-up date, and how the concern was addressed.

Keep findings and follow-up together

BasinCheck helps field teams document inspections and track corrective actions.

See how BasinCheck works

Also useful: Construction Safety Inspection Checklist and the free JSA builder.