Comprehensive operational rules and standards for all GridColo facility users. This policy establishes baseline requirements for safety, security, professional conduct, and facility integrity.
Version:2.1
Last Updated:December 29, 2025
1Purpose and Principles
GridColo operates critical infrastructure. These rules exist to:
Protect life safety
People first, always.
Preserve availability
Maintain reliability of customer systems and building infrastructure.
Maintain security
Protect confidentiality of customer assets and data.
Establish standards
Create predictable, auditable, professional operations across all facilities.
These rules are designed to align with common best practices for critical infrastructure environments and to support customer compliance objectives. Nothing in this document is intended to reduce or waive any rights, obligations, or protections set forth in a signed agreement between GridColo and a customer.
2Acceptance, Enforcement, and Order of Precedence
2.1 Acceptance
By requesting access, entering a GridColo facility, shipping equipment to GridColo, or directing GridColo to perform work (including remote hands), you acknowledge and agree to comply with these Facility Rules.
2.2 Enforcement
GridColo may, in its sole discretion and as permitted by law:
Deny, revoke, or suspend access credentials
Require escort or additional screening
Stop work that is unsafe or non-compliant
Remove individuals from the premises
Recover costs resulting from violations, including incident response, cleanup, repairs, or third-party claims
Report suspected unlawful activity to appropriate authorities
2.3 Order of Precedence
If there is a conflict, the following order applies:
Applicable law and mandatory government requirements
Facility emergency directives issued by GridColo staff
The customer's executed agreements (e.g., MSA, Order Form)
These Facility Rules
Site-specific posted signage and instructions
3Definitions
Customer
The contracting entity receiving colocation and/or related services.
Customer Authorized Personnel (CAP)
Individuals the Customer has authorized to access or request work.
Visitor
Any non-GridColo person on site not designated as CAP.
Vendor/Contractor
Third party performing work or deliveries on behalf of Customer or GridColo.
Remote Hands
Work performed by GridColo staff at Customer direction.
Critical Areas
Data halls, MMRs, electrical rooms, UPS/battery rooms, generator yards, loading docks, security operations, and any restricted mechanical spaces.
MOP (Method of Procedure)
A documented plan for performing work safely with risk controls, backout steps, and communications.
LOTO (Lockout/Tagout)
Safety procedure to control hazardous energy.
4General Conduct and Professional Standards
4.1 Professional Behavior
All persons must behave in a professional and respectful manner. Prohibited conduct includes:
Harassment, discrimination, threats, intimidation, or violence
Disorderly behavior or refusal to comply with lawful instructions
Tampering with safety/security devices, signs, or barriers
Any action that creates an operational risk
4.2 Fitness for Duty
No person may access the facility or perform work while impaired. Prohibited:
Illegal drugs, misuse of prescription drugs, intoxication, or impairment
Possession, distribution, or use of controlled substances on site
GridColo may require removal from site for suspected impairment.
4.3 Smoking and Vaping
Smoking/vaping is permitted only in designated areas (if any). It is prohibited in all buildings, data halls, and near fuel storage or other posted hazard zones.
4.4 Photography, Recording, and Audio/Video Calls
To protect confidentiality and security:
No photography or recording in Critical Areas without written pre-authorization and escort conditions, if required
No live-streaming, video calls, or "showing the room" in Critical Areas unless explicitly authorized
Security systems may monitor areas as permitted by law
5Access Governance and Identity Requirements
5.1 Access is a Privilege
Access is granted on a need-to-access basis and may be limited by role, time, area, and purpose.
5.2 Authorized Personnel Lists
Customers must maintain accurate CAP lists. Access requests may be denied if:
The individual is not listed as CAP, or identity cannot be verified
Required onboarding steps are incomplete (e.g., training, paperwork)
There are account standing issues (as defined in applicable agreements)
5.3 Identity Verification
All individuals must present acceptable identification and comply with verification steps. GridColo may use layered verification (e.g., ID check, credential checks, biometrics where legally permitted, and/or secondary verification) appropriate to the facility's security posture.
5.4 Badges and Credentials
Badges/credentials are personal and non-transferable
Tailgating/piggybacking is prohibited
Badges must be worn visibly where required and surrendered upon request
Lost/stolen badges must be reported immediately
5.5 Escort Requirements
Certain individuals and/or areas may require escort at all times, including but not limited to:
Visitors and delivery personnel
Vendors not approved for unescorted access
Individuals with temporary access status
Entry into specific restricted rooms
5.6 Access Hours and Scheduling
Access may be:
24x7 for authorized CAP (subject to facility policy and agreement), or
Scheduled/limited where needed for safety or operations
High-impact activities (moves, heavy lifts, hot work, power work, overhead cabling changes) must be scheduled in advance and may require an approved MOP.
6Screening, Inspections, and Prohibited Items
6.1 Screening
GridColo may conduct security screening and inspections as permitted by law, including of bags, cases, toolboxes, shipping containers, or vehicles.
6.2 Prohibited Items (High-Level)
Unless explicitly authorized in writing, the following are prohibited:
Weapons & ammunition
Firearms, knives, explosives, replicas
Hazardous materials
Not declared and approved
Drones or RC devices
Radio-controlled equipment
Unapproved wireless
Access points, repeaters, jammers
Open flames
Pyrotechnics, unapproved flammables
Signal interference
Jammers or disruption devices
6.3 Tools and Equipment Controls
Tools must be appropriate for the task and in safe condition. Prohibited:
Unsafe, damaged, or modified tools
Uncontrolled cutting/grinding in data halls without controls
Use of unapproved extension cords or power taps (see Section 10)
7Visitor Management
7.1 Visitor Eligibility
Visitors must be sponsored by a Customer or GridColo host and may be denied access at any time.
7.2 Visitor Requirements
Visitors must:
Present ID and complete sign-in
Remain with host/escort as required
Wear visitor identification
Follow all posted restrictions and staff instructions
7.3 Minors
Minors are generally not permitted in Critical Areas. Exceptions require prior written approval and strict escorting.
8Customer Work Authorization and Change Discipline
8.1 Work Must Be Authorized
Work affecting Customer equipment or shared infrastructure must be authorized by the Customer and/or GridColo as applicable. GridColo may require verification of the requestor's authority.
8.2 Required Planning for High-Risk Work
The following typically require an MOP and may require GridColo approval prior to execution:
Electrical work beyond basic plug/unplug (including breaker operations)
Any work in electrical rooms, UPS areas, generator yards, or fuel systems
Any activity that may generate smoke/dust/particulate (cutting, drilling, grinding)
Use of lifts, rigging, or moving heavy equipment
Hot work (soldering, torch use, open flame), if ever permitted
Work affecting cooling interfaces, liquid lines, or any potential leak risk
8.3 "Stop Work" Authority
GridColo staff have unconditional authority to pause or stop work that is unsafe, non-compliant, or creates unacceptable risk.
9Housekeeping, Cleanliness, and Material Control
9.1 Clean-As-You-Go
Data centers require high cleanliness standards. All persons must:
Remove packing materials promptly
Keep aisles clear and comply with egress requirements
Avoid generating debris; use containment and vacuum controls where needed
9.2 Waste Disposal
Dispose of waste only in designated receptacles and per site rules. Special waste streams (batteries, electronics, chemicals) must be handled per Section 12.
9.3 Storage Restrictions
No storage in aisles, egress paths, electrical rooms, or mechanical spaces
Storage in customer cages/suites must not block airflow, panels, or access to safety devices
No long-term storage of combustibles unless explicitly authorized
10Technical Rules for Customer Equipment, Power, and Cabling
10.1 General Equipment Standards
Customer equipment must be commercially appropriate, safely operable, and installed in a professional manner. GridColo may require removal or remediation of equipment that presents:
Electrical hazard
Fire hazard
Excessive heat output beyond designed capacity
Unacceptable vibration, noise, or EMI
Physical instability or poor rack integration
10.2 Rack Safety and Loading
Observe rack manufacturer load ratings and stability requirements
Heaviest equipment must be mounted low where practicable
Use proper rails and fasteners; do not "float mount" heavy devices
Do not block rear/front airflow; use blanking panels where appropriate
10.3 Power Connection Rules
To protect reliability and safety:
Use only approved power cords and connectors rated for the load
Do not use consumer-grade power strips, unapproved tap devices, or daisy chains
Extension cords are prohibited for permanent use and may be prohibited entirely in Critical Areas except under controlled, temporary conditions
Maintain proper A/B power diversity according to design and customer requirements
Do not exceed circuit ratings; account for inrush and peak conditions
10.4 Grounding and Bonding
Customers must not modify facility grounding/bonding. Equipment must be installed consistent with electrical codes and manufacturer guidance. Any grounding anomalies must be reported immediately.
10.5 Cabling Standards (Copper and Fiber)
All cabling must be professionally dressed, secured, and labeled
No loose cables across aisles or under doors
Respect bend radius and strain relief (especially fiber)
Use approved pathways (ladder racks, trays) and follow separation rules for power vs. data as applicable
Do not interfere with other customers' cabling or shared bundles
10.6 Labeling Requirements
At minimum, Customer should label:
Racks and RU positions (or maintain an equivalent inventory map)
Power cords (source PDU/outlet and destination device)
Network patch cords (source/destination ports)
Any liquid lines (if permitted) and quick disconnect identifiers
GridColo may require minimum labeling for operability and safety.
10.7 Wireless and RF Controls
No customer-installed Wi-Fi APs or ad-hoc wireless networks without written authorization
No interference devices, jammers, rogue repeaters, or unauthorized antennas
All RF deployments must be coordinated with GridColo to avoid operational impact
11Remote Hands Rules and Customer Direction Controls
11.1 Authorized Requestors Only
Remote hands requests must come from verified CAP via approved channels. GridColo may use call-back or multi-factor confirmation for sensitive requests.
11.2 Scope and Limitations
Remote hands is generally limited to reasonable, well-defined tasks (e.g., reboot, cable move, visual verification, media swaps where authorized). GridColo may refuse tasks that are:
Unsafe or unclear
Likely to cause service impact without an MOP
Outside of scope or not permitted by the agreement
In violation of law or policy
11.3 Customer Responsibility for Instructions
Customers must provide:
Exact rack/unit/device identifiers
Specific port or cable labels
Clear success criteria and backout steps for risky tasks
GridColo is not responsible for ambiguity in instructions.
11.4 Chain-of-Custody for Media and Assets
Handling of drives, tapes, HSMs, and sensitive materials must follow documented chain-of-custody. Customers should specify:
Whether media is to be returned, stored, destroyed, or shipped
Packaging requirements
Shipping address and authorized recipients
12Safety Program Requirements
12.1 General Safety
All persons must:
Follow posted signs and instructions
Immediately report unsafe conditions, spills, or alarms
Keep egress routes clear at all times
Use required PPE (Section 12.4)
12.2 Electrical Safety
No energized electrical work unless explicitly authorized and appropriately controlled.
Access to electrical rooms is restricted to authorized individuals
Any breaker operations, panel access, or electrical testing requires authorization and may require an MOP, qualified personnel, and appropriate PPE
12.3 LOTO and Hazardous Energy
Where applicable, LOTO procedures must be followed. Customers and contractors must not apply/remove locks/tags on facility-controlled equipment without authorization and coordination.
12.4 PPE
Minimum PPE may be required by area/task. Examples:
Closed-toe shoes required in all operational areas
Safety glasses where posted or for cutting/drilling work
Hearing protection where noise thresholds are posted
Hard hats and high-visibility apparel in construction zones/loading docks as posted
Electrical PPE requirements are task- and hazard-dependent
12.5 Ladders, Lifts, and Rigging
Ladder use must follow manufacturer guidance; three points of contact
Lift operations require qualified operators and spotters as required
Rigging must be performed by competent personnel using rated equipment
No overhead work above others without controlled exclusion zones
12.6 Hot Work and Ignition Sources
Hot work is prohibited unless explicitly authorized in writing with a permit process and controls (fire watch, suppression readiness, area prep, and post-work monitoring).
12.7 Housekeeping as a Safety Requirement
Debris and packaging are safety hazards and must be removed promptly.
13Hazardous Materials and Environmental Controls
13.1 General Rule
Hazardous materials are prohibited unless explicitly declared, approved, and controlled.
13.2 Batteries
Lithium batteries (including spare packs) must be managed safely and stored/handled per manufacturer guidance and applicable codes.
Damaged, swollen, or compromised batteries must not be brought into the facility and must be reported if discovered.
13.3 Chemicals, Solvents, and Cleaning Agents
No unapproved solvents, aerosols, corrosives, or flammable chemicals in Critical Areas.
Cleaning must be done using approved materials that do not create residue, dust, or fumes.
13.4 Liquids Near IT Equipment
Liquids in data halls are strictly controlled. Any permitted liquids (e.g., sealed cooling interfaces) must:
Use professionally engineered, leak-minimized solutions
Have secondary containment where applicable
Be supported by documented procedures and emergency response steps
13.5 Spill Reporting
Any spill, leak, or unusual odor must be reported immediately. Do not attempt cleanup unless trained and authorized.
14Fire Safety and Life Safety Systems
14.1 Do Not Interfere with Life Safety Systems
Prohibited:
Blocking fire doors, extinguishers, pull stations, alarms, sprinklers, detectors, or emergency lighting
Covering smoke detectors or disabling detection systems
Shipments may require advance notification, including:
Carrier and tracking details
Delivery window
Weight/dimensions and handling requirements
Special equipment needed (pallet jack, forklift, lift gate)
15.2 Packaging Standards
Use professional packaging appropriate for sensitive electronics
Clearly label customer name, site, cage/suite, and contact
Include internal packing lists
15.3 Chain-of-Custody and Secure Receiving
GridColo may maintain receiving logs, photo documentation of exterior condition, and custody tracking where appropriate.
15.4 Prohibited Dock Practices
Unattended equipment in unsecured areas
Blocking dock exits, fire lanes, or security checkpoints
Unsafe pallet stacking or exceeding dock load limits
16Confidentiality, Privacy, and Customer Asset Protection
16.1 Confidentiality Expectations
All persons must respect confidentiality of other customers. Prohibited:
Attempting to access other customers' areas or equipment
Discussing other customers' presence, configurations, or activity
Photographing or recording other customers' assets
16.2 Privacy and Monitoring
GridColo may employ monitoring (e.g., cameras, access logs) in accordance with law and posted notices. Individuals must comply with applicable monitoring policies and instructions.
17Network and Cybersecurity Rules for On-Site Activity
17.1 Customer Systems
Customers are responsible for security of their systems, but GridColo requires baseline behaviors to reduce facility risk:
Do not connect unauthorized devices to any shared or facility-managed networks
No scanning, probing, or interference with facility systems or other customers' networks
No rogue DHCP servers or broadcast storms
17.2 Portable Media and Sensitive Tools
Customers should follow strong media hygiene. GridColo may restrict certain activities that increase risk (e.g., connecting unknown USB devices to shared systems).
17.3 Incident Reporting
Suspected cybersecurity incidents that may impact facility operations or shared systems must be reported promptly.
18Incident Management and Reporting Requirements
18.1 What Must Be Reported Immediately
Safety Incidents
Injuries, near-misses, unsafe conditions
Fire/Heat
Fire/smoke/overheating, electrical anomalies
Environmental
Leaks/spills/chemical odors
Security
Security concerns, suspicious activity
Access
Lost badges/credential compromise
Operations
Any unplanned service impact or "oops event"
18.2 Cooperation
All persons must cooperate with incident response, including providing statements and preserving relevant information (photos, logs, device states), consistent with law and contractual obligations.
19Business Continuity and Emergency Operations
GridColo maintains emergency response procedures. During emergencies, GridColo may:
Restrict access and suspend non-essential work
Implement additional controls or escorts
Require customers to coordinate before dispatching personnel
Customers are responsible for maintaining current emergency contacts and escalation paths.
20Violations, Cost Recovery, and Sanctions
20.1 Examples of Violations
Tailgating, badge sharing, or unauthorized access attempts
Unsafe work practices, ignoring PPE/permit requirements
Unapproved hot work or dust-generating work
Unapproved liquids or hazardous materials
Interference with life safety systems
Harassment or threats
Unauthorized photography/recording
20.2 Cost Recovery
Customers may be responsible for costs arising from their personnel, visitors, or contractors, including:
Repairs and cleanup
Incident response and investigations
Third-party claims resulting from negligence or willful misconduct
as permitted by applicable agreements and law.
21Requests, Exceptions, and Special Approvals
Some activities may be permitted only via written exception, including:
Photography/recording in restricted areas
Specialized cooling interfaces or liquid-cooled deployments
Construction or modification activities in or adjacent to Critical Areas
Exception requests must include scope, risk controls, and time windows. Approval is discretionary.
22Document Control, Updates, and Contact
22.1 Updates
GridColo may update these rules from time to time. The publicly posted version is the current version. Material changes may be communicated through customer notices as appropriate.
22.2 Contact
For access coordination, exceptions, shipping instructions, remote hands, or safety questions, use the GridColo support channels designated in your customer agreement or posted on the GridColo website.
Appendices
Appendix A — Prohibited Items (Expanded)
Unless expressly authorized in writing, prohibited items include:
