I have a friend who is looking at two facilities for storing computer 
media.  One is a nice office type environment.  It used to be a Data 
Center so it is equipped with all the right power, areas with raised 
computer flooring, Liebert air conditioning.

The other facility is below grade.  It was a defense facility so it is 
way underground with one elevator down into the space.  Their concern 
is that the underground facility looks like it has had mold and mildew 
problems.  When they have looked at it, it always smells stale.

NFPA 232 state that it is not recommended to place vaults below grade.  
There were some articles at one time about the Americold fire below 
grade in a cave and the difficulty of fighting a fire in a cave or 
below grade location with limited access.

If she buys the below grade facility where every part of the operation 
is below grade, she fears that articles will surface that show she made 
a mistake.

Does anyone have a comment as to the best approach for data storage?  I 
obviously am biased.

But has anyone seen articles that criticize below grade or cave storage 
of media.

Does it change anything if the area the facility is in a seismic zone 
where earthquake activity can occur?


Hugh Smith
FIRELOCK Fireproof Modular Vaults
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(610)  756-4440    Fax (610)  756-4134
WWW.FIRELOCK.COM

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