(7) Power Source. Without electrical power a computer facility cannot operate. Protection of
the power source is therefore a must. When possible, all commercial power into the facility will be
conveyed by buried cables. Generators and fuel for them should be protected inside the fenced area of
the computer facility. All efforts should be made in physical security planning to minimize the effects of
power losses.
(8) Fire Protection. Fires are often used to sabotage strategic facilities. Computer facilities are
highly vulnerable. This is due to the low temperature at which some equipment can be destroyed.
Magnetic tape or disk tapes can be destroyed at 150 degrees Fahrenheit, which is quite low. All
materials used in the construction of computer rooms on related facilities will have a National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA), flame-spread rate of 25 or less. The following are items to consider in
understanding a broad fire prevention program:
(a) Good housekeeping and operating procedures are prerequisites in maintaining a
noncombustible environment.
(1) Smoking should not be allowed in a computer room.
(2) Trash containers should be made of fireproof material.
(3) Computer rooms should not be used to store paper stocks or magnetic tapes.
(b) Smoke/heat detectors minimize fire damage to ADP facilities by early detection.
Systems should be capable of indicating areas of the room where a fire exists. Alarms should be tied
into a local fire station or guard headquarters.
(1) Smoke sensor should be located in ceiling.
(2) Smoke and heat sensor should also be located in the subfloor area where all cables
are located.
(c) Fire extinguishers must be carefully selected for computer rooms. In computer
equipment rooms, a carbon dioxide or halon fire extinguisher of at least a 15-pound capacity will be on
hand. This will be used for electrical fires. Chemical type extinguishers will be no further than 50 feet
from equipment.
(d) Sprinkler systems should have a delay. This will permit inspection of the facility and/or
evacuation before extinguishers are released. Installation should preclude unauthorized tampering; it
should also preclude accidental deactivation. Protective covering can be used over equipment to
reduce water damage in case of a fire.
(9) Water damage can be minimized or avoided if security personnel plan carefully. Plans
should avoid locating computer rooms in basements. This area is vulnerable to flooding. Plumbing
lines should not be routed
MP1003
2-4
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