Keeping Data Centers Safe

Before, During, and After Construction

How Plasticade Traffic Safety Products Protect Data Center Workers and Infrastructure

Data centers are some of the most demanding construction environments in modern infrastructure. With the rapid expansion of AI-driven technology driving a global surge in data center development, maintaining rigorous safety protocols across every phase of a facility's lifecycle has never been more critical.

Plasticade offers a comprehensive product line that addresses the unique safety challenges data centers present: from the first day of groundbreaking to day-to-day operations long after the ribbon is cut.

Why Traffic Safety Matters in Data Center Environments

Some of the biggest challenges of Data Center Construction are:

  • Controlling access to a large active job site with hundreds of workers, subcontractors, and delivery drivers entering and exiting daily.
  • Protecting expensive equipment and materials.
  • Managing vehicle traffic safely around heavy equipment, contractor parking, delivery trucks, and pedestrian workers.
  • Securing sites that are located near active roadways or public areas where unauthorized access can become a risk.
  • Maintaining clear traffic flow and perimeter boundaries as the construction site constantly changes throughout different phases of the project

Prior to Construction: Site Preparation and Perimeter Control

Before construction begins, the job site needs to be secure, organized, and clearly marked for both workers and the public. Establishing a strong perimeter is one of the first and most important steps, and traffic safety products play a key role in creating that protection.

The Hydrocade™ Water Barricade System offers a fast, effective solution for creating a durable and highly visible perimeter around construction sites. MASH Approved and MUTCD compliant, Hydrocade™ is ideal for use along public roads and active work zones surrounding the project site.

The barricades can be quickly repositioned with a forklift as site conditions and traffic patterns change. Connector pins securely link each barricade together while allowing for 90-degree turns to accommodate a wide range of layouts and perimeter configurations.

For additional site security, optional construction fencing panels can be attached directly to the barricades to help limit access to restricted or sensitive areas.

During Construction: Access Routes

During site preparation and early construction phases, clear traffic control is essential for maintaining safe and efficient movement throughout the project. Haul roads, staging areas, equipment zones, and temporary access routes all require durable, highly visible delineation to help direct vehicle traffic and protect workers on site.

Traffic Drums are an ideal solution for defining traffic patterns in active construction environments. Their larger size and tire ring weighted design provide excellent visibility and superior stability in high-wind conditions, making them especially effective for data center projects built in large, open areas.

For temporary lane delineation and truck routing, tall channelizing devices like the Navicade™ offer a flexible and reliable option. Secured with either a 16 lb. or 30 lb. recycled rubber base, the Navicade™ stays firmly in place while creating clear visual guidance for construction vehicles, delivery trucks, and site personnel. Their portability also allows crews to quickly adjust traffic patterns as the jobsite evolves.

Supporting Expansion and Live-Environment Construction

Many data centers begin operating while new sections are being built or sections expanded. This creates major safety and traffic control challenges because construction activity must be carefully separated from sensitive operational areas to avoid disruptions or damage to critical equipment.

Signage becomes even more important at this stage. Construction dust can clog cooling intakes and trigger thermal shutdowns. Vibration from heavy equipment can affect hard drive arrays and sensitive networking hardware. Physical separation, enforced by barricades and clearly marked with signage, isn't just about pedestrian safety, it's about protecting millions of dollars in operational infrastructure.

After Construction: Ongoing Operations and Facility Safety

Large data center campuses often include expansive parking lots, internal roadways, loading zones, and access routes that support employees, contractors, vendors, and delivery vehicles around the clock. Managing vehicle flow and controlling speeds throughout these high-traffic areas is essential for maintaining a safe and secure environment.

Plasticade’s recycled rubber Speed Bumps, Speed Humps, and Parking Stops help improve traffic safety across the site while protecting surrounding infrastructure. Made from post-consumer recycled tire rubber, these durable products are designed to slow vehicle traffic in parking areas, pedestrian crossings, and internal access roads where safety and control are critical.

The Plasticade Advantage

Plasticade products are engineered to enhance safety and visibility in environments where dependable performance and uninterrupted uptime are essential. Our experienced traffic safety sales team is ready to help you create a safer, more efficient environment tailored to your needs.

Several characteristics of Plasticade's product line make us particularly well-suited to the demands of data center environments:

  • MASH Approval and MUTCD Compliance
  • Impact Resistance and Durability
  • Ease of Deployment
  • Sustainability – rubber products made from recycled tires
  • Customization - we can mold products in colors to match your brand or add your logo