In this bonus episode of Rethinking EHS, host Charlotte Buffoni (Antea Group UK) is joined by Massimo Cagnetta (HPC Italy) to explore how data center operators are managing rapidly evolving technologies, emerging risks, and increasingly complex operational environments. As digital infrastructure continues to expand and technologies such as artificial intelligence drive new demands, safety professionals are being challenged to adapt at an unprecedented pace. The episode also explores the organisational complexities of modern data centers, where responsibility is often shared across landlords, operators, contractors, and end users.
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Time Stamps
- 00:00:02 – Introduction to data centre safety challenges
- 00:00:48 – How technologies inside data centres are changing
- 00:01:45 – Increasing operational complexity and EHS implications
- 00:02:49 – Fire suppression systems and balancing safety priorities
- 00:04:22 – Lithium-ion batteries and emerging fire risks
- 00:06:04 – Battery monitoring and management systems
- 00:07:05 – Using video analytics and technology to improve safety
- 00:08:09 – Governance challenges in data centre environments
- 00:08:30 – Shared responsibility between landlords, operators and users
- 00:09:47 – Understanding risk ownership and accountability
- 00:11:55 – Collaboration and communication across stakeholders
- 00:12:23 – Future risks and opportunities for data centre leaders
- 00:13:02 – The importance of staying informed and connected
- 00:13:35 – What excites safety leaders about the future of the industry
- 00:14:29 – Closing reflections
Guest Quotes
Massimo Cagnetta:
“The devices inside data centres are changing rapidly, and the operations need to adjust to this.”
“The most important point is to stay updated and stay connected with the organisation to understand what is happening.”
