The Structure

The building was designed to be functional after 9.5 earthquakes, 1.5 times the normal specifications for such a facility. (NOTE: the largest earthquake recorded was 9.3 on the Richter scale, during the early 1900's in Alaska.)

Engineers from Japan and California were consulted to ensure the buildings stability.

Electrical Power

The facility is equipped with a building-wide uninterrupted power supply (UPS) backed up by a power generator. If the power fails, the UPS batteries (50 KVA) continue to provide power to all essential circuits located throughout the facility. The UPS batteries will last for 30 minutes; however, within 8 seconds of any power failure, the power generators take over the delivery of conditioned power throughout the building.

There are four backup power generators (rated at 300 KVA, 275 KVA, 100 KVA, 50 KVA, respectively) located throughout the facility. The power generators are tested monthly under full load to ensure their readiness. All backup systems are set to run at 75% maximum capacity. There are enough generator supplies and diesel fuel on hand to make the building self sufficient for 7 days. Refueling can be accomplished by helicopter if roads are inaccessible.

Fire Suppression

The facility has one of the most sophisticated fire suppression and alarm systems in the world, composed of sensors and pre-action zoned sprinklers. There are hundreds of sensors in place to detect fire, heat, smoke, and ion particles. These sensors are integrated into the facilities' security system and are monitored by Chubb Security on a 24 x 7 basis.

The fire suppression system is dry charged; under normal operations, the fire suppression water pipes are vacuumed. Water discharges very quickly from the water main, only on demand. This is how it works:

Because the pipes are dry during normal operations, there is no danger of damage through leakage or pipes bursting.

The system is checked and tested once a year by an independent company. The facility is also inspected annually by the Fire Inspector.

Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the facility.

Walls throughout the facility are unfinished to reduce the combustible fuel load to less than 1.5 lbs per square foot of floor space. (Note: the average combustible fuel load in commercial buildings is usually 10 times this amount.)

In addition to water suppression, the facility utilizes an advanced compound called 3M T NovecT 1230 Fire Protection Fluid to safeguard important documents and equipment.

The electronic data centers have CO₂ fire suppression.

Telecommunications

Redundant, high speed telecommunications are provided to the building. These include fiber optic cables supplied by Telus, Big Pipe Inc. and Group Telecom. As well as our own redundant links to off site communications buildings within Victoria.

Security

Access to the facility is restricted, and entry is by appointment only. All visitors must have a reason to be on the premises; they must sign in on arrival and sign out as they leave. They are escorted at all times while in the facility. There are no exceptions to this rule.

All outside doors are locked at all times. Entry to the facilities is monitored by two security firms and all outside doors are electronically monitored. Access through doors is controlled either by palm scan or electronic key cards. The entire building is fully monitored, inside and out, for intrusion, with motion and vibration sensors. Digital surveillance cameras are also located throughout the building.

The facility has a complete Chubb monitored security system with separate zones. Elements of the system include:

All staff is screened for security and checked by the local police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Federal).