Technical Talk – Data Center Safety

Data Center Safety:

Ever wondered what goes on inside of a data center? What do they actually do, how do they work, and what, exactly, does an EHS professional do in that industry? Come hear from a panel of esteemed EHS professionals with vast experience in the data center industry, and ask those burning questions you’ve always had about data center operations!

Panelists:

Bryce Griffler, CSP, M.Eng. is the EHS Training Manager at a data center hyperscaler. Named the ASSP Emerging Professionals’ (EP) and Management Practice Specialty’s (MPS) Safety Professional of the Year in 2022 and recipient of the Culbertson Volunteer Service Award in 2023, Bryce has volunteered in a variety of ASSP roles, such as the EP Membership Chair and a Member at Large for MPS. Bryce proudly served as a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and COPS Realignment Task Forces for ASSP. In his spare time, Bryce speaks to groups of leaders on challenging and complex leadership topics such as bias, inclusion, psychological safety, and imposter syndrome.

William Hering is the global electrical safety subject matter expert at a data center hyperscaler with prior experience in data center operations. Before joining the Data Center Community, William served in the United States Navy, supporting nuclear propulsion and electric plant operations onboard submarines and later as an instructor at the Navy’s Nuclear Power Training Unit.

Shawn Johnston is a technical infrastructure professional with over 15 years of experience specializing in electrical safety, Data Center Operations management, and Commercial Construction Management. Currently, they serve as the Regional Electrical Safety Manager for North and South America at a Data Center Hyperscaler. Well-versed in NFPA 70E, OSHA, Hazardous Energy Control, and electrical safe work practices.

Alex Norwood is a Crtified Safety Professional (CSP), Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), and Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP), with extensive experience in leading safety and risk management initiatives across large-scale data center construction projects. A U.S. Air Force Veteran, he brings more than a decade of expertise in environmental, health, and safety (EHS) leadership, compliance oversight, and workforce training.

Peter Ceo (CSP, MPH) leads the global water safety program for a data center hyperscaler, where he oversees water sampling and bacterial remediation protocols. His 15-year career in H&S began as an OSHA intern, followed by roles in oil and gas, and both private (Xylem) and public sector water operations (Orange County, CA, and Arlington, VA).

Keith Green is the global EHS manager for all rack labs and data centers for a designer and manufacturer of high-performance computer chips, systems, and software.  He is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) with over 25 years of EHS compliance and innovation experience across multiple business sectors, including data centers, manufacturing, and commercial/residential real estate.