It is very important to be aware of your surroundings, but for those of you working in 7x24 facilities it becomes even more critical.  Most 7x24 environments are equipped with sophisticated fire protection/suppression systems.  If one of these systems is accidentally activated your company could incur considerable cost and damage.  

If your job requires you to perform tasks that could cause an electrical arch, such as servicing power equipment or utilizing tools that can throw excessive heat like a load bank, heat gun or welding equipment; always check with your facilities property manager about disabling or modifying the fire protection system.   Also, the system should be disabled when performing work that involves smoke generation or dust disturbance, including almost all work under the raised access floor, general demolition and in some cases IT equipment and power whip relocation.

Electrical archs can generate vast heat and smoke easily setting off a fire suppression system causing possible damage to the facility and its equipment, and endangerment to its employees.  Companies also stand to incur huge financial costs associated with the disruption in business, recharging the systems, and the dispatch of fire/emergency personnel.

Fire protection/suppression systems are all around us and are easily taken for granted. By being aware of your actions and surroundings you can prevent a potential disaster.