1. Purpose and Scope
This reference defines the visitor access and site conduct framework for GridCore campuses. It is not a final site security plan, visitor policy, emergency response plan, tenant handbook, contractor safety manual, legal policy, or regulatory document. It is intended to align campus operations, security, safety, tenants, vendors, carriers, contractors, emergency responders, delivery providers, community visitors, and business guests around a common access control baseline.
Final procedures vary by site, customer requirements, security posture, insurance requirements, local law, safety program, construction status, and operating model. This document provides the structural framework; project-specific site security plans define the binding procedures.
2. Visitor Access Premise
"Every visitor is a temporary interface with the campus operating environment."
A GridCore campus may include high-voltage electrical infrastructure, active construction zones, critical cooling systems, fuel or generation assets where applicable, carrier infrastructure, tenant compute environments, security-controlled areas, OT systems, and customer-facing operating commitments. Visitor access must be controlled in a way that protects people, infrastructure, tenants, operations, and evidence records.
Visitors can create safety risk, security risk, operational disruption, confidentiality exposure, customer-impacting events, or documentation gaps. Access must be planned, sponsored, verified, logged, bounded, and closed out. Visitor rules must be simple enough to follow and strict enough to protect the site. Access requirements should be proportionate to visitor category, area requested, work being performed, and current campus conditions.
Visitor access is not just about getting people through the gate. It is a safety, security, operational, customer, and compliance interface. The same campus that must maintain 99.9999% uptime for a hyperscale tenant must also maintain a safe and secure environment for every person on site — including visitors who may be unfamiliar with industrial and data center hazards.
3. Visitor Categories
Visitor category does not automatically grant access. Approval and access level depend on purpose, sponsor, identity verification, safety requirements, and area requested. The following categories define a baseline — site-specific plans may define additional sub-categories or access tiers.
| Visitor Category | Typical Purpose | Access Level | Escort Required | Special Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business visitor | Meetings, tours, partner discussions | Reception / meeting rooms | Yes | NDA may apply |
| Prospective customer | Site tour, evaluation | Reception, designated tour path | Yes | Coordinated by sales/ops |
| Existing tenant representative | Account meetings, technical review | Reception, meeting rooms | Yes unless pre-cleared | Sponsor confirmation required |
| Tenant technician | Work in tenant suite/cage | Tenant-controlled zones + shared access paths | Tenant sponsor | Work authorization may apply |
| Vendor or contractor | Contracted work, inspections | Work area specific | Required in restricted areas | Insurance, safety orientation, work authorization |
| Carrier technician | MMR / carrier room work | MMR and shared carrier paths | Carrier escort or pre-cleared | NOC coordination required |
| Delivery driver | Deliveries, logistics | Loading dock only | Yes — dock area only | Manifest required, no data hall access |
| Professional services provider | Consulting, audit, legal, financial | Meeting rooms | Yes | Confidentiality acknowledgment may apply |
| Regulator or public official | Compliance inspection, permit review | Relevant inspection area | Operations escort | Advance notice preferred; legal/compliance coordination |
| Utility representative | Grid/metering work | Utility interface areas | Ops escort in restricted areas | Pre-coordination with plant ops |
| Emergency responder | Incident response, pre-planning | Emergency access paths | Site escort preferred; emergency exception | Emergency access override permitted |
| Community / public tour attendee | Stakeholder engagement, community relations | Designated tour path only | Yes — group escort | No access to data halls, electrical, or secure areas |
| Interview candidate | Hiring process | Reception, meeting rooms | Yes | No facility access beyond meeting area |
| Temporary worker | Short-term operational support | Task-specific areas | Ops supervisor | Background check / safety orientation may apply |
| Investor / lender / insurer rep | Due diligence, site inspection | Reception, meeting rooms, designated areas | Yes | NDA, confidentiality required |
| Media or communications visitor | Photography, press, marketing | Designated only | Yes — comms escort | Photography approval required; no unescorted access |
4. Pre-Arrival Registration
All visitors requiring site access beyond reception should complete pre-arrival registration through the campus access management system or a designated sponsor workflow. Pre-arrival is not a formality — it creates the record, triggers safety briefing requirements, identifies access level, and ensures the site is prepared to receive the visitor safely.
| Pre-Arrival Field | Why It Matters | Required For | Record Owner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor identity | Identity verification baseline | All visitors | Security |
| Sponsor | Accountability and approval chain | All visitors | Sponsor / Security |
| Visit purpose | Determines access level and briefing requirements | All visitors | Security |
| Requested areas | Zone-specific safety and escort planning | All visitors | Security / Ops |
| Work activity | Triggers PTW, LOTO, or permit requirements | Contractors, vendors | Ops / Safety |
| Tools / equipment | Screening for prohibited items or special handling | Contractors, vendors, carriers | Security |
| Vehicle information | Dock scheduling, vehicle routing | Deliveries, contractors | Security / Logistics |
| NDA / site acknowledgment | Confidentiality and site rules baseline | Business visitors, consultants, tenants | Legal / Ops |
| Safety orientation | Pre-arrival induction completion | Contractors, vendors, restricted area visitors | Safety |
| PPE | Confirms visitor is equipped or will be issued PPE | Any visit to restricted / industrial areas | Safety / Security |
| Contractor / vendor approval | Insurance, onboarding, work authorization status | Contractors, vendors | Procurement / Safety |
| Delivery manifest | Chain of custody, dock coordination | All deliveries | Logistics |
| Emergency contact | Incident notification | All visitors | Security |
5. Check-In Requirements
Check-in must occur at a designated visitor processing point. No visitor should proceed beyond reception without completing check-in, regardless of prior visits or pre-approved status unless covered by a site-specific standing authorization process.
Arrive at approved entrance
Use designated visitor gate or reception point only
Verify identity
Government-issued photo ID; cross-reference against pre-registration
Confirm sponsor and purpose
Sponsor notification; confirm visit purpose and duration
Confirm access area
Review approved zones; flag any changes from pre-registration
Complete acknowledgments
Safety briefing, NDA, device/photography policy, site rules
Issue badge / PPE
Assign visitor badge; issue or verify PPE for area
Assign escort if required
Escort assigned by ops or security; introductions made
Route to approved area
Visitor proceeds with escort or sponsor to approved zone
Log departure and close visit
Sign-out recorded; badge returned; access deactivated
6. Badge and Credential Protocol
Badges are the primary physical access credential on campus. All visitors must display their badge visibly at all times while on site. Badge sharing is prohibited without exception. Lost badges must be reported immediately and deactivated. Badge expiration times must be enforced.
| Credential Type | Typical User | Duration | Access Basis | Return / Closeout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business visitor badge | Business guests, prospects | Day-of only | Escort required | Return at sign-out |
| Tenant visitor badge | Tenant-sponsored visitors | Day-of or multi-day | Tenant sponsor | Return at departure |
| Contractor badge | Contracted workers on active project | Project duration | Ops / procurement approval | Return on project completion |
| Carrier / vendor badge | Recurring maintenance, carrier technicians | Agreement term | Carrier agreement or approved vendor list | Return on termination or access change |
| Delivery badge / pass | Drivers, couriers | Single delivery only | Dock access only | Return immediately after delivery |
| Temporary worker badge | Short-term operational support | Assignment duration | Ops / HR authorization | Return on last day |
| Emergency responder credential | Fire, EMS, law enforcement | Emergency duration | Emergency access | Site-issued supplement at gate; no permanent badge |
| Public tour badge | Community / stakeholder tour attendees | Tour only | Group escort | Return at end of tour |
7. Escort Rules
"An escort is not a courtesy host. The escort is an active control responsible for keeping the visitor within approved areas, preventing unauthorized interaction with equipment or systems, and reporting deviations."
Escort requirements depend on visitor category, area, and current site conditions. Escorted visitors must remain within line-of-sight of their escort at all times unless the site-specific plan defines limited exceptions (such as restroom access in administrative areas). Tenant escorts are responsible for their own visitors in tenant-controlled spaces. Contractor supervisors may serve as escorts for their crews.
If a visitor separates from their escort, the escort must immediately attempt to locate the visitor, notify security operations, and log the deviation. Emergency responders responding to an active incident may enter without a campus-assigned escort but should be met by the Site Operations Center as soon as possible to coordinate access to relevant areas.
8. Restricted Zones
All GridCore campuses define a zone-based access model. Zones are defined in the site security plan and physically marked with signage, controlled doors, card readers, or barriers. Access to each zone is granted only for purposes that require it, not by default.
| Zone | Access Basis | Typical Controls | Example Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reception / lobby | Any visitor with valid ID | Staffed desk, visitor log | No unescorted access beyond lobby |
| Administrative office | Staff, invited guests with escort | Badge + escort | No tenant or contractor access without ops approval |
| Meeting room | Staff, escorted visitors | Badge-controlled wing access | No access to adjacent operational areas |
| Site Operations Center | Ops staff, approved roles only | Badge + PIN or biometric | No visitor access without SOC manager approval |
| Data hall | Authorized tenant or ops staff | Two-factor + escort, CCTV | No photography; no device connection; no unescorted access |
| Tenant cage / suite | Tenant-authorized personnel | Tenant-controlled access | Campus security retains emergency override |
| MMR / carrier room | Carrier technicians, ops staff | Badge + carrier authorization | No work without ops coordination; no customer access |
| Electrical room | Qualified electrical staff or contractors | Badge + LOTO lock, permit | Arc flash PPE; no unqualified access; no visitors |
| Mechanical room | Mechanical staff, authorized contractors | Badge + permit | PPE required; limited visitor access even with escort |
| Cooling yard | Ops, contractors under permit | Controlled gate, permit | High-voltage and rotating equipment area |
| Switchyard / substation | Qualified electrical and utility staff | Locked + keyed + permit | Strict approach boundaries; no visitor access |
| Generation / fuel area | Qualified plant ops and contractors | Locked, keyed, CCTV, permit | Hot work, fuel handling controls; no visitor access |
| Construction zone | Construction crew, inspectors with PPE | Barriers, signage, permit | Full PPE required; coordinated access only |
| Security operations area | Security staff only | Badge + PIN, no visitor access | Camera systems, access control systems; no access |
| OT / control room | Plant ops and controls staff only | Strict access list, badge + PIN | No IT, IT contractors, or visitors without protocol |
| Loading dock | Delivery drivers, ops staff, contractors | Vehicle gate, dock check-in | No access to data halls from dock without escort |
9. Site Conduct Rules
All visitors are expected to follow site conduct rules. Violations may result in immediate removal from the campus and may constitute a reportable event.
Display badge visibly at all times while on site
Follow escort instructions immediately and without exception
Remain within approved areas only — do not wander
Wear required PPE in all areas where it is required
Follow posted signs, barriers, and safety markings
Do not photograph or record without prior written approval
Do not connect personal devices to site networks or equipment
Do not open cabinets, panels, doors, valves, breakers, switches, or equipment
Do not touch customer equipment, tenant hardware, or operational systems
Do not tailgate through controlled doors, turnstiles, or gates
Do not prop doors, gates, or secure access points open
Do not bring unauthorized media, removable storage, or tools into restricted areas
Report hazards, injuries, alarms, spills, or suspicious activity immediately to your escort or security
Obey all vehicle traffic routes and posted speed limits
Do not interfere with operations, security systems, or campus infrastructure
Sign out before departure; return badge and any issued PPE
10. PPE and Safety Briefing
PPE requirements are determined by area and activity. Visitors who are not appropriately equipped for a requested area may be denied access or provided campus-issued PPE. Visitors should not be brought into areas that require PPE beyond what can be safely and quickly issued at the gate — particularly electrical rooms, switchyards, generation facilities, or active construction zones.
| Area / Activity | Typical PPE Review | Visitor Limitation | Approval Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lobby / office | None required | None | Standard check-in |
| Data hall | Safety shoes (recommended); ESD wristband may apply | No work on energized equipment | Ops escort approval |
| Loading dock | Safety shoes, hi-vis vest | Dock area only; no data hall access from dock | Dock check-in |
| Construction area | Hard hat, safety glasses, hi-vis vest, safety shoes | No entry without PPE and escort | Ops + safety coordination |
| Mechanical room | Hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, hearing protection | Equipment observation only; no hands-on | Ops escort approval |
| Electrical room | Hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes; arc-flash rated PPE for qualified workers only | No visitor access to energized panels | Strict — ops + safety only |
| Switchyard / substation | Hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, hi-vis; arc-flash rated for qualified workers | No visitor access without qualified escort | Strict — plant ops only |
| Cooling yard | Hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, hi-vis | Observation only; no equipment contact | Ops escort approval |
| Generation / fuel area | Site-specific PPE; hearing protection, hi-vis, safety shoes | No visitor access; plant ops escort only | Plant ops + safety approval |
| Roof / elevated work | Hard hat, safety shoes, fall protection where applicable | No visitor access to active fall-risk areas | Safety permit required |
11. Photography, Recording, and Device Controls
Photography, video recording, audio recording, and drone operation are restricted on GridCore campuses without prior written approval. Restrictions protect customer confidentiality, tenant equipment, security system integrity, and OT/IT network security. Violations are treated as security events.
Prohibited Without Approval
- —Data halls and tenant spaces
- —Electrical rooms and switchyards
- —OT/control rooms and security operations areas
- —Customer equipment and serial numbers
- —Security camera placements
- —Network or carrier equipment
- —Generation and fuel infrastructure
Controlled Exceptions
- —Marketing-approved photography per campus communications protocol
- —Press or media visits pre-approved by campus communications
- —Community or public tours with defined photography zones
- —Contractor documentation photography with ops authorization
- —Insurance or lender inspections with written approval
Device Controls
- —No personal devices connected to site OT or IT networks
- —No removable media in restricted areas without authorization
- —No drone operations on or over campus without written approval
- —Tenant may define additional restrictions in tenant-controlled zones
Social Media
- —Visitors should not post about internal campus operations, system status, capacity, tenant names, or security posture without approval
- —Community tour attendees may share approved content per tour agreement
12. Deliveries, Logistics, and Loading Dock Access
All deliveries must be scheduled in advance. Unscheduled deliveries may be refused. Delivery drivers are restricted to dock and loading areas and must not access data halls, tenant suites, or other restricted zones without a separate approved access process.
| Delivery Type | Pre-Approval Required | Check-In Requirement | Escort / Routing Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenant IT equipment | Tenant ops authorization + manifest | Dock check-in + manifest verification | Ops escort from dock to staging or suite |
| Construction material | Construction PM + ops coordination | Driver ID, manifest, vehicle check | Construction zone routing only |
| Vendor parts | Purchase order or work order reference | Vendor ID + manifest | Dock area; ops routing for restricted areas |
| Carrier equipment | Carrier NOC + site coordinator | Carrier ID + manifest | MMR or carrier room with carrier escort |
| Facility spare parts | Ops or procurement authorization | Manifest confirmation | Ops routing to storage or staging |
| Office / admin delivery | Low risk; standard scheduling | Driver check-in at main gate | Dock or reception as designated |
| Oversized load | Pre-permit + ops + site coordinator | Driver + load documentation | Escorted routing; lift plan if required |
| Hazardous material (if applicable) | Safety + ops pre-approval + manifest | Hazmat documentation required | Strict routing; no data hall or electrical room |
| Waste pickup | Scheduled pickup authorization | Driver check-in | Designated waste staging areas only |
13. Contractor and Vendor Work Access
All contractors and vendors performing work on campus must complete the applicable onboarding process, which includes insurance verification where required, a site safety orientation, and work authorization for their specific scope. Daily sign-in and sign-out records must be maintained. Contractors must supervise their own crew members and are responsible for their employees' compliance with site access and safety rules.
14. Tenant Visitors and Customer-Controlled Spaces
Tenants may manage access to their own suites and cages in accordance with their service agreement. Campus security retains emergency access override capability to all areas regardless of tenant access control configuration. Tenant-sponsored visitors must still complete campus check-in and must comply with campus-wide site conduct rules.
Tenant technicians performing hands-on work in tenant-controlled spaces are subject to campus safety rules, even within those spaces. Tenants may define additional access restrictions for their own areas. Tenant visitor records may be maintained jointly by the tenant and campus security in accordance with the applicable service agreement and privacy requirements.
15. Emergency Responder Access
Emergency responders — fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, utility emergency crews, and HAZMAT teams — have emergency access to all areas of the campus as required for life safety, incident control, or regulatory response. Campus security must facilitate emergency responder access immediately upon request without requiring standard check-in procedures during an active emergency.
Pre-incident access for planning visits, tabletop exercises, or facility orientations is strongly encouraged and should be coordinated in advance through the campus community and first responder engagement program. Pre-visit access allows first responders to understand building layouts, utility isolation points, fuel storage, electrical shutdown procedures, and tenant infrastructure without the pressure of an active incident.
16. Recordkeeping and Audit
All visitor access events must be logged. Records must include visitor identity, sponsor, visit purpose, areas accessed, check-in time, check-out time, badge number, escort identity, and any incidents or deviations. Records must be retained in accordance with site-specific retention policies and applicable legal or regulatory requirements.
Visitor logs are considered security records. They may be requested by customers, auditors, regulators, insurance providers, or law enforcement. Campus security teams should periodically audit visitor logs for completeness, accuracy, and policy compliance. Access control system logs and CCTV records should be retained per site-specific and contractual requirements.
Implementation Notice
This reference describes a framework model. It is not a substitute for project-specific engineering, permitting, interconnection approval, environmental review, safety review, legal documentation, procurement, commissioning, or operating procedures. All capacity, availability, timeline, and commercial terms are project-specific and subject to applicable approvals and agreements.