The following references were used in 
compiling the checklists, details, and installation 
notes and are not cited specifically in the text: 
15. California Office of the State Architect and 
California Office of Emergency Services. 1990. 
Identification and Reduction of Nonstructural 
Earthquake Hazards in California Schools. 
Sacramento and Oakland: California OSA and 
OES. 
16. Reitherman, Robert, and Steve Minor. 
1989. Technical Guidelines for Earthquake 
Protection of Nonstructural Items in 
Communications Facilities. Oakland: California 
Office of Emergency Services Earthquake 
Program. 
17. Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. 
1994. Information on Protecting Your Home 
and Business from Nonstructural Earthquake 
Damage. Los Angeles: California Office of 
Emergency Services. 
18. California Office of the State Architect. 
1993. Earthquake Bracing of Water Heaters for 
Single-Family Homes. Sacramento: California 
OSA. 
19. Reitherman, Robert. 1991. Nonstructural 
Earthquake Protection Manual for Idaho 
Schools. Boise: Idaho Bureau of Disaster 
Services. 
20. Checklist of Nonstructural Earthquake 
Hazards. Sacramento: California Office of 
Emergency Services Earthquake Project. 
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
This brief bibliography can direct those who 
require more detailed information to other 
bibliographies, such as those contained in the 
references below, and thus is not meant to be 
comprehensive. This bibliography includes, 
technical publications and nontechnical 
publications, both listed in alphabetical order, 
and also information on several organizations or 
government agencies with a specific focus on 
earthquake engineering issues. These 
organizations may be able to, help the reader 
identify more recent publications than those 
listed here. 
Technical Publications 
Applied Technology Council. 1992. ATC-29: 
Proceedings of Seminar and Workshop on 
Seismic Design and Performance of Equipment 
and Nonstructural Elements in Buildings and 
Industrial Structures. Redwood City, Calif.: 
ATC. 
* These proceedings contain papers with 
performance data, analytical methods, and/or 
suggested details for many specific items, 
including elevated tanks, ceilings, fire 
sprinklers, HYAC ducts and equipment, and 
computer access floors. Most of these papers 
also contain extensive reference lists pertinent to 
each specific topic. 
Ayres, J. M., T. Y. Sun, and F. R. Brown. 
1973. "Nonstructural Damage to Buildings." In 
The Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964: 
Engineering. Washington D.C.: National 
Academy of Sciences. 
Ayres, J. M., and T. Y. Sun. 1973. 
'Nonstructural Damage." In The San 
Fernando, California J Earthquake of February 
9, 1971. Washington, D.C.: National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration. 
* These were the first two comprehensive 
postearthquake damage analyses devoted to the 
topic of nonstructural components. The authors 
are mechanical engineers. 
Building Seismic Safety Council. 1992. 
NEHRP Recommended Provisions for the 
Development of Seismic Regulations for New 
Buildings. Part 1--Provisions (FEMA 222), 
Part 2-Commentary (FEMA 223). 
Washington, D.C.: FEMA., 
* The 1994 edition was in draft form at the 
time this document went to press. 
Building Seismic Safety Council. 1992. 
NEHRP Handbook for the Seismic Evaluation of 
Existing Buildings. (FEMA 178). Washington, 
D.C.: FEIMA. 
Building Seismic Safety Council. 1992. 
NEURP Handbook for the Seismic Rehabilitation 
of Existing Buildings. (FEMA 172). 
Washington, D.C.: FEMA. 
* Items 4, 5, and 6 are all part of a series of 
FEMA documents produced by the National 
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program 
(NEHRP). These documents may be obtained 
without charge by writing to the address listed 
at the end of this bibliography. 
Dowrick, D. J. 1977. Earthquake Resistant 
Design: A Manual for Engineers and Architects. 
New York: John Wiley & Sons. 
* A comprehensive text, including two chapters 
on nonstructural issues: "Earthquake Resistance 
of Services," which concerns mechanical and 
electrical components, and "Architectural 
Detailing for Earthquake Resistance." The book 
has an international perspective with references 
to many different codes. 
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute. 
1984. Nonstructural Issues of Seismic Design 
and Construction. Publication No. 84-04. 
Oakland, Calif.: EERI. 
* This is a technical overview based on a 
workshop sponsored by the National Science 
Foundation. It includes several technical papers 
and a discussion of key issues, and it lists many 
additional references. 
International Conference of Building Officials. 
1994. Uniform Building Code, Volumes 1-3. 
Whittier, Calif.: ICBO. 
* See especially the "Earthquake Regulations." 
The UBC contains specific requirements for 
some items, such as steel storage racks. New 
editions of the UBC are issued every three 
years. The earthquake regulations are taken 
almost verbatim from the SEAOC "Blue Book," 
listed below, which also includes a useful 
commentary. 
McGavin, Gary L. 1981. Earthquake 
Protection of Essential Building Equipment: 
Design, Engineering, Installation. New York: 
John Wiley & Sons. 
* A book-length treatment of the subject. 
Especially appropriate for large, complex 
projects, such as hospitals or power plants. 
Office of the State Architect, Structural Safety 
Section. 1991. Interpretation of Regulations 
#IR 23-7, Title 24 California Administrative 
Code: Anchorage of Non-Structural Building 
Components and Hospital Equipment. 
Sacramento: California OSA. 
* The regulations legally pertain only to 
essential nonstructural items in California 
hospitals, but the regulations can provide a 
guide as to anchorage engineering of especially 
essential items for other types of buildings. The 
Office of the State Architect has been centrally 
involved in earthquake code regulations since 
the 1933 Long Beach earthquake. 
Schiff, Anshel J. 1980. Pictures of 
Earthquake Damage to Power Systems and 
Cost-Effective Methods to Reduce Seismic 
Failures of Electric Power Equipment. West 
Lafayette, Ind.: Purdue Research Foundation. 
* This is one of the few works in this subject 
area that is readable by the nontechnical 
audience. Engineering appendix and 
bibliography also included. 
Structural Engineers Association of California. 
1990. Recommended Lateral Force 
Requirements and Commentary. San Francisco: 
SEAOC. 
* Also known as the SEAOC "Blue Book." 
The "Requirements" are adopted almost 
verbatim into the Uniform Building Code, while 
the "Commentary" explains the assumptions, 
limitations, and caveats that must be understood 
for the regulations to be used intelligently. The 
Structural Engineers Association of California 
has been active in the development of seismic 
code regulations, standards of practice, 
research, and testing for several decades. 
Structural Engineers Association of Northern 
California. 1993. Fall Seminar: Non-Structural 
Components--Design and Detailing. San 
Francisco: SEAONC. 
* These seminar notes include nine papers on 
the design and detailing of cladding, interior 
systems, and mechanical systems. Several of 
these papers also include extensive reference 
lists. 
U.S. Department of Defense. 1982. Seismic 
Design for Buildings. Tri-Service Manual TM 
5-809-10. Washington, D.C.: Superintendent of 
Documents. 
* Commentary and calculation examples are 
provided; see especially Chapters 9, 10, and 11. 
Generally parallels the UBC but is written as a 
design aid rather than a code. 
U.S. Department of Defense. 1986. Seismic 
Design Guidelines for Essential Buildings. Tri-
Service Manual TM 5-809-10-1. Washington, 
D.C.: Superintendent of Documents. 
* Chapters 6 and 7 cover nonstructural 
components and nonbuilding structures, 
respectively. Includes several design examples. 
(Revised edition by Wiss, Janney, Elstner 
Associates, Inc., due out in 1995). 
U.S. Department of Defense. 19:86. Seismic 
Design Guidelines for Upgrading Existing 
Buildings, Tri-Service Manual TM 5-809-10-2. 
Washington, D.C.: Superintendent of 
Documents. 
* Portions of Chapter 6, Chapter 9, and the 
design examples in Appendix 0 are related to 
nonstructural items. 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of 
Construction. 1976. Study to Establish Seismic 
Protection Provisions for Furniture, Equipment, 
and Supplies for VA Hospitals. Washington, 
D.C.: VA. 
0 This guide shows typical nonstructural 
damage inside a hospital and illustrated restraint 
techniques with cost estimates for a variety of 
types of hospital equipment and furnishings; it 
includes a brief engineering appendix. 
Relevant for buildings other than hospitals, 
especially if laboratories are present. 
Yancey, C. W. C., and A. A. Camnacho. 1978. 
Seismic Design of Building Service Systems: The 
State of the Art. National Bureau of Standards 
Technical Note 970. Washington, D.C.: NBS. 
* A literature survey and review of present 
practice, especially with regard to the specific 
mandatory regulations of building codes. The 
National Bureau of Standards, a federal bureau, 
has been involved with earthquake research and 
postearthquake damage reports. 
Rihal, Satwant, Barry J. Goodno,, Hiroshi Ito, 
and Robert Reitherman. 1993. "Nonstructural 
Elements." In Design of Low-Rise Buildings 
Subjected to Lateral Forces, edited by Ajaya
Kumar Gupta and Peter James Moss. Ann 
Arbor: CRC Press. 
* A chapter in a book intended for architects, 
engineers, building officials, and university 
professors. Most of this chapter concerns 
earthquakes rather than wind, and additional 
references are listed. 
Reitherman, Robert, and Steve Minor. 1989. 
Technical Guidelines for Earthquake Protection 
of Nonstructural Items in Communications 
Facilities. Oakland: California Office of 
Emergency Services Earthquake Program. 
* Intended for the facilities staffs who install 
and maintain telecommunications equipment. 
Includes simplified design guide for the 
selection of anchor bolts, drawings of anchorage 
and bracing details, and installation guidance. 
Technical Standards 
The following list of publications includes many 
of the specific design, fabrication, and/or 
installation requirements for particular 
nonstructural items. 
American Institute of Steel Construction 
(AISC). 1989. Manual of Steel Construction: 
Allowable Stress Design. Ninth Edition. 
American Petroleum Institute (API). 1988. 
Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage. API 
Standard 650. 
American Society of Mechanical Engineers 
(ASME). 1990. Safety Code of Elevators and 
Escalators. ASME A17. 1. 
American Society of Mechanical Engineers 
(ASME). Including addenda through 1993. 
Code for Pressure Piping. ASME B3 1. 
American Society of Mechanical Engineers 
(ASME). Including addendum through 1993. 
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. 
American Society For Testing and Materials 
(ASTM). 1991. Standard Specification for the 
Manufacture, Performance and Testing of Metal 
Suspension Systems for Acoustical Tile and Lay-
in Panel Ceilings. ASTM C635. 
American Society For Testing and Materials 
(ASTM). 1991. Standard Practice for 
Installation of Metal Ceiling Suspension 
Systems for Acoustical Tile and Lay-in Panels. 
ASTM C636. 
American Water Works Association (AWWA). 
1984. Welded Steel Tanks for Water Storage. 
D100. 
Ceilings and Interior Systems Construction 
Association (CISCA). 1991. Recommendations 
for Direct-Hung Acoustical Tile and Lay-In 
Panel Ceilings, Seismic Zones 0-2. 
Ceilings and Interior Systems Construction 
Association (CISCA). 1990. Recommendations 
for Direct-Hung Acoustical Tile and Lay-In 
Panel Ceilings, Seismic Zones 3-4. 
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers 
(IEEE). 1975. Recommended Practice for 
Seismic Qualification of Class JE Equipment for 
Nuclear Power Generating Stations. IEEE 
Standard 344. 
Manufacturers Standardization Society of the 
Valve and Fitting Industry (MSS). 1988. Pipe 
Hangers and Supports : Materials, Design, and 
Manufacture. SP-58. 
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). 
1991. Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler 
Systems. NFPA-13. 
Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI). 1990. 
Specification for the Design, Testing, and 
Utilization of Industrial Steel Storage Racks. 
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors 
National Association (SMACNA). 1985. 
HVAC Duct Construction Standards, Metal and 
exible. 
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors 
National Association (SMACNA). 1980. 
Rectangular Industrial Duct Construction 
Standards. 
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors 
National Association (SMACNA), Sheet Metal 
Industry Fund of Los Angeles, and Plumbing 
Industry Council. 1992. Guidelines for Seismic 
Restraint of Mechanical Systems and Plumbing 
Piping Systems. 
Nontechnical References 
California Office of the State Architect and 
California Office of Emergency Services. 1990. 
Identification and Reduction of Nonstructural 
Earthquake Hazards in California Schools. 
Sacramento and Oakland: California OSA and 
California OES 
* Survey forms and drawings of bracing 
concepts for 27 nonstructural items. 
FBIS, Inc., and VSP Associates. 1987. Data 
Processing Facilities: Guidelines for Earthquake 
Hazard Mitigation. Sacramento, Calif.: VSP, 
Inc. 
* Intended for owners and operators of data 
processing facilities (DPF). Contains 
illustrative material on nonstructural hazards and 
upgrades for raised floors and mainframe 
computer systems, as well as components found 
in buildings in general. Not intended as a self-
help guide, but provides DPF manager with a 
basis for discussing design criteria with an 
engineer. 
Noson, Linda, Todd Perbix, and Padraic Burke. 
1989. Safer Schools: Earthquake Hazards, 
Nonstructural. Olympia, Wash.: Washington 
Superintendent of Public Instruction. 
Includes background information on 
earthquakes in Washington, survey checklists, 
and 32 pages of illustrations of nonstructural 
hazard reduction measures. 
Olshansky, Robert B. No date (c. 1992). 
Reducing Earthquake Hazards in the Central 
U.S.: Nonstructural Hazards. Memphis, Tenn.: 
Central United States Earthquake Consortium. 
* Prepared for the U.S. Geological Survey by 
the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 
Department of Urban and Regional Planning. 
Illustrations and explanations of nonstructural 
damage. 
Reid & Tarics Associates. 1982. Seismic 
Restraint Handbook for Furniture, Equipment, 
and Supplies. Washington, D.C.: Veterans 
Administration. 
* In addition to detailed administration 
procedures applicable to VA hospitals, the 
handbook contains detailed forms for collecting 
nonstructural survey data and producing cost 
estimates or lists of required materials and 
labor. Includes 18 pages of restraint details. 
Originally intended for use by engineering staffs 
at VA medical facilities, without the use of 
outside contractors or additional design/analysis 
assistance. 
Reitherman, Robert. 1989. Nonstructural 
Earthquake Hazard Mitigation for Hospitals and 
Other Health Care Facilities. FEMA 
Publication SM (Student Manual) 370. 
Washington, DC: FEMA. 
* Six chapters devoted to the nonstructural 
topic, some of them generally applicable and 
others more specific to hospitals. This is a 
manual used for a two-day course devoted to 
earthquake hazard reduction and emergency 
preparedness for hospital facilities. 
Organizations 
1. Federal Emergency Management Agency 
(FEMA); California Office of Emergency 
Services (OES) Earthquake Program; Central 
United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC). 
A wide variety of publications, brochures, 
checklists, videotapes, and slide sets related to 
earthquake preparedness and nonstructural 
hazard mitigation are available from many state 
and federal agencies. Some of the items are 
tailored to meet differing needs in particular 
areas of the United States. Some are tailored 
for specific types of facilities, such as hospitals, 
schools, day care centers, nursing homes, or 
single-family residences. Many are available 
free of charge. 
FEMA has regional offices throughout the 
country, and most states have an office or 
department of emergency services that may have 
similar material. The list below includes only 
several key agencies. 
Federal Emergency Management Agency 
Mitigation Directorate 
500 C Street. S.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20472 
State of California 
Governor's Office of Emergency Services 
Earthquake Program 
2800 Meadowview Road 
Sacramento, CA 95832 
(Phone 916-262-1800; Fax 916-262-1840) 
Central United States Earthquake Consortium 
2630 East Holmes Road 
Memphis, TN 38118 
(Phone 901-345-0932; Fax 901-345-0998) 
2. The National Center for Earthquake 
Engineering Research (NCEER) is associated 
with the State University of New York at 
Buffalo. Founded in 1987, NCEER sponsors 
academic research in earthquake engineering, 
publishes a quarterly bulletin, and has an 
extensive list of technical reports available by 
mail. NCEER also has a bibliographic database 
called QUAKELINE that covers the literature of 
earthquake engineering and natural hazards 
mitigation. The database contained over 24,000 
records as of January 1994; approximately 400 
additions are made each month. The database 
is accessible on Internet, through both academic 
computing services and commercial providers. 
National Center for Earthquake Engineering 
Research 
State University of New York at Buffalo 
Red Jacket Quadrangle, Box 610025 
Buffalo, NY 14621-0025 
(Phone 716-645-3391; Fax 716-645-3399; 
QUAKELINE Info: Phone 716-645-3377) 
3. The Earthquake Engineering Research 
Institute (EERI) was organized in 1949 as a 
nonprofit corporation with the objective of 
reducing the impact of earthquakes by means of 
seismic studies, inspection of earthquake 
damage, education, and technology transfer, 
including conferences and the publication of 
newsletters, reports, technical papers, and 
conference proceedings. EERI has members in 
47 states and 51 foreign countries, including 
many practicing engineers, architects, and 
seismologists, as well as university professors 
and government personnel. Earthquake Spectra, 
a monthly publication of EERI, contains articles 
covering a wide range of topics related to 
earthquakes. EERI has an extensive publication 
list that also includes videotapes and annotated 
slide sets showing examples of damage during 
many past earthquakes. 
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute 
499 14th Street 
Oakland, CA 94612-1902 
(Phone 510-451-0905; Fax 510-451-5411) 
4. The Earthquake Engineering Research Center 
(EERQ is associated with -the University of 
California at Berkeley. In addition to the 
extensive shake table testing program, which 
has been going on for many years and which 
has produced hundreds of research reports, 
EERC has an extensive library of earthquake-
related materials and a large collection of 
earthquake slides, and it publishes a newsletter. 
EERC reports and slide sets are available for 
sale. 
The National Information Service for 
Earthquake Engineering (NISEE) distributes 
computer software for earthquake engineering 
and is associated with EERC. NISEE also 
maintains a computer database of information on 
earthquake engineering, accessible through 
Internet. 
Earthquake Engineering Research Center 
University of California, Berkeley 
1301 South 46th Street 
Richmond, CA 94804-4698 
(Phone 510-231-9554) 
5. The Applied Technology Council (ATC) is a 
nonprofit corporation serving the structural 
engineering profession. The majority of its, 
publications are related to technical topics in 
seismic analysis and design, postearthquake 
damage evaluations, new technological advances 
in seismic design, and so on. The specific 
focus of the organization is to provide a link 
between academic research and professional 
practice. ATC sponsors several technical 
workshops each year. 
Applied Technology Council 
555 Twin Dolphin Drive, Suite 270 
Redwood City, CA 94065 
(Phone 415-595-1542; Fax 415-593-2320) 
APPENDIX A 
NONSTRUCTURAL INVENTORY FORM
Facility: Assumed Intensity: 
Priority Nonstructural Location Quantity Risk ER Estimated Upgrade Cost Notes 
Item LS PL LF Per Item Subtotal 
LS (Life Safety) PL (Property Loss) LF (Loss of Function) ER (Engineering Required) L (Low) M (Moderate) H (High) 
Inventory Form 
APPENDIX B 
CHECKLIST OF NONSTRUCTURAL 
EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS 
How to Use This Checklist 
This checklist is intended to be used in surveying buildings to assess whether the nonstructural 
elements (electrical, mechanical, architectural, and furniture or contents) pose a danger to the 
building occupants or are likely to cause financial loss or interruption following an earthquake. 
The questions in this form have been stated in such a way that a "NO" answer indicates there 
may be a potential problem with the item. Write "Y" for Yes and "N" for No in the box 
provided. The list may be used in conjunction with the nonstructural inventory form provided 
in Appendix A. As an example, a line item in the inventory form should be created for each 
instance where a question in this form is answered "NO". 
BUILDING UTILITY SYSTEMS 
EMERGENCY POWER-GENERATING U3. Diesel fuel tank See Example U31 
EQUIPMENT 
Is the tank securely attached to the 
Emergency power-generating equipment supports? 
generally consists of the following components: H Are the tank supports braced in both 
directions? 
U1. Generator 
El 
Is the bracing attached with anchor bolts 
to concrete walls or foundation pad?
Is the emergency generator adequately U Is the foundation large enough to keep
secured, especially if mounted on motor the tank from tipping over or sliding?
vibration isolation springs? 
H1 
Is the wall strong enough to support the 
tank? 
U2. Batteries, battery rack [See Example U2J 
U4. Fuel line, cooling water lines, exhaust
Are the batteries securely attached to the flues 
battery rack?
Is the battery rack cross-braced in both D 
Are these lines attached with flexible 
[7 
directions? 
connections that are able to 
Does the battery rack have anchor bolts accommodate relative movement at 
secured to a concrete foundation pad? junctions to spring-mounted equipment,
[] Is the foundation large enough to keep at building entry and exit points, and at 
the rack from sliding or tipping? -expansion joints -within the building? 
B -1

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT 
The emergency power system includes both 
power-generating equipment and the electrical 
distribution system: 
U5. Transformers 
Are transformers properly anchored: to 
the floor or wall? 
U6. Motor Control Center (MCC) 
Are the motor control centers properly 
anchored to the floor or wall? X 
FIRE DETECTION AND SUPPRESSION 
SYSTEM 
The fire detection and suppression system may 
include any or all of the following components: 
U9. Smoke detectors, fire alarm system, 
control system for automatic fire doors 
Are fire and smoke detectors properly 
mounted? 
[] Is the control equipment for the fire 
''alarm system and automatic fire doors 
securely anchored? 
U10. Fire extinguisher or fire hose cabinets 
[See Example U10 
D] Are the fire extinguisher cabinets and/or 
hose cabinets securely mounted? 
E] Are the fire extinguishers secured with 
quick-release straps? 
Ut1. Fire sprinklers and distribution lines 
Are the fire sprinkler piping components
[Z 
laterally braced? 
U7. Electrical switchgear 
Is the switchgear properly anchored to 
the floor or wall? 
U8. Electrical bus ducts and primary cable 
system [See Example U81 
Are electrical cables or conduit able to 
distort at the connections with the 
equipment or where they cross seismic 
D1 
joints between buildings? 
Are the bus ducts or cable conduits 
laterally braced? 
(Caution: Only qualified personnel should open 
access panels on electrical equipment). 
Is the ceiling braced so the ceilings 

won't break the sprinkler heads? 
Are the distribution lines able to 
accommodate movement where they 
cross seismic joints between buildings? 
U12. Fire water pump 
Dl Is the fire water pump anchored, or is it 
mounted on vibration isolation springs 
with additional seismic restraints? 
U13. Emergency water tank or reservoir 
Is the water tank or reservoir securely
ElD attached to its supports? 
Are the tank supports braced in both 
directions?
El 
Are the supports or braces properly 
anchored to the foundation? 
U14. Smoke control systems 
Are the fans properly braced and/or 
'' anchored?
Dl Are fan control centers securely 
anchored? 
PROPANE TANKS U16. Shlut-off valve 
Propane tanks may be used for backup power, 
Does the system have an automatic,
heating, or cooking. These systems, include: 
earthquake-triggered shut-off valve? 
If the shut-off is manual, is a wrench
U15. Propane tank [See Example U1S] H1 stored within easy reach? . 
Is the tank securely anchored to the U17. Gas or fuel supply pipe
supports?
Are the tank supports braced in both Are the supply pipes laterally braced? 
directions?
Are the supports or braces anchored to a D Do the pipes have flexible connections at 
concrete foundation pad? 
the tank that are able to accommodate
Is the foundation large enough to keep relative movement? 
the tank from sliding or tipping over? 
PLUMBING SYSTEM U20. Distribution pumps 
The plumbing system may include: 
[7 Are the distribution pumps anchored, or 
are they mounted on vibration isolation 
U18. Gas-fired water heater or boiler Springs with additional seismic lateral 
Are the water heaters or boilers, securely 
restraints? 
anchored to the floor or wall? U21. Hot and cold water pipes, hot water
Does the gas line have a flexible return, wastewater pipes [See Example U21J 
connection to the water heater that is 
able to accommodate movement? [7 Are the pipes laterally braced at 
reasonable intervals? 
1119. Residential water heater [See Examples D Do the pipes have flexible connections to 
Ul9a and Ul9b boilers or tanks that are able to 
[Are the water heaters securely anchored D accommodate movement? 
Are the distribution lines able to 
to the floor or wall? accommodate movement where they
[Does the gas line or electrical conduit cross seismic joints between buildings?
have a flexible connection to the water F] Are pipe penetrations through structural 
heater that is able to accommodate walls or framing members large enough
movement? to allow for some seismic movement?
Are the pipes free of asbestos insulation 
that could be damaged by movement in 
an earthquake? 
ELEVATORS, ESCALATORS 
The transport equipment generally includes: 
U22. Elevator cab 
Is the elevator cab properly attached to 
the guide rails? 
U23. Cables, counterweights, and guide rails 
(for cable-traction systems) 
Are the cables installed in such a way 
that they are protected against 
misalignment during an earthquake? 
7] Are the counterweights properly attached 
to the guide rails? 
F] Are the guide rails securely attached to 
the building? 
U24. Elevator motor and motor control 
cabinets 
Are the motor and motor control 
cabinets properly anchored? 
HEATING, VENTILATING, AIR 
CONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEM 
The HVAC system may include any or all of 
the following components, depending on the size 
of the facility: 
U28. Boilers and furnaces 
Are boilers and furnaces securely
anchored with adequately sized bolts? 
Are furnaces, and furnace or boiler 
constructed without using
bases, 
unreinforced masonry? 
U25. Elevator cab and hydraulic elevator 
equipment (hydraulic systems) 
Are the components of the hydraulic 
system properly anchored? 
U26. Escalator 
Is the escalator control equipment 
securely anchored? 
U27. People mover (moving walkway) 
Is the control equipment for the people 
mover properly anchored? 
(Caution: The moving parts or components of 
these systems need to be evaluated by qualified 
personnel. Inappropriate seismic restraints may 
compromise the safe operation of these systems.) 
U29. Chillers [See Examples U29a and U29b] 
D] Are chillers securely anchored, or are 
they mounted on vibration isolation 
springs with added seismic restraints? 
U30. Heat pumps or heat exchangers 
F] Are pumps or heat exchangers anchored, 
or are they mounted on vibration 
isolation springs with added seismic 
restraints? 
U31. Fans, blowers, filters 
Are fans, blowers, and filters securely 
anchored, or are they mounted on 
vibration isolation springs with added 
seismic restraints? 
U32. Air compressors [See Example U32J 
Are air compressors anchored, or are 
they mounted on vibration isolation 
springs with added seismic restraints? 
U33. Roof-mounted HVAC units 
Are the HVAC units securely anchored, 
or are they mounted on vibration-
limiting springs with added seismic 
restraints? 
U34. Wall-mounted room air conditioning 
units 
Are the air conditioning units securely 
mounted to the wall or shelf? 
MECHANICAL APPENDAGES 
This category may include the following: 
U38. Small stacks or residential chimneys 
[See Example U38] 
Is the brick chimney braced to the roof? 
Are stacks, bolted to the supports or 
foundation by means of anchor bolts of 
adequate length and double nuts? 
U35. Suspended room heaters or fans [See 
Example U35j 
Are the suspended room heaters, 
especially gas-fired ones, laterally 
braced, and are gas-fired heaters fitted 
with flexible gas connections.? 
U36. Distribution ducts [See Example U36J 
Are the distribution ducts laterally
braced?
Are the distribution ducts able to 
accommodate movement at locations 
where they cross seismic joints? 
U37. Diffusers [See Example U37J 
Are the air distribution grills or diffusers 
anchored to adequately supported sheet-
metal ducts or to the ceiling grid *or 
wall?
Do the diffusers have positive 
independent support, such as at least two 
hanger wires per diffuser? 
U39. Roof-mounted equpment, vents, or 
ues 
Is roof-mounted equipment properly 
anchored? 
U40. Solar panels 
Are the solar panels securely anchored 
to the roof?
Is the piping laterally braced? 
ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS 
BUILT-IN PARTITIONS 
These may include elements of many different 
materials and construction types: 
Al. Permanent block wall partitions (concrete 
masonry unit, brick, hollow clay tile) 
Are block wall partitions reinforced? 
(Most brick or hollow clay tile walls in 
pre-1933 California buildings are 
unreinforced. In other regions, 
unreinforced masonry elements may be 
found even in current construction.) 
CEILINGS AND SOFFITS 
A3. Ceilings (acoustic tile, gypsumboard, 
plaster) [See Example ANJ 
Does the suspended ceiling have 
adequate diagonal bracing wires? 
and/or
Are decorative ceiling panels 
latticework securely attached? 
For plaster ceilings, is the wire mesh or 
wood lath securely attached to the 
structural framing above? 
LIGHTING 
A5. Suspended overhead lighting, fixed or 
track lighting [See Examples A5a and A5b] 
Do the lay-in fluorescent light fixtures 
have positive support, independent of the 
ceiling grid, such as at least two 
diagonally opposite hanger wires per 
light fixture? 
Do chandeliers or other hanging fixtures 
have safety cables to prevent them from 
impacting each other or a window? 
Are concrete masonry unit (CMU) 
partitions detailed to allow sliding at the 
top? 
A2. Partial-and full-height stud wall 
partitions [See Examples A2a and A2b] 
Are partial-height partitions braced to 
the structure above the ceiling line?
If partitions function as lateral support 
for tall shelving or cabinets, are these 
partitions rigidly attached or braced to 
the structure above the ceiling line? 
A4. Soffits (stucco, gypsumboard, plaster) 
Are decorative finishes and/or 
latticework on beam soffits or beneath 
exterior eves securely attached, 
particularly over exits?
For stucco soffits, is the wire mesh or 
wood lath securely attached to the 
structural framing above? 
Do pendant or stem light fixtures have 
safety cables so they will not fall if the 
fixture sways and breaks the stem 
connection, or are they braced to prevent 
swaying? 
Are spot lights or track lights securely 
attached to resist seismic shaking? 
A6. Emergency lighting and exit lights 
Are emergency lights and exit lights 
mounted to protect them from falling off 
shelf supports? 
DOORS AND EGRESS ROUTES 
A7. Primary exit doors 
If exit doors are heavy metal fire doors 
that might jam if the building racks 
during an earthquake, is there a crowbar 
or sledgehammer located near the exit to 
facilitate emergency exiting? 
A8. Automatic doors with optical or floor 
sensors, mechanized roll-up doors 
Do these doors have a manual override 
in case of a power outage after an 
earthquake? 
A9. Stairways [See Example A9J 
Do steel stairs in multistory buildings 
have sliding supports at one end that can 
accommodate interstory displacements? 
WINDOWS 
Note: The term safety glass means tempered, 
laminated, or wired glass; glass covered 
with shatter-resistant film; or plastic 
panels. 
A12. Glazing [See Example A12] 
Is it known whether the glazing was 
designed by an architect/engineer to 
accommodate lateral movement? 
Do large windows, especially storefront 
windows, have safety glass? 
Have any unreinforced masonry
partitions in stairwells been removed, 
strengthened, or encapsulated? 
A10. Building utilities and architectural 
finishes along egress routes (piping, ducts, 
ceilings, lights, partitions, etc.) 
Are piping, ducts,. ceilings, lights, 
partitions, and other elements braced 
adequately to prevent falling obstructions 
along egress routes? 
All. Furniture and/or contents along egress 
routes (cabinets, shelving, etc.) 
Are furniture and/or contents along the 
egress routes sufficiently anchored to 
prevent objects from obstructing the 
egress route? 
Are unanchored furniture and/or 
contents kept far enough from the exits 
so they will not slide and obstruct the 
doors? 
A13. Overhead glazing or skylights 
Are transoms (glass panes over doors.) 
made of safety glass? 
Are skylights made of safety glass or
covered with shatter-resistant film?
Are large panes made of safety glass, or
is it known whether the glazing assembly 
was designed by an architect/engineer to 
accommodate the expected seismic 
distortion of the surrounding structure? 
A14. Interior glass or glass block partitions 
Are the glazed partitions laterally braced 
to the structure? 
PERMANENT ORNAMENTATION AND 
APPENDAGES: EXTERIOR OR 
INTERIOR 
A15. Parapets, cornices, veneer or other 
decoration [See Examples A15a and A15b] 
[7 Are parapets or cornices reinforced and 
adequately braced? 
Do other decorative elements have 
positive anchorage to the building? 
Does the veneer have positive anchorage 
to the building? 
A16. Freestanding walls or fences (concrete, 
CMU, brick, or stone) [See Example A16J 
Is it known whether freestanding walls 
or fences were designed by an 
architect/engineer to resist lateral forces? 
Are CMU walls adequately reinforced 
with vertical bars set in grout-filled cells 
and horizontal bars embedded in the 
Is it known whether CMU walls or
mortar joints? 
fences were built with adequate 
foundations to prevent them from tipping 
over in an earthquake? 
A17. Hanging appendages 
Are hanging appendages braced or 
secured with a safety cable? 
A18. Exterior lighting 
Are exterior light fixtures properly
supported or securely attached to the 
structure? 
A19. Flagpoles 
Are flagpoles securely attached to the 
structure? 
A20. Tall sculptures (over about 5 feet) 
Are heavy or sharply pointed sculptures 
anchored to prevent overturning during 
an earthquake? 
Do hanging sculptures have a safety 
cable to prevent them from swinging 
excessively or falling? 
A21. Heavy signs or exterior billboards 
[See Example A211 
Are exterior signs or billboards 
adequately braced and anchored? 
Are interior signs securely attached with 
positive connections? 
A22. Clay roof tiles 
3 Are clay roof tiles secured to the roof 
with one nail-and-wire connection per 
tile? 
FURNITURE AND CONTENTS 
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT 
Communications and emergency 
communications systems may include: 
C1. Radio and short-wave radio equipment 
Is radio equipment restrained to keep it 
from sliding off shelving or tabletops? 
C2. Telephone, cellular phone, and fax 
equipment 
Is important equipment restrained to 
keep it from sliding off shelving or 
tabletops?
Are telephones placed on desktops or 
counters far enough from the edge that 
they will not slide and fall off? 
C3. Public address system 
Is the public address system restrained 
to prevent the equipment from sliding 
and falling off the shelving? 
C4. Suspended speakers in conference room 
or auditorium 
Are sound system speakers in elevated 
locations anchored to the structure or 
hung with safety cables? 
C5. Microwave equipment (antennae, 
receiver, transmitter, etc.) 
Is the microwave communications 
equipment securely braced and/or 
anchored? 
C6. Computer networks, data storage 
Is computer information vital to 
operations backed up and stored off-
site? 
Is critical -computer equipment securely 
anchored to supports?
Is sensitive computer or 
communications equipment located out 
of range of fire sprinkler heads or 
joints in the sprinkler pipes where they 
are less prone to water damage if the 
sprinkler lines break? 
C7. Wall-mounted televisions or 
surveillance cameras 
Are wall-mounted televisions or 
surveillance cameras in elevated 
locations securely anchored to support 
shelves or brackets that are in turn 
adequately connected to the wall? 
OFFICE AND COMPUTER EQUIPMENT 
This category may include a broad range of 
equipment, such as: 
C8. Large computer equipment, tape drives 
[See Example C8]Are computers, tape racks, and 
associated equipment that is about 
twice as tall as wide, anchored, 
tethered, and/or braced?
Is heavy computer equipment anchored 
to the structural floor slab and braced 
independently of the computer access 
oors? 
C9. Computer cabling 
Is computer cabling long enough to 
accommodate lateral movement within 
the building? 
STORAGE OF RECORDS AND SUPPLIES 
Storage for files, accounting records, and 
emergency supplies may include: 
C12. Bookshelves and library stacks 5 feet 
or taller [See Examples C12a, C12b, C12c] 
Are bookshelves properly anchored 
with brackets to a solid wall or stud, 
or anchored to the floor? 
Are bookshelves fitted with edge 
restraints or elastic cords to keep books 
from falling?
Are large and heavy books located on 
the lowest shelves? 
Are rare books given extra protection 
to prevent falling and water damage? 
CIO. Desktop computer equipment or 
printers [See Example C10] 
Are computer monitors anchored to 
desktops or computers?
Are desktop computers and printers 
mounted with positive restraint, resting 
on high-friction rubber pads, or located 
far enough from the edges of desks and 
tables to prevent them from sliding and 
falling in an earthquake? 
Cl. Computer access floors 
[See Notes with Example C81 
Are computer access floors braced with 
diagonal steel members, or is it 
verified that the vertical pedestals are a 
seismically qualified model, installed in 
accordance with the manufacturer's 
recommendations?
Do cable openings in the access floor 
have edge guards to prevent equipment 
legs from sliding into the openings? 
C13. Tall vertical or lateral file cabinets 
[See Example C131 
Do the file cabinet drawers or doors
latch securely? 
Are tall file cabinets anchored with 
wall brackets to a solid wall or stud, 
anchored to the floor, or bolted to one 
or more adjacent cabinets to form a 
more stable configuration, i.e., a larger 
"footprint"? 
Are unanchored cabinets located so that 
they will not fall or slide and block an 
exit? 
C14. Tall storage racks or shelving 
FH Are tall storage racks or shelves 
securely anchored to the floor or 
walls?
Are heavily loaded racks or shelves 
braced in both directions?
For racks significantly taller than wide, 
are large anchor bolts used to anchor 
each leg to a concrete slab?
Are breakable items secured to the 
shelves or racks, or are they stored in 
stable units (e.g., are they shelved in 
the original packing boxes, or are 
small items shrinkwrapped together)? 
KITCHEN AND LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT 
These facilities may include any or all of the 
following items: gas and/or electric stoves and 
ovens, built-in or countertop microwave 
ovens, garbage compactors, dishwashers, 
refrigerators and freezers, clothes washers and 
dryers, ironing and pressing equipment. 
C17. Large kitchen or laundry equipment 
Are all of the these items securely 
anchored to the floor, wall, or 
countertop? 
C18. Gas and/or electric hook-up 
[See Example CGI1 
Are the gas or electric hook-up lines 
able to accommodate movements at the 
equipment interface and where they 
cross seismic joints between buildings? 
C15. Emergency supply cabinet (water, 
medicine, food, etc.) 
Is the cabinet in an accessible location 
that is not likely to be heavily 
damaged?
Is the cabinet properly braced and 
anchored, and are the cabinet doors 
securely latched? 
C16. Especially valuable and fragile 
merchandise 
Are valuable or fragile items. protected 
against tipping over or falling off 
shelving or pedestals:? 
C19. Drawer and cabinet latches (kitchen, 
laboratory, office, etc.) [See Example CI9J 
Are the drawers and cabinet doors 
latched securely, e.g., with special 
latches or baby-proof hardware that 
will not fly open in an earthquake? 
C20. Freestanding wood stove (wood, pellet, 
or gas-fired) [See Example,C20] 
Is the stove securely anchored to the 
hearth or floor framing in a manner 
that will not conduct heat to any 
combustible materials?
Is the exhaust flue anchored to the 
stove, are the flue sections, secured 
together, and is the flue anchored to 
the wall with some type of thermal 
radiation shielding? 
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 
Hazardous materials may include: 
C21. Compressed-gas bottles or cylinders 
(oxygen, carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia) 
[See Example C211 
Are gas cylinders tightly secured with 
one chain near the top and one near the 
bottom, or are they otherwise 
restrained?
Are the chains or restraints securely 
anchored to a wall or counter with 
screws or bolts rather than clamps? 
C22. Chemical, laboratory, or medical 
supplies [See Example C221 
Are chemical supplies secured with 
shelf lips several inches high, or are 
they stored in "egg crate" containers in 
drawers, so that the containers will not 
overturn or fall and spill? 
FURNITURE, INTERIOR DECORATION 
C25. Potted plants or indoor landscaping 
resting on shelves above the floor [See 
Example C28]
Are heavy potted plants on file cabinets 
or tall shelves restrained to prevent 
falling? 
C26. Valuable and fragile artwork or 
decorative vases [See Example C26] 
Are valuable or fragile items protected 
against tipping over and/or falling off 
shelves or pedestals? 
Are chemicals stored in accordance 
with manufacturers' recommendations? 
Are incompatible chemicals stored at 
an appropriate distance from one 
another so that they will not mix if the 
containers are broken? 
Are the chemicals in each cabinet 
catalogued properly and marked 
clearly? 
Are Material Safety Data Sheets 
(MSDSs) stored in a location separate 
from the chemicals? 
C23. Cabinets for hazardous materials 
Are cabinets for hazardous materials 
securely attached to the floor or to a 
sturdy wall? 
C24. Asbestos 
Has asbestos insulation been removed, 
or has it been encapsulated to reduce 
the possibility of damage in an 
earthquake? 
C27. Freestanding half-height movable 
partitions [See Example C27] 
Are freestanding partitions braced or 
arranged in stable layouts? 
C28. Miscellaneous furnishings 
[See Example C28] 
Are unanchored furnishings located 
where they cannot slide or overturn to 
block corridors or doors? 
C29. Lockers, vending machines 
Are personal or storage lockers and 
vending machines anchored and 
braced, or are they clear of exits? 
APPENDIX C 
NONSTRUCTURAL RISK RATINGS 
Explanation of Risk Ratings 
The risk ratings that appear in this Appendix are 
based on the following assumptions: 
Life Safety (LS) Risk: Risk of being injured 
by the item. This does not include the overall 
impact on life safety systems in a building, such 
as loss of emergency power in a hospital or loss 
of fire detection capability. These disruptions 
of service are covered under Function below. 
Property Loss (PL) Risk: Risk of incurring 
a repair or replacement cost because of 
damage to the item. This property loss, as 
used here, includes the cost of fixing a broken 
pipe but not the indirect cost of water leakage 
damage, and includes the cost of repairing a 
computer but not the loss of business revenue 
computer downtime might cause. These indirect 
effects cannot be estimated here on a generic 
basis. 
Loss of Function (LF) Risk: Risk that the 
item will not function because it has been 
damaged. This includes some consideration of 
the impact of this loss of function of the 
component on the operation of an ordinary 
occupancy building. Not included are off-site 
functional impacts, such as the loss of function 
of a piece of equipment because of a city-wide 
power outage. Outages of power, water, and 
other utility company or agency services are 
real problems to consider but are outside the 
scope of the item-by-item ratings here. 
Unanchored, unbraced items are assumed. 
The risk ratings are based on the assumption 
that the item has been installed without seismic 
bracing, anchorage, restraint, or allowance for 
differential movements. In areas of the U.S. 
where seismic building code provisions have 
only recently been enforced, this assumption 
will be generally true. In areas of the western 
U.S. where seismic codes have been enforced 
for some time, this assumption may not always 
be true. Particularly in buildings constructed in 
the western states since the mid-1970s, some 
nonstructural items may be anchored or braced, 
but the assumption of unanchored and unbraced 
items will still be true for many items on these 
lists. 
The item is assumed to be located at or near 
the ground level, or in a low-rise building. 
The most common case of a relatively stiff low-
rise building with structural walls is presumed 
in the ratings here. Items such as full-height 
partitions and glazing are more likely to be 
damaged in flexible buildings that experience 
large lateral deformations. Damage to items 
sensitive to imposed deformation will be greater 
in buildings or portions of buildings that are 
more flexible, such as mid-rise and high-rise 
buildings; flexible frame buildings without 
significant structural walls; "soft stories" of 
buildings with structural walls in most stories 
but with a story, typically the ground story, that 
is much less laterally stiff because of the 
absence of walls; the "soft wall" sides of 
bearing wall buildings where there is little or no 
solid wall area, such as the face of a typical 
commercial storefront building. 
A building of ordinary occupancy is assumed.. 
Some nonstructural items in special facilities 
would be rated differently. For example. 
shelving in an ordinary occupancy building is 
assumed here, but the same shelving would be 
rated quite differently with regard to Life Safety 
risk in a lab, Property Loss risk in a museum, 
or risk of Loss of Function in a communications 
center. 
NONSTRUCTURAL RISK RATINGS
SH LS PL LF ER PG 
UTILITY SYSTEMS 
EMERGENCY POWER-GENERATING EQUIPMENT 
U1 Generator Light L L M yes 
Mod L M H 
Severe L H H 
U2 Batteries and battery rack Light L L L yes 30 
Mod L H M 
Severe L H H 
U3 Diesel fuel tank Light L L L yes 31 
Mod H H L 
Severe H H M 
U4 Fuel line Light LH L I 
Mod H H L 
Severe H H M 
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT 
U5 Transformers Light L L L yes 
Mod L L L 
Severe M M M 
U6 Motor control center (MCC) Light L L L yes 31
Mod L L L 
Severe M M M 
Type of Risk Risk Rating 
SH= Shaking intensity LS= Life safety L= Low 
ER= Engineering required PL= Property loss M= Moderate 
PG= Upgrade detail page number LF= Loss of function H= High 
SH LS PL LF ER PG 
U7 Electrical switchgear Light L L L yes 
Mod L L 
Severe M M M 
US Electrical bus ducts and primary cable Light L L L yes 32 
system Mod L M M 
Severe M M M 
FIRE DETECTION AND SUPPRESSION SYSTEM 
U9 Smoke detectors, fire alarm system, Light L L L 
control for automatic fire doors Mod L L L 
Severe L L L 
U10 Fire extinguisher or fire hose cabinets Light L L L 33 
Mod M H L 
Severe M H L 
UIl Fire sprinklers and distribution lines Light L M M yes 
Mod L H H 
Severe M H H 
U12 Fire water pump Light L L L 1 yes 
Mod L L L 
Severe M M L 
U13 Emergency water tank or reservoir Light L L L yes 
Mod M H L 
Severe H H L 
Type of Risk Risk Rating 
SH= Shaking intensity LS= Life safety L= Low 
ER= Engineering required PL= Property loss M= Moderate 
PG= Upgrade detail page number LF= Loss of function H= high 
C-3 
SH LS PL LF ER_ 
U14 Smoke control systems Light L L L yes 
Mod L M L 
Severe L M L 
PROPANE TANKS 
U15 Propane tank Light L L L yes 34 
Mod H H M 
Severe H H M 
U16 Shut-off valve Light L L L 
Mod H H M 
Severe H H M 
U17 Gas or fuel supply pipe Light L L L 
Mod H H M 
Severe H H M 
PLUMBING SYSTEM 
U18 Gas-fired water heater or boiler Light L L L yes 
Mod L L L 
Severe M M M 
U19 Residential water heater Light L L L 35, 
36 
Mod M H L 
Severe M H L 
U20 Distribution pumps Light L L L yes 
Mod L M L 
Severe L M M 
Type of Risk Risk Rating 
SH= Shaking intensity LS= Life safety L= Low 
ER= Engineering required PL= Property loss M= Moderate 
PG= Upgrade detail page number LF= Loss of function H= High 
SH L PL LF 
U21 Hot and cold water pipes, hot water Light L L L yes 37 
return, wastewater pipes Mod M M M 
Severe M M M 
ELEVATORS, ESCALATORS 
U22 Elevator cab Light L 'L yesL 
Mod L M M 
Severe M M M 
U23 Cables, counterweights and guide rails Light L L L yes 
(for cable-traction system) Mod H M 
Severe H M M 
U24 Elevator motor and motor control cabinets Light L L L yes| 
Mod L M M 
Severe L H M 
U25 Elevator cab and hydraulic elevator Light L L L yes 
equipment (hydraulic systems) Mod L M M 
Severe M M M 
U26 Escalator Light L L L yes 
Mod L M L 
Severe L M L I 
U27 People mover (noving walkway) Light L L L yes 
Mod L L L 
Severe L M L 
Type of Risk Risk Rating 
SH= Shaking intensity 
ER= Engineering required 
LS= Life safety 
PL= Property loss 
L= Low 
M= Moderate 
PG= Upgrade detail page number LF= Loss of function H= High 
I SH LS PL LF I ER PG 
HEATING, VENTILATING, AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEMU28 Boilers and furnaces Light L L L yes 
Mod L L L 
Severe M M M 
U29 Chillers Light L L L yes 38, 
Mod L L L 
Severe L M M 
U30 Heat pumps or heat exchangers Light L L L yes 
Mod L L L 
Severe L M M 
U31 Fans, blowers, filters Light L L L yes 
Mod L M L 
Severe L M M 
U32 Air compressors Light L L L yes 40 
Mod L M L 
Severe L M M 
U33 Roof-mounted HVAC units Light L M L yes 
Mod L M L 
Severe M H M 
U34 Wall-mounted room air conditioning units Light L L L 
Mod H M L 
Severe H M L 
U35 Suspended room heaters or fans Light L L L yes 41 
Mod H H L 
Severe H H L 
Type of Risk Risk Rating 
SH= Shaking intensity LS= Life safety L= Low 
ER= Engineering required PL= Property loss M= Moderate 
PG= Upgrade detail page number LF= Loss of function H= High 
SH LS PL LF ER PG 
U36 Distribution ducts Light L L L yes 42 
Mod L L L 
Severe M M L 
U37 Diffusers Light L L L143 
Mod H H L 
Severe H H L 
MECHANICAL APPENDAGES 
U38 Small stacks or residential chimneys Light L L L IIZ 
Mod M M L 
Severe H M M 
U39 Roof-mounted equipment, vents or flues Light L L L yes 
Mod L M L 
Severe M M M 
U40 Solar panels Light L L L yes 
Mod L L L 
Severe M M L 
Type of Risk Risk Rating 
SH= Shaking intensity LS= Life safety L= Low 
ER= Engineering required PL= Property loss M= Moderate 
PG= Upgrade detail page number LF= Loss of function H= High 
I SH LS PL LF I ER PG 
ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS 
PARTITIONS AND CEILINGS 
Al Permanent block wall partitions (CMU, Light L L L yes 
brick, hollow clay tile) Mod H H H 
Severe H H H 
A2 Partial-and full-height stud wall partitions Light L L L yes 45, 
Mod M M H 
Severe, M H H 
A3 Ceilings (acoustic tile, gypsumboard, Light L L L yes 47 
plaster) Mod M M M 
Severe H H H 
A4 Soffits (stucco, gypsumboard, plaster) Light L L L 
Mod M M M 
Severe H H H 
LIGHTING 
AS Suspended overhead lighting, fixed or Light L L L |48, 
track lighting 49 
Mod H L L 
Severe H M M 
A6 Emergency lighting and exit lights Light L L L 
Mod M L L 
Severe H M L 
Type of Risk Risk Rating 
SH= Shaking intensity LS= Life safety L= Low 
ER= Engineering required PL= Property loss M = Moderate 
PG= Upgrade detail page number LF= Loss of function H= High 
SH LS PL LF ER P 
DOORS AND EGRESS ROUTES 
A7 Primary exit doors Light L L L yes| 
Mod L L 
Severe M M M 
A8 Automatic doors with optical or floor Light L L L yes 
sensors,, mechanized roll-up doors Mod L i L 
Severe M M M 
A9 Stairways Light L L L yes |50 
Mod H M L 
Severe H M H 
A10 Building utilities and architectural finishes Light L L L yes 
along egress routes (ceilings, lights, Mod H M L 
partitions, etc.) I 
Severe H M L 
All Furniture and/or contents along egress Light L L L 
routes (cabinets, shelving, etc.) Mod H M L 
Severe H M LM 
Type of Risk Risk Rating 
SH= Shaking intensity LS= Life safety L= Low 
ER= Engineering required PL= Property loss M= Moderate 
PG= Upgrade detail page number LF= Loss of function 11= High 
C -9 
WINDOWS 
A12 Glazing Light L L L yes 51 
Mod 1 M L 
Severe H M M 
A13 Overhead glazing or skylights Light L L L yes _ 
Mod H M L 
Severe H M M 
SH LS PL LF ER P
A14 Interior glass or glass block partitions Light L L L yes 
Mod M M
Severe H H M 
PERMANENT ORNAMENTATION AND APPENDAGES: INTERIOR OR 
EXTERIOR 
A15 Parapets, cornices, veneer or other Light M M L yes 52, 
decoration 
Mod H H L 
Severe H H L 
A16 Freestanding walls or fences (concrete, Light L L L yes 
CMU, brick, or stone Mod L L L 
Severe H H M 
A17 Hanging appendages Light L L L yes 
Mod H H L 
Severe H H M 
A18 Exterior lighting Light L L L 
Mod M L L 
Severe M M M 
A19 Flagpoles Light L L L yes 
Mod L L L 
Severe M M L 
A20 Tall sculptures (over 5 feet) Light L L L yes 
Mod M M L 
Severe H H L 
Type of Risk Risk Rating 
SH= Shaking intensity LS= Life safety L= Low 
ER= Engineering required PL= Property loss M= Moderate 
PG= Upgrade detail page number LF= Loss of function H= High 
SJ Ls PL LF ER PG 
A21 Heavy signs or exterior billboards Light L L L yes 55 
Mod H H L 
Severe H H L 
A22 Clay roof tiles Light L L L yes 
Mod L M L 
Severe M H M 
FURNITURE AND CONTENTS 
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT 
C1 Radio and short-wave radio equipment Light L L L 
Mod L H H 
Severe L H H 
C2 Telephone, cellular phone and fax Light L L L 
equipment Mod L H M 
Severe L H M 
C3 Public address system Light L L L 
Mod L H L 
Severe L H _ 
C4 Suspended speakers in conference room or Light L L L yes 
auditorium Mod M M L 
Severe H H L 
CS Microwave equipment (antennae, receiver, Light L L L yes 
transmitter, etc.) Mod L M L 
Severe,M H M 
Type of Risk Risk Rating 
SH= Shaking intensity LS= Life safety L= Low 
ER= Engineering required 
PG= Upgrade 'detail page number 
PL= Property loss 
LF= Loss of function 
M= Moderate 
H= High 
SH LS PL LF ER 
C6 Computer networks, data storage Light L L L 
Mod L M H 
Severe L H H 
C7 Wall-mounted televisions or surveillance Light L L L yes 
Mod H H L
cameras 
Severe H H L 
OFFICE AND COMPUTER EQUIPMENT 
C8 Large computer equipment, tape drives Light L L L yes 56 
Mod L M M 
Severe M H M 
C9 Computer cabling Light L L L 
Mod L L L 
Severe L L L 
C1O Desktop computers or office equipment Light L L L 57 
Mod L H M 
Severe L H M 
C11 Computer access floors Light L L L 56 
Mod L L M 
Severe L M M 
STORAGE OF RECORDS AND SUPPLIES 
C12 Book shelves, library stacks (over 5 feet) Light L L L yes 58, 59, 60
Mod H M M 
Severe H M M 
Type of Risk Risk Rating 
SH= Shaking intensity 
ER= Engineering required 
PG= Upgrade detail page number 
LS= Life safety 
PL= Property loss 
LF= Loss of function 
L= Low 
M= Moderate 
H= High 
S S LF ER PG 
C13 Tall vertical or lateral file cabinets Light L L L yes 61 
Mod M M M 
Severe H M M_ 
C14 Tall storage racks or shelving Light L L L 
Mod H M M 
Severe M M L 
C15 Emergency supply cabinet (water, Light L L L 
medicine, food, etc.) Mod L L L 
Severe M M M 
C16 Especially valuable and fragile Light L M L 
merchandise 
Mod L H L 
Severe L H L 
KITCHEN AND LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT 
C17 Large kitchen or laundry equipment Light L L L 
Mod M M L 
Severe H M M 
C18 Gas and/or electric hook-up Light L L L 62
Mod M H H 
Severe H H H 
C19 Drawer and cabinet latches (kitchen, Light L L L 63 
laboratory, office, etc) Mod L L L 
Severe L M M 
Type of Risk Risk Rating 
SH= Shaking intensity LS= Life safety L= Low 
ER= Engineering required PL= Property loss M= Moderate 
PG= Upgrade detail page number LF= Loss of function H= Eligible 
SH LS PL LF ER PG 
C20 Freestanding wood stove (wood, pellet, or 
gas-fired) 
Light 
Mod 
L 
L 
L 
L 
L 
L 
64 
Severe M M M 
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 
C21 Compressed-gas bottles or cylinders 
(oxygen, C0 2 , ammonia, etc.) 
Light 
Mod 
L 
M 
L 
M 
L 
L 
65 
Severe H M M 
C22 Chemical, laboratory, or medical supplies Light L L L yes 66 
Mod H M L 
Severe H M M 
C23 Cabinets for hazardous materials Light L L L yes 
Mod H M H 
Severe H M H 
C24 Asbestos Light L M M 
Mod L H H 
Severe L H H 
FURNITURE, INTERIOR DECORATION 
C25 Potted plants or indoor landscaping resting 
on shelves above the floor 
Light 
Mod 
L 
L 
L 
L 
L 
L 
69 
Severe M L L 
C26 Valuable and fragile artwork or decorative Light L L L 67 
vases Mod L H L 
Severe L H L 
Type of Risk Risk Rating 
SH= Shaking intensity 
ER= Engineering required 
PG= Upgrade detail page number 
LS= Life safety 
PL= Property loss 
LF= Loss of function 
L= Low 
M= Moderate 
H= High 
C-14 
SH -PL LF ER P 
C27 Freestanding half-height movable Light L L L 63 
partitions 
Severe M M M 
C28 Miscellaneous furnishings Light L L L 
Mod L M L 
Severe L M L 
C29 Lockers, vending machines Light L L L 
Mod H M L 
Severe H M L 
Type of Risk Risk Rating 
SH= Shaking intensity LS= Life safety L= Low 
ER= Engineering required PL= Property loss M= Moderate 
PG= Upgrade detail page number LF= Loss of function H= High 
U. S. GOVEHNMENT PRINTING OFCE: 2002-71i6S2&968243