Campus Policy Number: 425-85
Seismic Hazard Reduction
Policy Owner: Environmental Health & Safety
Effective Date: 1/15/94
- REFERENCES
- Title 19, California Code of Regulations, (et. al.)
- POLICY
- All appurtenances, such as bookcases over 42 inches in height, wall/fire cabinets, display cabinets, lockers, heavy and large laboratory equipment and compressed gas cylinders should be secured to a stable wall or other method in the manner to preclude their falling over in a moderate earthquake.
- Regulations state that required exit corridor width must be maintained clear of all obstructions such as vending machines, copy machines, desks, file cabinets, furniture lockers, refrigerators, equipment and instrumentation, etc. All items officially permitted in corridors should be firmly secured to prevent falling or failure as to create an obstruction during egress or life safety hazard.
- Shelving and cabinets containing chemicals must have an approved seismic retaining system. Remodeling projects will include this feature as part of the alteration.
- Large, heavy objects must be stored as low as possible. Heavy items that must be stored at a level above 42 inches must be attached or restricted in such a manner to preclude their falling or moving in a moderate earthquake.
- When a departmental move, remodeling project, or equipment purchase takes place, all items must be appropriately secured upon placement. Department/unit heads or chairs should plan to include the costs of securing these items an expense of the project/purchase.
- Seismic safety training will be conducted periodically within departments. Each department is to prepare an earthquake preparedness plan as part of its internal emergency action/fire prevention plan. The Environmental Health and Safety Office will act in an advisory capacity and assist departments in the emergency planning process, safety training activities, and hazard identification.
It is the policy of the University of California, Riverside to provide, to the maximum extent feasible by present earthquake engineering practice and funding, to acquire, build and maintain its facilities at reasonable levels of earthquake safety for faculty, staff, students and the public.
This policy outlines the following program for abatement of seismic hazards. Overall responsibility for compliance with this policy and obtaining resources rests with department chairpersons and department heads.