OSHPD Seismic

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OSHPD Seismic Certification Services for California Hospital Equipment | HCAI OSP & OPM Support

California hospitals operate under some of the most stringent seismic safety regulations in the United States. Unlike conventional commercial buildings, acute care hospitals and many essential healthcare facilities must remain operational following a major earthquake. This requirement extends far beyond the structural frame of the building. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), fire protection systems, architectural components, and specialized medical equipment must also demonstrate acceptable seismic performance to protect patients, healthcare staff, and critical operations.

This is where oshpd seismic certification—now administered through the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI)—plays a central role. Although the agency's name has changed, engineers, manufacturers, contractors, and facility managers throughout the industry still commonly refer to "OSHPD seismic" when discussing hospital equipment qualification, OSP and OPM pre-approvals, seismic anchorage, and nonstructural component compliance.

Successfully navigating the HCAI approval process requires more than simply attaching equipment to a concrete slab. Every project must consider applicable building codes, seismic demand, equipment characteristics, anchorage design, support framing, and documentation requirements. Depending on the equipment and approval pathway, qualification may rely on engineering analysis, ICC-ES AC156 shake table testing, or a combination of analytical and physical verification.

For equipment manufacturers, obtaining HCAI pre-approval can simplify future hospital projects by allowing approved products to be specified repeatedly across California healthcare facilities. For contractors and project teams, properly prepared PE/SE-stamped calculations and coordinated documentation help reduce plan review comments, installation delays, and costly redesign during construction.

Panache Engineering supports these projects through comprehensive seismic engineering services that include HCAI/OSHPD OSP and OPM support, PE/SE-stamped seismic calculations, seismic anchorage design, nonstructural component engineering, structural analysis, vibration isolation, and coordination of ICC-ES AC156 qualification when required. By combining engineering analysis, code compliance, and practical constructability, project teams can move efficiently from design through approval and installation while meeting California's demanding healthcare seismic standards.

What Is OSHPD Seismic Certification?

The term OSHPD seismic generally refers to the engineering and approval process used to demonstrate that nonstructural components and equipment installed in California healthcare facilities satisfy seismic performance requirements established by HCAI and the applicable building codes. Although the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) transitioned to HCAI, the terminology remains deeply embedded throughout the healthcare construction industry.

Unlike standard commercial construction, healthcare projects are regulated to ensure that life-safety systems and mission-critical equipment continue functioning after significant seismic events. This objective applies to a broad range of permanently installed equipment, including HVAC systems, emergency power equipment, electrical switchgear, medical gas infrastructure, imaging equipment, laboratory systems, piping, ductwork, cable trays, fire sprinkler systems, and numerous specialized medical devices.

Why OSHPD Became HCAI

The organizational transition from OSHPD to HCAI did not eliminate the established seismic certification framework. Instead, HCAI continues administering hospital construction oversight, equipment pre-approvals, and project review while supporting California's broader healthcare infrastructure initiatives.

Because thousands of existing specifications, manufacturer documents, and engineering references still use the term "OSHPD," many professionals continue using the phrase OSHPD seismic certification interchangeably with HCAI seismic approval. Understanding both terms helps manufacturers and project teams communicate effectively throughout design, procurement, and construction.

Why Seismic Certification Is Required for California Hospitals

Hospital buildings must maintain functionality during and after earthquakes to support emergency medical care. While structural systems are designed to resist seismic forces, nonstructural failures can create equally significant hazards. Equipment that overturns, piping that separates, electrical systems that fail, or medical devices that become inoperable can interrupt patient care even when the primary building structure remains intact.

For this reason, HCAI requires many nonstructural systems to demonstrate acceptable seismic performance through engineering calculations, qualified testing, approved anchorage details, or pre-approved certification programs. Compliance typically incorporates provisions from ASCE 7-22 for nonstructural component design, CBC and IBC requirements, ACI 318-19 Chapter 17 for concrete anchorage, and, where applicable, ICC-ES AC156 for seismic shake table qualification.

Rather than viewing seismic certification as a permitting requirement alone, experienced project teams recognize it as an integrated engineering process that begins during equipment selection and continues through design, installation, inspection, and project closeout.

Which Equipment Requires OSHPD Seismic Certification?

One of the most common questions during hospital projects is whether a specific piece of equipment requires HCAI seismic approval. The answer depends on several factors, including the equipment's function, occupancy classification, installation method, seismic importance, project scope, and whether the component is permanently attached to the building.

While not every item requires identical documentation, many permanently installed nonstructural components must demonstrate compliance before installation can proceed.

Medical Equipment

Medical equipment frequently represents the most technically demanding category because these systems often combine significant weight, complex geometry, sensitive internal components, and strict operational performance requirements.

Examples include:

These systems may require seismic qualification through analytical methods, physical testing, or manufacturer pre-approval depending on their configuration and intended application.

HVAC Systems

Mechanical equipment represents another major category requiring seismic engineering. Chillers, cooling towers, rooftop units, air handling units, pumps, heat exchangers, vibration isolation systems, and associated support structures must be evaluated for seismic forces while considering operational loads and serviceability.

Design also includes coordinated restraint of piping connections, flexible joints, equipment supports, and vibration isolation components so that seismic protection does not compromise mechanical performance.

Electrical Equipment

Electrical infrastructure supporting hospital operations must remain reliable during emergency conditions. Engineers commonly evaluate:

Depending on project requirements, qualification may include anchorage analysis, equipment certification, or shake table testing supported by ICC-ES AC156 protocols.

Fire Protection Systems

Fire sprinkler systems are governed by both seismic provisions and NFPA 13 requirements. Proper seismic bracing, sway restraint spacing, longitudinal restraints, and flexible connections help ensure continued fire protection system functionality following seismic events.

Similarly, fire pumps, controllers, and related equipment require coordinated seismic support to maintain operational readiness.

Architectural and Nonstructural Components

Many architectural elements also require seismic consideration, including suspended ceilings, equipment platforms, partitions, equipment screens, overhead service carriers, cable trays, conduits, and suspended utilities. Although these components may appear secondary compared with structural framing, their failure can obstruct exits, damage critical systems, or interrupt hospital operations.

Evaluating these systems early allows engineers to coordinate anchorage locations, structural supports, and installation sequencing before construction progresses, reducing field modifications and helping projects remain on schedule.

Understanding the Difference Between OSP and OPM Pre-Approvals

One of the most misunderstood aspects of OSHPD seismic compliance is the distinction between OSP (Office of Statewide Health Planning Preapproval) and OPM (Office Preapproval of Manufacturer's Certification). While both approval pathways are administered through HCAI and are intended to simplify compliance on healthcare projects, they serve different purposes and are appropriate for different types of equipment and manufacturers.

Selecting the correct approval path early in a project can significantly reduce plan review time, minimize engineering revisions, and improve coordination among equipment manufacturers, structural engineers, architects, MEP designers, contractors, and hospital owners.

When OSP Is Appropriate

An OSP is generally intended for standardized anchorage or mounting systems that can be reused across multiple healthcare projects. Instead of requiring engineers to redesign the same support system repeatedly, an approved OSP provides documentation demonstrating that the seismic attachment system has already been reviewed and accepted for specific applications.

Typical examples include:

Although an OSP simplifies future installations, project engineers must still verify that field conditions, supporting structures, equipment characteristics, and installation details remain consistent with the approved documentation. Existing concrete strength, structural framing capacity, slab thickness, and load paths must still be evaluated during project-specific engineering.

When OPM Is Appropriate

An OPM is generally used when a manufacturer seeks approval for an individual product or product family. Rather than approving only the anchorage detail, the OPM focuses on demonstrating that the equipment itself has been qualified for seismic loading.

Depending on the product, qualification may rely on engineering analysis, laboratory testing, ICC-ES AC156 shake table testing, or a combination of accepted qualification methods. Once approved, manufacturers can reference the OPM during future HCAI-regulated projects, reducing repetitive engineering effort while providing confidence to specifying engineers and healthcare owners.

Manufacturers of medical equipment, HVAC equipment, electrical equipment, laboratory systems, and specialized healthcare devices often pursue OPM approval because it streamlines future specifications throughout California.

Choosing the Correct Approval Path

Determining whether an OSP or OPM is appropriate depends on several technical considerations, including:

Experienced seismic engineers typically evaluate these factors during the earliest stages of project planning. Early coordination helps manufacturers avoid pursuing an approval pathway that may not provide the greatest long-term value while helping project teams prepare complete and compliant submittal packages.

California Codes Governing OSHPD Seismic Compliance

Successful OSHPD seismic projects require more than familiarity with a single code. Hospital equipment qualification is based on an integrated framework of building codes, engineering standards, testing protocols, and healthcare-specific regulations. Each document addresses a different aspect of seismic performance, and engineers must understand how these requirements interact throughout the design and approval process.

Rather than treating each standard independently, experienced project teams develop coordinated solutions that satisfy structural, architectural, mechanical, and regulatory requirements simultaneously.

ASCE 7-22 Requirements

ASCE 7-22 provides the primary methodology for determining seismic forces acting on nonstructural components. Chapters 13 and 15 establish procedures for calculating design forces based on factors such as:

These calculated forces become the foundation for anchorage design, support framing, brace sizing, and structural verification.

CBC and IBC Requirements

The California Building Code incorporates national seismic provisions while introducing California-specific requirements for healthcare construction. Together with the International Building Code, these regulations establish minimum standards for life safety, structural performance, and nonstructural component design.

Healthcare facilities frequently require additional coordination because uninterrupted operation following an earthquake is a primary design objective.

ACI 318-19 Anchor Design

Proper anchorage is often the most critical aspect of hospital equipment installation. ACI 318-19 Chapter 17 establishes design procedures for concrete anchorage, including evaluation of:

Whether engineers specify cast-in-place anchors, adhesive anchors, wedge anchors, or other post-installed systems, compliance with ACI provisions is essential for producing defensible PE/SE-stamped calculations.

ICC-ES AC156 Qualification

Certain equipment categories require demonstration of seismic performance through physical qualification testing. ICC-ES AC156 establishes standardized shake table procedures that evaluate equipment behavior under simulated earthquake motions representative of building response.

The resulting data helps engineers verify operational performance, structural integrity, and equipment stability under prescribed seismic conditions.

FEMA E-74 Guidance

While FEMA E-74 is not itself an enforceable building code, it remains one of the industry's most valuable resources for identifying nonstructural seismic risks and recommending mitigation strategies. Engineers frequently reference its guidance when evaluating existing healthcare facilities, planning seismic retrofits, or prioritizing equipment upgrades.

By integrating ASCE 7-22, CBC, IBC, ACI 318-19, ICC-ES AC156, and FEMA E-74 into a coordinated engineering workflow, project teams can produce documentation that is technically sound, constructible, and aligned with HCAI review expectations.

The Complete OSHPD Seismic Certification Process

Achieving OSHPD seismic compliance is best viewed as a structured engineering workflow rather than a single approval milestone. Successful projects begin with identifying applicable code requirements and continue through engineering analysis, equipment qualification, documentation, HCAI review, installation, and final verification. Early coordination between equipment manufacturers, structural engineers, MEP designers, contractors, and healthcare facility representatives helps minimize redesign, reduce approval delays, and maintain construction schedules.

Each project presents unique technical challenges depending on the equipment type, installation location, seismic design category, supporting structure, and applicable HCAI requirements. While the exact scope varies, the overall certification process generally follows a consistent sequence.

Project Evaluation

The first step is determining whether the equipment requires HCAI approval and identifying the appropriate compliance pathway. Engineers review the intended installation, equipment characteristics, operational importance, project specifications, and applicable California healthcare regulations.

This early assessment also identifies whether existing approvals, such as an OSP or OPM, can be used or whether project-specific engineering will be required.

Engineering Design

Once project requirements are established, engineers develop the seismic design strategy. This includes evaluating equipment weight, center of gravity, support conditions, anticipated seismic demand, and load transfer into the building structure.

Engineering design frequently involves coordination between structural, mechanical, electrical, and architectural disciplines to ensure that supports, utilities, and adjacent systems remain compatible throughout construction and long-term operation.

Anchorage Analysis

Anchorage design is one of the most critical phases of the certification process. Using the seismic forces determined in accordance with ASCE 7-22 and the anchorage provisions of ACI 318-19 Chapter 17, engineers evaluate the capacity of anchor bolts, base plates, embedment depths, concrete members, and supporting structural elements.

Where necessary, structural steel support frames, equipment pedestals, or supplemental reinforcement may be incorporated to achieve the required safety margins while maintaining practical constructability.

Equipment Qualification

Depending on the equipment category, qualification may be achieved through engineering analysis, existing HCAI pre-approvals, manufacturer documentation, or physical testing under the ICC-ES AC156 protocol. Sensitive medical equipment, electrical equipment, and specialized mechanical systems often require additional evaluation to verify that they remain functional after design-level seismic events rather than simply remaining anchored in place.

The selected qualification method should align with both code requirements and the intended application within the healthcare facility.

Documentation Preparation

Comprehensive documentation is essential for a successful HCAI review. Typical submittal packages include PE/SE-stamped engineering calculations, structural drawings, anchorage details, equipment specifications, testing reports when applicable, installation requirements, and supporting compliance documentation.

Preparing coordinated documentation early helps reduce requests for clarification and minimizes revisions during plan review.

HCAI Submission

Following completion of the engineering package, documentation is submitted as part of the HCAI review process. Reviewers verify that the proposed installation satisfies applicable California healthcare requirements, seismic design criteria, and supporting engineering standards.

Prompt responses to review comments and well-organized engineering packages can significantly improve approval timelines and reduce administrative delays.

Installation Verification

Engineering responsibilities continue after approval. Proper installation is essential because even a well-designed anchorage system can perform poorly if field conditions differ from the approved documents.

Installation verification may include confirming anchor types, embedment depths, support framing, equipment locations, brace configurations, and compliance with approved drawings. Maintaining close coordination between the engineering team, contractors, and inspectors helps ensure that the installed system performs as intended and satisfies the seismic objectives established during design.

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