11.2.3 Evaluation Procedures for NPC 4 and NPC 4D
The following steps shall be followed to determine if the building meets the criteria for NPC 4 or NPC 4D:
- Identify the specific nonstructural components and equipment that are subject to the requirements of NPC 2 through NPC 4 or NPC 4D;
- Conduct an inventory of components and equipment specified in Table 11.1, NPC 2 through NPC 4 or NPC 4D, noting whether the components and equipment are anchored or braced;
Determine if the anchorage or bracing of the identified components and equipment complies with one of the following conditions:
- Installed under a permit issued by OSHPD. Drawings showing the installation and bearing an OSHPD approval stamp are required to show that the installation conforms to Part 2, Title 24. Installation or retrofit of components that were designed to meet NPC 3R requirements must be shown to meet the anchorage and bracing requirements of the California Building Code for NPC 3. Buildings where the components designed to meet NPC 3R requirements that do not meet the anchorage and bracing requirements for NPC 3 shall be retrofitted to meet those requirements; or
- Reviewed and approved by the Department of General Services, Office of Architecture and Construction, Structural Safety Section. Drawings showing: a) the installation; b) bear an Office of Architecture and Construction, Structural Safety Section approval stamp; and c) a five-digit project number on the approval stamp that begins with an "H" prefix, are required to demonstrate that the installation conforms to Part 2, Title 24. It shall also be demonstrated by a written report submitted by the structural engineer, acceptable to the enforcement agency, that an investigation of the anchorage and bracing of components and equipment identified in Section 11.2.3(a) shows it to be constructed in reasonable conformity with these drawings.
Anchorage and bracing of elements that comply with either of these conditions are considered to meet the requirements of NPC 4 or NPC 4D.
Installation is defined as that which shows the size and type of material for all components of the system including the anchor or fastener manufacturer (if proprietary), type, total number and embedment if connected to structural concrete, masonry or wood.
- If the components and equipment inventoried in 11.2.3(b) are anchored or braced, but do not meet the requirements of Section 11.2.3(c), determine if the bracing and anchorage is sufficient to meet the code requirements specified in Table 11.1. The bracing capacity shall be determined by calculations based upon information shown in the construction documents. If these documents are incomplete or unavailable, the evaluation shall be based on the as-built conditions, with the capacity of fasteners to masonry, concrete or wood determined by approved tests; and
- If any of the items inventoried in 11.2.3(b)is unanchored or inadequately braced as determined by Section 11.2.3(d), the building shall be placed in NPC 3.
Nonstructural Performance Category 4D Operational Plan (Operational Plan) for Levels 1, 2, and 3 areas required for continuous operations. For minimum compliance with NPC 4D the facility must prepare an owner-approved Operational Plan specifying how it will repair nonstructural damage and bring systems and services back on line, or provide them in an alternative manner to accommodate continuation of critical care operations. This plan may include any other units or departments that hospitals may wish to keep operational for a minimum of 72 hours after a seismic event or other natural or human-made disaster. The Operational Plan shall be filed with the Office and shall include an executive summary, a detailed narrative of management of utilities, provisions, sustainability, and alternate means. The Operational Plan shall include, but is not limited to, the following topics for each unit or service that is not in compliance with NPC 4:
LEVEL 1 AREAS
- As-built plans, schematic, or other means showing the routing for all utilities serving the areas from their source to the areas they serve.
- Materials on hand to make necessary repairs to these systems in the event of failure, breakage, or other causes of nonoperational status.
- Prioritize the restoration of the essential electrical system.
- Facility has a plan to maintain the areas in operation, including all necessary utilities and equipment for functionality.
- An arrangement is in place to transfer the services in the event the hospital's services are not operational or cannot be made operational immediately.
- CENTRAL AND STERILE SUPPLIES — Facility has a means to obtain additional medical equipment and supplies for the areas in the event in-house central or sterile supplies storage is damaged or unusable.
- DIETARY — Facility has a means to obtain food service for the areas in the event in-house dietary is damaged or unusable.
- PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES — Facility has means to obtain pharmaceutical services for the areas in the event in-house pharmaceutical services are damaged or unusable.
EMERGENCY POWER
- Reliable emergency power generating capacity for the areas is provided.
- Emergency power is adequate to provide for all essential services for 72 hours of continuous, full-load demand before replenishment is needed.
- Facility has a means for emergency fuel replenishment.
- Facility has a means of providing essential electrical power in the event of its generator(s) failure.
- Stat Lab and blood bank have been identified as essential services.
- WATER SUPPLY — Facility has a means to obtain water service for the areas in the event normal water service is not available.
- MEDICAL GASES — Facility has a means to obtain medical gases for areas in the event normal medical gas systems and supplies are not available.
VENTILATION
- Facility can isolate and shut down Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system zones in an emergency.
- Guidelines are in place for emergency shutdown.
- Sections of the facility can be isolated.
- Individuals are identified who have authority for ordering HVAC shutdown 24/7.
- Air intakes are protected from tampering.
- Facilities and Engineering staff have knowledge of HVAC zones and shutdown procedures.
- Facility maintains adequate emergency supplies of filters for HVAC systems.
WASTE DISPOSAL
- Procedures for management and disposal of an increased volume of contaminated wastes, goods, and fluids for 72 hours are in place.
Operational Plan update/change notification. The hospital shall document any changes and file the revised plan with the Office.