In regions prone to seismic activity, the resilience of infrastructure extends far beyond buildings and roads - it encompasses critical systems like healthcare facilities and their medical equipment. Earthquake compliant medical equipment is designed not only to withstand tremors but also to ensure uninterrupted patient care during and after seismic events.
In this guide, we will walk you through the essentials of earthquake compliant medical equipment for healthcare facilities. Whether you are upgrading existing equipment or building a new facility, this guide will help you make informed medical equipment choices.
- Understanding Earthquake Compliance in Medical Equipment
- Regulatory Standards and Guidelines
- Essential Earthquake Compliant Medical Equipment
- Key Features of Earthquake Compliant Medical Equipment
- Cost of Earthquake Compliant Medical Equipment
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Earthquake Compliance in Medical Equipment
What Does Earthquake Compliant Mean?
Earthquake-compliant medical equipment refers to devices and systems that are specifically designed, installed, or adapted to remain safe, stable, and operational during and after an earthquake. In a seismic event, standard equipment can tip over, slide, break, or malfunction, potentially harming patients and healthcare workers or disrupting critical medical services.
To be considered earthquake-compliant, medical equipment typically meets certain engineering and safety standards - such as seismic anchoring, vibration resistance, and structural reinforcement - that reduce the risk of damage or failure. This compliance helps ensure that life-saving tools like ventilators, imaging machines (CT, MRI), surgical equipment, and even hospital beds can continue functioning or be quickly restored after an earthquake to maintain the continuity of care when it is needed most.
Why Is Earthquake-Compliant Medical Equipment Critical for U.S. Hospitals?
The U.S. is home to several high-risk seismic zones—think California, Alaska, Washington, and parts of the Midwest. In these regions, hospitals must continue functioning even after major quakes. Earthquake-compliant medical equipment is a vital part of hospital preparedness. It protects people, preserves healthcare operations, and ensures that hospitals can fulfill their mission of saving lives - even in the most challenging circumstances.
Regulatory Standards and Guidelines
FEMA and Seismic Certification
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides guidelines for seismic safety. FEMA P-1024 is particularly useful for understanding equipment anchorage and protection.
OSHPD (Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development)
If your hospital is in California, OSHPD’s requirements are non-negotiable. OSHPD mandates that essential medical equipment be seismically certified to perform during and after an earthquake.
International Building Code (IBC) and ASCE 7
The IBC and the American Society of Civil Engineers' ASCE 7 standards specify the seismic design criteria for non-structural components in buildings, including medical equipment.
Essential Earthquake Compliant Medical Equipment
A wide range of medical equipment should be earthquake compliant, especially in hospitals and healthcare facilities located in seismic zones. The goal is to ensure that essential tools and systems remain functional and accessible during and after an earthquake.
Here are some types of medical equipment that should meet earthquake compliance standards:
Life-Saving and Critical Care Equipment
- Ventilators.
- Patient Monitors
- Infusion Pumps
Imaging and Diagnostic Equipment
- CT Scanners (Computed Tomography)
- MRI Machines (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- X-ray Machines and Fluoroscopy Equipment
Surgical and Procedural Equipment
- Operating Room (OR) Tables.
- Surgical Lights
- Anesthesia Machines
Patient Support and Mobility Equipment
- Hospital Beds (including ICU and specialty beds)
- Wheelchairs and Transport Carts
Laboratory Equipment
- Centrifuges, Analyzers, and Microscopes
- Refrigerators and Freezers for Medications and Vaccines
- Storage Cabinets
Communication and IT Equipment
- Servers and Network Hardware
Shop CME for Medical Equipment
In general, any equipment that is large, heavy, mobile, vital for patient care, or could pose a hazard if tipped or damaged, should be earthquake compliant. Hospitals must take a holistic approach - evaluating both the physical anchoring of equipment and its ability to remain operational after an earthquake - to ensure the safety and resilience of their healthcare delivery.
Key Features of Earthquake Compliant Medical Equipment
Medical equipment is considered earthquake compliant when it includes specific features or design elements that help it withstand the forces of an earthquake and continue functioning safely. These features focus on preventing movement, reducing damage, and ensuring operational continuity during and after seismic events.
Here are the key features that contribute to earthquake compliance:
Seismic Anchoring and Bracing
- Anchors and Fasteners
Equipment is bolted or anchored securely to floors, walls, or ceilings to prevent tipping, sliding, or falling. - Bracing Systems
Overhead equipment (like surgical lights) or suspended components are braced to handle lateral and vertical forces.
Structural Reinforcement
- Reinforced Frames and Casings
Equipment is built with sturdy frames and casings to resist shaking and maintain structural integrity. - Shock-Absorbing Materials
Use of materials or components that absorb or dissipate seismic energy, reducing stress on critical parts.
Mobility Control
- Locking Wheels and Casters
Mobile equipment features lockable wheels or anti-roll mechanisms to prevent uncontrolled movement during shaking. - Non-Slip Pads
Placed under smaller equipment to improve stability.
Vibration Resistance
- Internal Component Isolation
Sensitive internal parts (electronics, optics, precision mechanisms) are isolated or cushioned to prevent malfunction. - Flexible Connections
Power, gas, and data connections are designed to flex and move without breaking during seismic motion.
Testing and Certification
- Seismic Testing
Equipment is tested under simulated earthquake conditions to verify it meets seismic performance standards. - Compliance with Codes and Standards
Equipment adheres to relevant standards such as:- OSHPD Seismic Certification (Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, California)
- IBC (International Building Code)
- ASCE 7 (American Society of Civil Engineers standard for seismic design)
Operational Resilience
- Backup Power Support.
- Manual Overrides
Cost of Earthquake Compliant Medical Equipment
Earthquake-compliant medical equipment typically costs more than standard medical equipment due to additional design and engineering requirements needed to ensure durability during seismic events. These costs can vary depending on the specific regulations and seismic risks in the region where the equipment will be used. The additional expenses are primarily associated with reinforced construction, special anchoring systems, and testing to meet earthquake-resistant standards. Combined, these factors contribute to higher upfront costs for earthquake-compliant medical equipment compared to standard versions.
It must be remembered too that purchase price is not the only cost consideration. A thorough cost analysis should consider:
- the indirect cost of medical equipment disposal at end of life,
- sustainability of the construction materials,
- the cost of downtime should the medical equipment become unusable,
- and unfortunately, the costs associated with a staff member being injured because of faulty medical equipment.
Buying earthquake compliant medical equipment is not just about meeting codes - it is about protecting lives. When the ground shakes, your hospital must remain a beacon of stability and care.
Partner with CME Corp. for Earthquake Compliant Medical Equipment
As the United States’ largest specialty distributor solely focused on equipment used in healthcare, we have built long term relationships with industry leading manufacturers and can help healthcare facilities in seismic regions acquire earthquake compliant medical equipment.
Our expert account managers will work with you, our in-house layout and design team, and the manufacturers’ representatives to design rooms and equip them with earthquake compliant equipment tailored to the needs of the patient population, staff, available space, and budget.
Complementing CME’s expert focus on equipment used in healthcare are design and layout, project management, direct-to-site delivery, and biomedical services. We are the only medical equipment distributor nationwide, able to say we are truly a one-stop shop.
Direct-To-Site Logistics and Delivery Services
In addition to delivering medical equipment fully assembled, to the service location in the healthcare facility, when it is convenient for staff, our in-house Direct-to-Site services teams will install equipment, like wall-mounted diagnostic systems, so they are ready for immediate use.
Biomedical Services
Our in-house Biomedical Equipment Technicians (BMETs) can support facility biomed teams by performing scheduled annual preventive maintenance on critical equipment such as vital signs monitors as well as perform check-in assessments on new devices.
Click CHAT to start the conversation about CME’s medical equipment expertise and integrated services.
Find your account manager and learn how CME can help you equip your facility with the earthquake compliant medical equipment you need and keep you in budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all U.S. hospitals need earthquake compliant equipment?
Hospitals in seismic zones must comply with stricter standards, but it is a best practice for all hospitals, regardless of location.
Is earthquake compliance mandatory by law?
In certain states like California, yes. National guidelines also strongly encourage compliance for critical healthcare facilities.
How often should seismic anchors be inspected?
At least annually, or after any significant seismic event.
Can existing equipment be retrofitted for earthquake compliance?
Yes, many types of equipment can be retrofitted with approved anchoring and bracing systems.
What is the average lifespan of earthquake compliant equipment?
Typically 10–15 years, depending on usage and maintenance, with anchoring systems designed to last the lifetime of the building.
About CME: CME Corp is the nation’s premier source for healthcare equipment, turnkey logistics, and biomedical services, representing 2 million+ products from more than 2,000 manufacturers. With 24 locations strategically positioned across the country and increasing, we are readily accessible to our customers. Our mission is to help healthcare facilities nationwide reduce the cost of the equipment they purchase, make their equipment specification, delivery, installation, and maintenance processes more efficient, and help them seamlessly launch, renovate and expand on schedule.
