California Watch

Key to UC rating system

G

Good. During a major earthquake this structure is anticipated to result in some structural and/or nonstructural damage and/or falling hazards that would not significantly jeopardize life. These buildings are not considered priorities for seismic funding. According to UC policy, they represent an acceptable level of earthquake safety.

F

Fair. During a major earthquake this structure is anticipated to result in structural and nonstructural damage and/or falling hazards that would represent low life hazards. These buildings are considered a low priority for expenditures to improve their seismic resistance and/or to reduce falling hazards so that the building could be reclassified "Good."

P

Poor. During a major earthquake this structure would experience significant structural and nonstructural damage and possibly falling hazards that would represent appreciable life hazards. These buildings are supposed to get high priority for funding for retrofits. Alternately, officials should consider reducing their occupancy.

VP

Very Poor. During a major earthquake, this structure would experience extensive structural and nonstructural damage, potential structural collapse, and possibly falling hazards that would represent high life hazards. These buildings are supposed to get the highest priority for funding for retrofits. Alternately, officials should consider reducing their occupancy.

Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development rating system for hospitals

Hospitals - structural ratings (For general acute care hospitals regulated by Senate Bill 1953)

SPC1

Building poses a significant risk of collapse and danger to the public.  These buildings were supposed to be brought up to SPC 2 level by January 1, 2008 or be removed from acute care service, but most hospitals in California received an extension until Jan. 1, 2013.

SPC2

These are buildings in compliance with the pre-1973 California Building Standards Code or other applicable standards, but are not in compliance with the structural provisions of the Alquist Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act. These buildings do not significantly jeopardize life, but may not be repairable or functional following strong ground motion. These buildings must be brought into compliance with the Alquist Act by January 1, 2030 or be removed from acute care service.

SPC3

These buildings are in compliance with the structural provisions of the Alquist Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act. In a strong earthquake, they may experience structural damage that does not significantly jeopardize life, but may not be repairable or functional following strong ground motion.  Buildings in this category will have been constructed or reconstructed under a building permit obtained through The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). They can be used to 2030 and beyond.

SPC4

These are buildings in compliance with the structural provisions of the Alquist Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act that may experience structural damage which could inhibit the building’s availability following a strong earthquake.  Buildings in this category will have been constructed or reconstructed under a building permit obtained through OSHPD. They may be used to 2030 and beyond.

SPC5

These buildings are in compliance with the structural provisions of the Alquist Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act, and are reasonably capable of providing services to the public following strong ground motion. Buildings in this category will have been constructed or reconstructed under a building permit obtained through OSHPD. They may be used without restriction to 2030 and beyond.

Hospitals - non-structural ratings (For general acute care hospitals regulated by Senate Bill 1953)

NPC1

In these buildings, the basic systems essential to life safety and patient care are inadequately anchored to resist earthquake forces. Hospitals must brace the communications, emergency power, bulk medical gas and fire alarm systems in these buildings by January 1, 2002.

NPC2

In these buildings, essential systems vital to the safe evacuation of the building are adequately braced. The building is expected to suffer significant nonstructural damage in a strong earthquake. Most hospitals must be at NPC3 or greater by 2013. Hospitals must be at NPC5 by 2030.

NPC3

In these buildings, nonstructural systems are adequately braced in critical areas of the hospital.  If the building structure is not badly damaged, the hospital should be able to provide basic emergency medical care following the earthquake. Most hospitals must be at NPC3 or greater by 2013. Hospitals must be at NPC5 by 2030.

NPC4

In these buildings, the contents are braced in accordance with current code.  If the building structure is not badly damaged, the hospital building should be able to function, although interruption of the municipal water supply or sewer system may impede operations. NPC-4 requirements apply to any new hospital building as well as any addition or remodeling or renovation work.

NPC5

These buildings meet all the above criteria and have water and wastewater holding tanks—sufficient for 72 hours of emergency operations—integrated into the plumbing systems. They also contain an on-site emergency system and are able to provide radiological service and an onsite fuel supply for 72 hours of acute care operation. Hospitals must be at NPC5 by 2030.