Update #1 was published as notification that this is now a National Standard of Canada.

This text-searchable PDF includes Update #1.

1. Scope

1.1 This Guideline provides information and methodology to identify and evaluate hazards caused by earthquake forces acting on operational and functional components (OFCs) and to undertake appropriate mitigation strategies and techniques. It is important to note that seismic risk reduction of OFCs is affected by the structural performance of the building, although the Guideline does not address the structural integrity of the building (see Clause 1.3). This Guideline is intended for use by building owners, building inspectors, facility managers, engineers, architects, and other stakeholders whose primary focus is to ensure the safety, serviceability, and durability of OFCs when subjected to earthquakes.

1.2 The Guideline may be used to identify types of OFCs, their failure modes and consequences, and design/retrofit approaches that might be employed. It is applicable to most buildings, including office and residential buildings, schools, health facilities, and laboratories. This Guideline can be applied to new or existing buildings (including renovations). It applies to most major occupancy classifications listed in Appendix A of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). Features such as the special use of the building, the hazardous nature of materials being stored, the processes being carried out in the building, and the need for special protective measures for some of the building"s contents, may require additional considerations beyond the scope of this Guideline. For example, penitentiaries may not permit certain types of attachment materials and systems that could serve as potential assault items, and museums may not tolerate certain types of fastening materials and systems that could damage an exhibit or interfere with the display characteristics of museum objects. In these instances it may be necessary to give additional consideration to mitigating the seismic risks (see Clause 10 for additional considerations for special occupancies). OFCs located in heritage buildings should be given additional consideration in accordance with the requirements of the relevant heritage authorities during the assessment and mitigation process.

1.3 This Guideline does not address the integrity of the structural system of the building; the structural aspects are covered by building codes and other documents as referenced in Clause 3. This Guideline does not address those OFCs that are lightweight, nonhazardous, and relatively inexpensive in the context of the building and its functionality. This Guideline does not address what are referred to as "lifeline systems and utilities" outside the building. These systems require special interfacing design and details at the building junction to allow for differential movements between the building and its environs. It is important that building owners, building designers, utility designers, and geotechnical experts coordinate the work of interface design and details. both during and after an earthquake because this requires complex engineering analysis and/or seismic qualification testing. However, the application of the Guideline may fortuitously result in the continued functionality and operation for certain OFCs, depending on the intensity of shaking and the level of overdesign introduced in the mitigation scheme.