Eliminating Nonstructural Hazards

The term "nonstructural hazards" is used in the earthquake field for the contents in a building that can cause injury or damage if shaken. This section summarizes some of the earth quake remedies so that they can be applied to any kinds of objects.

What is a Nonstructural Hazard?
Any object in a building that is not a part of the structural framework is a nonstructural component. This includes bookshelves, windows, televisions, computers, water heaters, lights, dishes, paintings, office equipment, file cabinets, and ventilation ducts, to name a few. Nonstructural components become hazards during an earthquake when they are thrown down, shaken down, or toppled. This hazard can be avoided by securing, relocating, replacing, removing, and taking cover from nonstructural hazards.

Why Should You Worry About Nonstructural Hazards
Falling objects can injure or pin you, your loved ones, your friends, or your customers. In areas of strong shaking from earthquakes, virtually all buildings and homes will have the potential for nonstructural damage. Nonstructural components can make up 75% to 80% of the original construction costs of a building. Therefore, nonstructural damage can cause high economic losses. Non-structural damage can also cause a significant loss of function, rendering equipment temporarily or permanently useless. Mitigation is the solution. Strapping a computer down and protecting it from nonstructural hazards can save the computer and the information it contains.

What Can You Do About Nonstructural Hazards?

Secure Nonstructural Hazards
Straps, latches, Velcro, brackets, earthquake wax, earthquake putty, wire, and plumbers tape are some of the ways to secure a wide range of objects to avoid loss and damage during an earthquake.

Relocate Nonstructural Hazards
Relocate an object so that it is braced by other objects or poses no threat to injuring anyone. Objects should also be relocated to avoid blocking exits. If they do fall, they will not interfere with post-earthquake evacuation.

Take Cover From Nonstructural Hazards
Many of the safety maneuvers made during an earth quake are designed to protect you from nonstructural hazards. Taking cover under a desk can protect you from falling light fixtures, pictures, file cabinets, and other heavy or sharp objects. Facing away from windows or mirrors helps protect your face from flying glass. If there is an earthquake, take cover immediately to protect yourself from nonstructural hazards.

Remember you will be largely on your own following a disastrous earthquake, so you need to survive the even as uninjured as possible. Make sure your home office have safe spots to take cover and mitigate nonstructural hazards that may injure people, especially your family.

For more information see: Wiss, Janney, Elstner Assoc., Inc. (1994) Reducing the Risks of Nonstructural Earthquake Damage, a Practical Guide.