Modern California hospital exterior with seismically rated structural columns

HCAI/OSHPD & IBC Seismic Certifications

OSP Special Seismic Pre-approval and OPA Pre-approval of Anchorage for hospital and IBC-mandated equipment — full submittals, stamped reports, and shake table testing.

Read the complete OSHPD OSP certification guide →

HCAI/OSHPD OSP — Special Seismic Pre-approval

OSP Equipment Seismic Certification reports prepared for many OEMs
Includes Cummins Power Generation Genset Equipment (OSP-0028-10)
Shake table testing performed in partnership with Garwood Laboratories
PE/SE stamped report of testing results analysis

HCAI/OSHPD OPA — Pre-approval of Anchorage

OPA Seismic Certification provided for MSS and M2SS Isolators (OPA-0553)
Anchorage pre-approval for nonstructural component attachments
Stamped calculations accepted by HCAI/OSHPD reviewers

The Importance of Being HCAI/OSHPD and IBC Seismically Approved

The purpose of HCAI/OSHPD and IBC certification & pre-approval is to ensure that hospitals and other “critical care units” in California will be able to continue functioning during and after an earthquake. The program covers all essential parts of a healthcare facility, including the building itself and its power systems, in addition to electrical, mechanical, and diagnostic equipment.

When hospital owners and general contractors or subcontractors buy equipment for hospitals, they can choose from a variety of manufacturers. If a piece of equipment has not been tested and received HCAI/OSHPD OSP pre-approval before construction begins, deferred approval will be necessary until the qualification is obtained, and projects will be delayed — translating into added project costs.

If a manufacturer has already put their equipment through shake table testing, delays can be avoided and clients will opt to use that manufacturer’s OSP Certified equipment for a more efficient and less costly project experience. For energized equipment (motorized equipment such as generators, pumps, and AC units), the only way to receive HCAI/OSHPD OSP Pre-approval and seismic certification is through shake table testing — followed by a report of testing results analysis prepared by a licensed structural engineer.

OSP Certification Explained: OSHPD/HCAI Special Seismic Pre-approval

The complete guide to OSHPD OSP, OPM, and OPA pre-approvals

OSP (Special Seismic Certification Pre-approval) is a program administered by HCAI (formerly OSHPD) under the California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 16A and ASCE 7-22 Chapter 13. It allows manufacturers to pre-certify that their equipment will remain operational during and after a Design Basis Earthquake — a mandatory requirement for any nonstructural component installed in a California acute-care hospital, skilled nursing facility, or correctional treatment center where the importance factor Ip = 1.5.

Without an active OSP number on file with HCAI, equipment cannot be installed on an OSHPD project without going through deferred approval — a process that adds 8–16 weeks and tens of thousands of dollars to a project. For manufacturers selling into California healthcare, OSP is effectively a license to bid.

OSP vs OPM vs OPA — what’s the difference?

OSP

Special Seismic Pre-approval

For active/energized equipment (gensets, pumps, AC units, switchgear). Requires shake table testing per ICC-ES AC156.

OPM

Pre-approval of Manufacturer

Pre-approves a manufacturer’s engineering & QA program, allowing repeat product certification with reduced submittal effort.

OPA

Pre-approval of Anchorage

Pre-approves anchorage details (bolt patterns, isolators, snubbers) so designers can use them on hospital projects without re-calculation.

The 4-step OSP certification process

1
Pre-test analysis & test plan
Our PE/SE team prepares the AC156 test plan, defines mounting configuration, and calculates Required Response Spectrum (RRS) based on SDS and equipment location.
2
Shake table testing
Triaxial testing performed at our partner Garwood Laboratories (ISO 17025 accredited). Functionality is verified before, during, and after each test level.
3
PE/SE stamped report
Test results are analyzed and compiled into a stamped report meeting HCAI submittal requirements — including TRS vs RRS plots, photos, and post-test functional verification.
4
HCAI submittal & OSP number
We submit the OSP-XXXX-XX application to HCAI Facilities Development Division and respond to all reviewer back-checks until the pre-approval number is issued.

When is OSP certification required?

Equipment with Ip = 1.5 installed in HCAI/OSHPD-jurisdiction healthcare facilities (per ASCE 7-22 §13.1.3)
Active/energized mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and medical gas equipment
Components required for life-safety or post-earthquake operational continuity
Equipment installed under California CBC Chapter 16A, including hospitals, SNFs, and correctional treatment facilities

Reference: OSHPD & OSP Seismic Certification and Preapproval (PDF)

Detailed background on the OSHPD Special Seismic Certification program, hosted on our companion site ibcseismic.com.

Download the OSHPD/OSP reference PDF

OSP Certification — Frequently Asked Questions

How long does OSP certification take?

Typically 4–6 months from kickoff to issued OSP number, depending on equipment complexity, shake table availability, and HCAI review queue. Equipment with prior test history can move faster.

Is OSP the same as IBC seismic certification?

No. IBC seismic certification (per ASCE 7-22 §13.2.2) applies nationwide and may be satisfied by analysis, experience data, or testing. OSP is a California-specific HCAI pre-approval that requires shake table testing for active equipment, regardless of IBC status.

What is the cost of OSP certification?

Costs vary by equipment size and configuration but typically range from $25,000–$80,000 including engineering, testing, and HCAI submittal fees. Larger or multi-configuration units cost more.

Does an OSP number expire?

OSP pre-approvals remain active as long as the equipment design and the governing code edition referenced in the certification remain unchanged. Code cycle changes (e.g., 2022 CBC) may require recertification or addendum.

Related services & resources

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