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California hospital exterior — OSHPD OSP and IBC seismic certification

California & Nationwide

OSHPD OSP Certification & IBC Seismic Certification

PE/SE stamped seismic certification for nonstructural equipment installed in California hospitals (HCAI/OSHPD OSP) and IBC-regulated facilities nationwide. Shake table testing, engineering analysis, and full submittal support — kickoff to OSP number issuance.

Request OSP Quote (626) 698-0784

OSHPD OSP — Special Seismic Certification Pre-approval

California-specific HCAI pre-approval required for nonstructural equipment in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities.

  • OSHPD OSP Special Seismic Pre-approval submittals
  • Shake table testing per ICC-ES AC156
  • PE/SE stamped engineering reports
  • OSP number issuance support — kickoff to approval
  • Cummins Power Generation Genset (OSP-0028-10) and many more

IBC Seismic Certification (ASCE 7-22 §13.2.2)

Nationwide IBC seismic certification for nonstructural components, satisfied by analysis, experience data, or shake table testing per AC156.

  • IBC seismic certification per ASCE 7-22 §13.2.2
  • Analytical certification, experience data, or shake table testing
  • Certificates of Compliance accepted by AHJs nationwide
  • Designated Seismic Systems (Ip = 1.5) qualification
  • OPA pre-approval of anchorage for nonstructural attachments

Why OSHPD OSP and IBC Seismic Certification Matter

California hospitals must remain operational during and after an earthquake. The OSHPD OSP program — administered by HCAI — pre-approves nonstructural equipment so it can be installed in hospitals without project-level seismic re-qualification. IBC seismic certification, governed by ASCE 7-22 Chapter 13, applies to designated seismic systems nationwide.

For OEMs, OSP pre-approval is a competitive advantage: hospitals and contractors prefer pre-approved equipment because it eliminates deferred-approval delays and keeps construction on schedule. Without OSP, projects face costly re-design, re-submittal, and schedule slips that can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

PANACHE ENGINEERING is a California PE/SE-licensed firm specializing in OSHPD OSP certification, IBC seismic certification, and ICC-ES AC156 shake table testing. We manage the entire process — from initial code review and test plan development through HCAI submittal and OSP number issuance.

Our OSP Certification Process

  1. 1

    Kickoff & Test Plan

    Equipment review, governing code identification (CBC/IBC, ASCE 7-22, AC156), and test plan development with target Required Response Spectrum.

  2. 2

    Shake Table Testing

    AC156 testing at Garwood Laboratories or partner facilities — instrumentation, fixture design, and tri-axial testing.

  3. 3

    PE/SE Stamped Report

    Engineering analysis of test data, anchorage calculations, and full PE/SE stamped report ready for HCAI/OSHPD or AHJ review.

  4. 4

    OSP Submittal & Approval

    HCAI submittal package, response to plan check comments, and issuance of OSP pre-approval number for use across California projects.

Equipment We Certify

We have certified hundreds of equipment configurations for OEMs supplying California hospitals and IBC-regulated facilities.

  • Emergency generators & gensets
  • Electrical switchgear & UPS
  • Air handlers & rooftop units
  • Boilers & chillers
  • Modular skid systems
  • MRI / CT / imaging cabinets
  • Pumps & motor control centers
  • Medical gas systems

Frequently asked questions

What is OSHPD OSP certification?
OSHPD OSP (Special Seismic Certification Pre-approval) is a California HCAI program that pre-approves nonstructural components — equipment, anchorage, and supports — for installation in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. It requires shake table testing per ICC-ES AC156 and a PE/SE stamped engineering report.
Is OSHPD OSP the same as IBC seismic certification?
No. IBC seismic certification (per ASCE 7 §13.2.2) applies nationwide and may be satisfied by analysis, experience data, or testing. OSHPD OSP is a California-specific HCAI pre-approval that requires shake table testing for active equipment regardless of IBC status. Most equipment installed in California hospitals needs both.
Who needs OSHPD OSP certification?
OEMs and equipment suppliers selling into California hospitals — generators, switchgear, chillers, air handlers, MRI cabinets, modular boilers — need OSP pre-approval before installation. Without OSP, projects face deferred approval and costly delays.
How long does OSHPD 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.
What standards govern OSHPD OSP and IBC seismic certification?
OSP and IBC seismic certification are governed by ASCE 7-22 Chapter 13 (nonstructural components), ICC-ES AC156 (shake table acceptance criteria), the 2022 California Building Code (CBC), and HCAI Program Information Notices (PINs) — including PIN 55 (OSP revisions) and PIN 62 (2025 CBC updates).

Related resources

Need OSHPD OSP or IBC seismic certification?

Talk to a board-certified PE/SE engineer about your equipment, shake table program, and HCAI submittal timeline.

Request a Quote (626) 698-0784