A special edition of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) manual “Seismic Restraint Manual: Guidelines for Mechanical Systems-OSHPD” has been developed to meet the requirements of the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) for hospital- and health-care-facilities construction. The manual shows designers and contractors how to determine the correct restraints for sheet-metal ducts, piping, and conduit so they are more likely to remain attached to the building during a seismic event.

The seismic hazard tables included are limited to the SHL A (g = 0.67) and SHL AA (g = 1.0) applicable to the hospital and health-care facilities outlined in the manual. The manual is not intended to cover ordinary duct and pipe supports required for gravity loads. The only restraints shown in the tables and figures are those needed to provide extra support for seismic loads.

The 146-page manual is available in electronic format on CD for $250 or via PDF download for $225. Architectural and engineering firms may purchase the manual at discounted prices. To order, contact the SMACNA Publications Department at (703) 803-2989 or visit the SMACNA online bookstore at www.smacna.org/bookstore.