5 Key Pieces of Equipment to Secure with Earthquake Straps

Earthquakes can do considerable damage to buildings and endanger lives. It's essential to take steps to safeguard ourselves and our property against their destructive forces. Securing equipment with safety straps is one effective method.

Earthquake straps, such as those from SAFE-T-PROOF™, are designed to secure appliances and heavy objects during an earthquake. Hospitals and laboratories can benefit from various types of straps, such as the ICC-ESR-4167 appliance straps and earthquake straps for refrigerators.

 These are essential for minimizing injuries and property damage. In this blog, we'll focus on five pieces of equipment hospitals and laboratories should prioritize when it comes to furniture security.

What Are Earthquake Straps?

Earthquake safety straps are constructed of strong materials like nylon or steel. They are designed for quick installation, making them easy and hassle-free. Their main function is anchoring heavy objects, such as appliances or water heaters, to a solid surface using strong adhesives. During an earthquake, they prevent equipment from sliding over, decreasing injuries as well as property damage.

The Top Pieces of Equipment Labs Should Prioritize During an Earthquake

Preparing for an earthquake means securing certain equipment to ensure everyone's safety in a hospital or lab setting. While it is recommended to secure all pieces of equipment, here are five that should be prioritized:

1. Refrigerators: 

Hospitals rely heavily on refrigerators to store essential medications, vaccines, and medical supplies. These can easily become damaged during an earthquake. With refrigerator straps, these appliances can be secured in place and stopped from tipping over during an earthquake. Earthquake straps for refrigerators are extra wide and long to ensure the appliance won't budge.

2. Cabinets and shelving units:

Cabinets and shelving units can be found throughout hospitals and labs, housing essential equipment and supplies. An earthquake could cause these cabinets to shift or topple over, potentially breaking critical equipment storing crucial supplies. This would be costly, and the lab risks losing vital medical supplies to another hospital.

3. X-ray machines: 

Large and heavy, x-ray machines pose a serious risk if they fall over during an earthquake. By securing them with straps, they can be kept from tipping over. This will help keep staff members and patients safe.

4. Computer Equipment:

Hospitals depend heavily on computers to store patient records, test results, and other essential information. Unfortunately, earthquakes often damage or destroy the electronic equipment that stores this critical data, resulting in significant data losses.

5. Gas Cylinders:

Hospitals and labs frequently utilize gas cylinders to store medical gasses like oxygen and nitrogen. These gas cylinders are potentially lethal if they fall over or are damaged during an earthquake. By using earthquake appliance straps, they can be kept from tipping over, decreasing the risk of gas leakage or explosion

Remember: It is always better to be prepared than caught off guard in an earthquake. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is ICC-ESR-4167 and why is it an important component to consider when choosing earthquake straps?

The ICC-ESR-4167 certification ensures earthquake safety straps meet strength and durability standards. Selecting such straps will guarantee their reliability during an earthquake.

2. Can earthquake safety straps be reused after an earthquake?

It is recommended to purchase new earthquake safety straps after any seismic event to ensure their strength and maintain their effectiveness. Even if they appear undamaged at first glance, their strength could have been significantly compromised during seismic activity. They should therefore be replaced as soon as possible.

3. Are safety straps difficult to install, or should a professional install them?

No, earthquake safety straps are relatively easy to install and come with instructions. Most straps require minimal tools and installation can often be completed following simple steps. For smaller straps, this can include a peel-and-press adhesive.

To ensure the straps are installed correctly it may be beneficial to consult with a professional or follow manufacturer guidelines carefully. It is also essential to inspect the straps to ensure they remain secure and in good condition.

Final Thoughts

Earthquakes can occur when we least expect it, and hospitals and labs need to be ready. Securing equipment with earthquake straps can make an immense difference when it comes to safety. It will greatly reduce the risk of injury or damage to staff, patients, and the facility.

Be proactive and don't wait until an earthquake happens before taking steps. Start now by creating an updated earthquake safety plan - being proactive can save lives as well as costly damage.