As California continues to enforce seismic retrofit mandates across various cities, it’s crucial for property owners and managers to understand the implications of these projects—not just for structural safety but also for environmental compliance. At Citadel EHS, we specialize in Environmental Regulated Materials (ERMs) consulting, offering expertise that ensures your seismic retrofitting project meets both safety and environmental standards. Our experienced team can help you navigate the complexities of dealing with hazardous materials like asbestos and lead-based paint.

Understanding Seismic Retrofitting and Why is Seismic Retrofitting Critical

Following the devastation of the 1994 earthquake, California passed into law Seismic retrofitting requirements. Seismic retrofitting involves reinforcing buildings to withstand the intense shaking of an earthquake, thereby reducing the risk of collapse or severe damage. This is especially important for older buildings, particularly those constructed before modern seismic codes were established. Retrofitting often includes adding steel frames, installing new concrete walls, or reinforcing welds. However, before any of these improvements can be made, it’s essential to address the presence of hazardous materials.

Why is Seismic Retrofitting Critical?

In cities like Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills, seismic retrofitting laws have been enforced with strict deadlines. Buildings, especially soft-story structures and non-ductile concrete buildings, are at high risk during an earthquake and are often the focus of these retrofitting mandates. For instance, in Los Angeles County alone, approximately 1,700 buildings have been identified as needing a seismic retrofit. Without these improvements, buildings are not only at risk of collapse but also of causing significant casualties and extensive property damage.

Moreover, buildings that house essential services, such as hospitals or government offices, must be retrofitted to ensure they can continue functioning after a major earthquake. The safety of these structures directly impacts the community’s ability to recover from a disaster. This is why it’s imperative to not only focus on structural reinforcement but also ensure that any hazardous materials are appropriately managed during the retrofit process.

Citadel EHS’s Commitment to Safety and Compliance

At Citadel EHS, we understand that seismic retrofitting is more than just a structural upgrade—it’s an intricate process that requires careful planning and execution to ensure compliance with both safety and environmental regulations.

Step 1: Review of Structural Drawings: Before any physical work begins, Citadel EHS conducts a thorough review of your building’s existing structural drawings, as well as those produced during the design development and construction document phases. This review is vital to identify areas where Environmental Regulated Materials (ERMs) like asbestos and lead-based paints may be present. By pinpointing these areas early on, we can focus our inspection and testing efforts more effectively, ensuring no hazardous materials are overlooked during the seismic retrofit process.

Step 2: Intrusive Materials Inspection and Testing: Once potential ERM areas are identified, we move on to a more hands-on phase—intrusive materials inspection and testing. This involves opening up sections of the building to inspect the framing and perform necessary materials testing. However, before any invasive work is done, it’s crucial to determine if the surfaces being disturbed contain asbestos or lead-based paint.

Citadel EHS takes the lead in this process by conducting comprehensive surveys, complying with regulations set by local Air Pollution Control Districts (APCDs), Cal-OSHA, and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). If hazardous materials are found, they must be safely removed by a certified ERM abatement contractor before any structural work can proceed. Additionally, Citadel EHS’s presence on-site during these activities provides vital monitoring to ensure regulatory compliance and mitigate liability risks for the project team.

Step 3: Comprehensive ERM Survey Post-Design: After the initial intrusive phase, and once the retrofit design is finalized, a more extensive ERM survey may be required. This survey focuses on all areas impacted by the retrofit to ensure that any ERMs are managed appropriately during the construction process. This step is essential in preventing exposure to hazardous materials and ensuring the safety of both the construction team and building occupants.

Step 4: ERM Abatement for Clean Retrofit Installation: If ERMs are found in the finishes or coatings on structural members, abatement is required before the installation of seismic upgrades can commence. This might involve removing asbestos-containing fireproofing or lead-based primers from steel members to allow for the installation of additional supports like bracing or concrete shear walls.

Citadel EHS’s role doesn’t end with the identification of these materials; we continue to provide critical support during the abatement process. By overseeing the removal and conducting post-abatement clearances, we help ensure that the surfaces are clean and safe, ready for seismic upgrades. This not only protects the construction workers but also minimizes the risk of future liability for the building owner.

Don’t leave anything to chance—contact Citadel EHS today to discuss how we can support your seismic retrofitting needs.