Since we started blogging about earthquake preparedness we’ve written a lot about how to make work environments such as laboratories and data centers safer and in keeping with that office fastening is another important part of the strategy. 

So what exactly are we talking about?  Office fastening is a system for securing furniture and equipment around the office to ensure that it all doesn’t come tumbling down in the next earthquake. 

If your business is located in an earthquake zone, you should pay attention to what the experts are saying, which is that it’s not a question of if but when we get a big one.  And because of that, office fastening should be high on your to-do list. 

Office fastening is often overlooked or put off indefinitely because it’s not regarded as a priority, but as we can’t predict when or where the next earthquake will hit, your best defense is to be prepared. 

Look, if you’re in an active seismic zone the worst thing you can do is ignore the threat of earthquakes. Don’t lull yourself into a false sense of security by thinking it won’t happen where you are because it very well could and then what? 

Office Fastening 

In a previous article in which we discussed laboratory fastening, we posed the question can you afford not to have a seismic safety program in place?  The answer was no, you can’t and the same applies to your office. 

There are three main reasons why; a) it creates a safe work environment, b) complies with OSHA safety codes and c) ensures your business continuity. 

You might be surprised to learn how many potential hazards there are in your office space.  Unsecured tall, top-heavy pieces of furniture, file cabinets, computers, desktop appliances, wall hangings and breakables on shelves can all hurt you so they need to be fastened down. 

 

For example, tall cabinets, heavy file cabinets and bookcases should be secured to the wall.  Other things like fax machines, computer monitors and printers should be secured to the desktop. 

There are innovative and cost effective methods for preventing damage to equipment and injury to employees using countertop fasteners, floor fasteners and other office fastening techniques. 

Non-structural seismic mitigation programs are available for both large and small office environments.  A site survey and evaluation will determine what needs to be done to secure your equipment. 

Whatever you do, don’t procrastinate.  A lot of managers think it’s okay to put off the implementation of office fastening programs for a week, a month or until the next budget is framed, but that’s playing with fire and could end up being very costly. 

As we’ve pointed out, you just never know when an earthquake is going to strike and if your office space isn’t secured, you could suffer damages or loss, as well as risk injury to your employees.  The best plan of attack is to take action ahead of time before it’s too late. 

Seismic Protection Products and Services 

You can research the full range of seismic protection products and services at www.quakeholdindustrial.com 

If your business is in an earthquake zone you shouldn’t ignore the need to be prepared and we strongly encourage you to begin the process of office fastening today.