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Executive Orders, Public Laws, and Federal Standards Briefing Bulletins, Guidelines, and Implementation Plans Seismic Risk Reduction Process (Program Process) Contact Information Resource Links Online Orders
Step 1 - Building Inventory (Property) Process Step 2 - Rapid Visual Screening Process Step 3 - Seismic Evaluation Process Step 4 - Risk Analysis Process Step 5 - Peer Review and Planning Refinement Process Step 6 - Rehabilitation Action Plan Process Step 7 - Final Risk Reduction Design and Planning Process




Program Process-Step 2 - Rapid Visual Screening Process

All non-exempt buildings are screened using the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards:  A Handbook.  Second Edition (FEMA 154). The Rapid Visual Screening (RVS), which is completed onsite in approximately 1 hour by a trained structural engineer, produces a score for the building which is indicative of the building's ability to provide a Life Safety Performance Level (LS) during the earthquake anticipated for the site.

All RVS inspections are coordinated through the Regional and Area Offices seismic safety contacts.  The nonreimbursable cost of performing the RVS is funded by the BSSP.  Although the focus is on Reclamation-owned buildings, the BSSP has also applied the exemption criteria and completed all RVS inspections for Reclamation-leased buildings and will transmit the results, which includes the identification of leased buildings with poor anticipated seismic performance, to the Regional and Area Offices.


Rapid Visual Screening Forms for Different Seismic Zones
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