Large appliances and vending machines can slide as well as fall over from the force of an earthquake or windstorm. Furthermore, heavy objects on wheels can roll if brakes are not provided and locked.

• Anchor large appliances and vending machines to walls using safety cables or straps. The restraint should be located in the mid- to upper-portion of the appliance. Be sure to choose screw-eyes which are sized appropriately for the appliance. Use one of the following methods:

  Method I:
  

  • For wood stud walls, use a stud locator to find the best wall location to install screw-eyes.
    
    
  • Connect coated wire cable to the screw-eye at one end and to a snap-hook fastener at the other end.
    
    
  • Attach the safety cable to the appliance with the snap-hook fastener.
    

   

  Method 2:
  

  • For wood stud walls, use a stud locator to find the best wall location to install two screw-eyes on either side of the appliance. For stone or masonry walls, place plastic anchors in the pre drilled holes before you install the screw-eyes.
    
    
  • Wrap coated wire cable around the appliance, connecting it with snap-hook fasteners to the two screw-eyes secured into the wall.
    
    

• Replace rigid water or gas connections on large appliances with listed or approved flexible connectors.
  
  
  • Check local building codes to see if flexible connectors must be installed by a professional.
    
    
• Always lock the rollers of any large appliances or pieces of furniture (e.g., pianos).
  

   

  Necessary Tools and Materials

  	Coated wire cable or other strapping system	______	quantity
  	Variable speed drill and bits	______
  	Screwdriver	______
  	Screw-eyes	______
  	Hook fasteners	______
  	Flexible connectors	______
  	Stud locator	______
  	Plastic anchors	______