Individual shutoff valves must be accessible from which location?

Individual shutoff valves are crucial safety devices in gas installations, allowing for quick isolation of gas supply to specific appliances or sections of a building in the event of an emergency or maintenance. The requirement for these valves to be accessible from the apartment or tenant line is essential because it ensures that occupants can quickly reach and operate the shutoff valve when necessary, such as in case of a gas leak or an emergency situation.

Accessibility from the apartment or tenant line facilitates prompt response to issues without requiring intervention from building management or additional personnel. This enhances safety by minimizing the time it takes to stop gas flow, potentially preventing fires, explosions, or other hazardous conditions.

While other locations, such as the main entrance or utility room, might provide access in certain scenarios, they do not ensure that tenants or occupants have direct and immediate access when needed. This specific requirement is an important aspect of gas safety practices laid out in the National Fuel Gas Code.