Slide 8 of 15
Notes:
- What happens to gas lines in earthquakes
- Gas lines are a nonstructural item that can pose a serious risk if damaged during an earthquake. Fires often erupt following an earthquake because of broken gas lines.
- A spark can ignite the leaking gas and cause a potentially violent explosion and fire.
- To prevent or control fires:
- Install automatic shutoff valves on the gas line to make sure that there is no additional fuel to feed the fire so that it is less likely to get out of control.
- Attach valves on either the inlet or outlet side of the gas meter for the building.
- Earthquake shaking causes the valve to stop the flow of gas.
- Most of the time, the leaking gas dissipates so that there is less chance of a large quantity of gas building up where a spark might develop.
- If there is a break in the line and a spark develops, the gas remaining in the air can still start a fire.
- Installing shut off valves
- Rigidly attach to the valve to the building to avoid the possibility of someone accidentally hitting the valve, causing it to trip, thereby shutting off the gas for the house.
- Several manufacturers make automatic shutoff valves.
- Verify that shut off valve meets the American Gas Association’s standard
- Installation requirements for shutoff valves vary by manufacturer.
- Some manufacturers require that only approved contractors install the valves; others allow anyone to install them.
- Some communities require shut-off valves
- Some jurisdictions require shut-off valves.
- The City of Los Angeles requires automatic shutoff valves to be installed when the cost of alterations to a house exceeds $10,000 or upon sale of the residence.
- Installation Requirements
- Installing shut-off valves may require a plumbing permit.
- Check with the building department to find out their requirements for permits and approved manufacturers.
