With AHJ approval, in which areas shall shutoff valves be secured to prevent inappropriate access?

• A. critical care
• B. psychiatric or pediatric
• C. maternity
• D. anesthetizing

Answer: (B)

Shutoff valves for medical gas systems are kept secured in areas where patients or others might tamper with them to prevent dangerous gas release or misoperation. In facilities, the AHJ may approve securing these valves specifically in psychiatric or pediatric units because patients in those areas can pose a higher risk of tampering or unintended manipulation. This targeted security helps protect patients and staff from harmful gas exposure and ensures that only authorized personnel can operate or reach the valves.

In other clinical areas such as critical care, maternity, or anesthetizing locations, valves are typically accessed by trained staff under proper supervision, so the same level of securing for access prevention isn’t as universally required.