to main content Medical Gas Shut-off Valve - Labeling | Nursing Care Center | Environment of Care EC | The Joint Commission
Medical Gas Shut-off Valve - Labeling

What is the requirement for labeling medical gas shut-off valves?

Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.
 
Labeling of medical gas and vacuum shutoff valves is required by NFPA 99 (2012 edition) Health Care Facilities Code, Section 5.1.11.2.

The labeling shall include:
  • the name or chemical symbol for the specific medical gas or vacuum system
  • room or areas served
  • caution to not close or open the valve except in an emergency
Each room served by the piped medical gas and vacuum zone valves is to be identified. Grouping of consecutive rooms served, like "Procedure Rooms 1-6" should be used with caution to ensure that no unserved location is included with the identification. General statements about the area are not acceptable. 

Hidden shut-off valves, such as those above the ceiling, are to be labeled on or near the valve; its hidden location may be identified by a label, icon, etc., or on a utility system map in accordance with EC.02.05.01 EP 17.

Reference EC.02.05.09 EP11
Manual: Nursing Care Center
Chapter: Environment of Care EC
Last reviewed by Standards Interpretation: October 26, 2021 Represents the most recent date that the FAQ was reviewed (e.g. annual review).
First published date: April 11, 2016 This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on May 11, 2023 with update notes of: Review only, FAQ is current Types of changes and an explanation of change type: Editorial changes only: Format changes only. No changes to content. | Review only, FAQ is current: Periodic review completed, no changes to content. | Reflects new or updated requirements: Changes represent new or revised requirements.
Was this response helpful?

If no, please comment on how we could improve this response.

If you have additional standards-related questions regarding this topic, please use the Standards Online Submission Form

Get Extra Help with Books and E-books

Browse our gallery of books and e-books to find trusted prep and readiness resources, practical checklists and toolkits, and resources on specialized health care topics.

Stay Informed with Online Education

Online education is the most convenient and cost-effective way to educate your staff and minimize expenses without the need to leave your organization.

Reach Your Safety Goals with eProducts

Assessing and sustaining compliance with accreditation standards or CMS CoPs can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Rely on our proven software solutions developed by our team of industry experts.

Can't Find What You're Looking For?

If you do not find an answer to your question, please contact the Standards Interpretation Group (SIG).

Note: To provide adequate support to those organizations that are either accredited/certified or seeking accreditation/certification, we will only answer those questions submitted by those organizations seeking accreditation/certification or currently accredited/certified by the Joint Commission. The Joint Commission no longer answers questions submitted by students or vendors. Thank you for your understanding.