In which areas are shutoff valves permitted to be secured to prevent inappropriate access?

Shutoff valves are critical components in medical gas systems, and their access can be restricted in specific areas to ensure patient safety and compliance with regulations. Valves are permitted to be secured in psychiatric and pediatric areas, primarily due to the unique needs and circumstances present in these environments.

In psychiatric settings, patients may be vulnerable or prone to behaviors that could lead to safety hazards if they have unauthorized access to medical gas systems. Likewise, in pediatric areas, young patients may not understand the risks associated with medical gases, and securing these valves helps protect them from potential harm or accidental misuse.

The added security for shutoff valves in these settings aligns with guidelines aimed at protecting vulnerable populations, ensuring that only qualified personnel can operate or access these critical systems. This helps maintain the integrity of the medical gas supply and minimizes the risk of accidents or emergencies arising from unauthorized access.