Gas Shutoff

Various fuel gas codes including the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), considered to be a model code, the Fuel Gas Code of New York State, which is based on the IFGC, and the New York City Fuel Gas Code govern the installation of fuel-gas piping systems, fuel-gas appliances, and related accessories.

The NYC Fuel Gas Code refers specifically to the NYC’s Department of Buildings (DOB) as the enforcement agency for the Code. It also refers to specific safety shutoff devices as flame safeguards. These are devices that automatically shut off the supply of fuel if a main burner or group of burners aren’t working and flame failure occurs.

Additionally, NYC Codes and the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) now require gas safety valves to be installed in the sidewalk outside homes.

Appendix E of the NYC Fuel Gas Code specifies what is required for compliance with outside gas cut-off:

1. An outside gas service line valve or another emergency shutoff device acceptable to the Commissioner of Buildings and the Fire Commissioner must be installed in every gas service piping system outside the building. All existing gas services should have been provided with these cutoff valves by January 1, 2010, except for R-3 occupancies which have until January 1, 2020, for completion.
2. If the emergency gas shutoff device is located below ground it must be installed in protective housing with a cover that can be identified easily.
3. Where gas shutoff devices are located above the ground they must be protected and installed correctly.
4. The shutoff device or valve must be easy to operate by simply removing the cover and using a key or similar device to shut off the gas.
5. If gas-fired generators are required for emergency power in accordance with the NYC Building Code the generator must have an outside gas cut-off valve of its own. This must be clearly identified by signage.

In addition to fuel gas codes and state laws, local laws have very specific requirements including the need for NYC’s DOB to perform final inspections on gas piping systems. Additionally, a new local law that came into effect in 2019 requires the periodic inspection of buildings no less than every five years.

All NYC local laws were introduced to enhance safety as well as to protect tenants in the event of outages. They also aim to improve information sharing between gas utilities (National Grid and ConEd) servicing the City, and the various City agencies.

NYC Local Law 159 refers directly to gas shutoff and there are several violations that that are classified as “immediately hazardous”:

• When gas in supplied or installed without a permit. After new gas service piping has been installed the utility company is obliged to lock it off. The lock may only be removed one the gas distribution and gas meter piping have been inspected and certified by the DOB.
• When a newly installed or altered gas system is operated without notifying the utility. This is because alterations, extensions, and repairs to existing piping require the shut-off of gas flow to the building. New systems must be inspected and certified before the gas can be switched on for the first time.
• When a newly installed or altered gas system is operated without the required inspection of compliance. Again, the shut-off of gas flow is required while any kind of work is undertaken. The local law states that:
  • Before the gas is turned on, the whole system must be inspected to ensure that there are no open ends or fittings and that all valves at unused outlets are plugged or capped and properly closed.
  • Before the gas supply is established by the utility company to buildings or any other premises that require new meters, the utility must have a certificate of approval from the DOB.
  • If gas distribution piping requires gas shutoff so that alterations, repairs, or extensions can be undertaken, the owner or an authorized representative of the building must notify the utility company that supplies the gas. In newer gas piping systems there are isolation valves that negate the need to shut the entire system down.
  • Leak checks must be undertaken as soon as the gas has been turned on after alterations, repairs, and so on. If any leakage is found in the gas piping system the gas supply must be shut off immediately until further repairs have been undertaken.

The procedure to be followed by tenants who suspect gas leaks in buildings is specified above (see Gas Leaks.) Building owners also have responsibilities in terms of this local law, No. 153 of 2016:

• Within 24 hours of a gas service shut-off that was due to an immediate hazard, building owners must notify the DOB.
• Within 24 hours of gas not being restored for safety reasons, building owners must notify the DOB.

NYC local laws define immediate hazards as either Class A or Class B conditions.

• Class A conditions are gas leaks that cannot be “stopped by repair” and include:
  • Heating appliances that are discharging carbon monoxide.
  • Flue gas venting systems that have defects, obstructions, or are inoperable.
  • Heat exchangers “beyond repair” that cause combustion products to enter the warm air distribution system.
• Class B conditions arise from leaking gas appliances that cannot be “stopped by repair” and include:
  • Gas appliances that don’t have a safety device or have a safety device that doesn’t work.
  • Gas appliances with improper or defective wiring.
  • Gas appliances that indicate improper combustion visually.

Building owners are also obliged, by law, to install and maintain natural gas alarms in accordance with DOB standards.

Both utility companies that service different parts of New York offer comprehensive guidelines and specifications for natural gas installations.

In A Customer Guide to Natural Gas Service Installation, Con Edison states that if gas service has been discontinued (cut-off) for more than six months because of a fire or something else, a gas meter pressure test verification affidavit will need to be submitted. The same applies to Westchester County.

Con Edison also warns that there are several situations that might arise where the company must be notified to avoid an interruption of the gas service to customers:

• If a curb value needs to be operated. This is the valve that is used to control the supply of water from the City water main to the building.
• If a service head valve needs to be operated, irrespective of the elevated pressure limit.
• Whenever a gas meter valve is operated.

In any of these circumstances, Con Edison schedules a shut-down when they have been notified. Customer contractors are not permitted to do this work.

See also Gas Restoration Procedures below.

The NYC Housing Preservation & Development Department warns that property owners must “act to restore” gas for heating, for hot water, or for cooking immediately any of these services are disrupted. They also warn that tenants might be entitled to deductions in the rental if they don’t.

If the gas service is shut-off for any reason there are three requirements for restoration that must be fulfilled:

1. A licensed plumber
2. Filing with and inspections by the NYC DOB
3. Filing with and inspections by the utility company

The licensed plumber is expected to start the gas restoration process immediately after filing an emergency work notice (EWN) with the DOB. This request must state exactly what needs to be done. Within five days of approval, the plumber must file a limited application alteration (LAA) with the DOB. If this is not done timeously a stop work order (SWO) might be issued by the DOB, which is likely to result in delays.

The utility companies also follow set procedures and customers need to be aware of these.

For instance, only Con Edison employees may re-open a meter valve after it has been closed. Service restoration requires a gas integrity test form to be submitted before Con Edison can energize the gas service.

As mentioned above, Con Edison sometimes performs gas shutoff and safety tags boilers and other equipment until certain problems have been corrected and they agree to do the service reconnection.

National Grid also issues warning tags which involves gas shutoff to individual appliances and or a section of gas piping that is in a hazardous condition. Licensed qualified contractors may restore the gas service. If necessary, a local inspector might have to inspect it.

If National Grid issues a warning tag that results in the gas supply being cut-off and locked at the meter, the contractor must notify National Grid once the hazardous condition has been corrected and request National Grid reconnects the service.

Ultimately, before the gas can be legally restored, the licensed plumber must perform a pressure test in the presence of an official from the DOB.

All property owners can simplify gas restoration after gas shutoff by contracting to assist. We ensure all filings are done correctly and timeously and we oversee the work required.