Seismic Gas Shutoff - Earthquake Protection - Health & Safety - CA

Section § 19180

This law acknowledges that earthquakes are likely to occur in California and pose a fire risk due to damage caused by such quakes. To reduce the impact of these fires following an earthquake, the law suggests that local governments should have the authority to require buildings to install gas shutoff devices that activate during earthquakes, reducing the chance of fires.

The Legislature finds and declares that:

(a) It is generally accepted that various areas of the state will experience moderate and severe earthquakes in the foreseeable future.

(b) A serious threat to life and property resulting from these earthquakes is the threat of fire resulting from earthquake damage.

(c) In order to mitigate, as much as possible, the effects of a major earthquake, including fire resulting from an earthquake, local governments should be authorized to adopt ordinances requiring installation of earthquake sensitive gas shutoff devices in buildings.

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Section § 19181

This law allows cities and counties to make their own rules requiring buildings open to the public to have devices that automatically shut off gas in case of an earthquake. However, any local law must follow the standards set by the State Architect.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the governing body of any city, county, or city and county may enact an ordinance requiring the installation of earthquake sensitive gas shutoff devices in buildings open to the public. Any ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall conform to standards adopted by the State Architect pursuant to Section 19182.

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Section § 19182

This law requires the State Architect to set standards for gas shutoff devices that respond to earthquakes. These standards should ensure the devices can be easily installed and maintained, and that they keep building occupants safe. When setting these standards, the State Architect should consider existing standards from the Z-21 American National Standards Committee and feedback from public utilities.

(a) The State Architect shall adopt standards governing earthquake sensitive gas shutoff devices for installation in buildings. These standards shall reasonably provide for convenient installation and maintenance of gas shutoff devices, as well as maintaining the safety of persons occupying buildings equipped with such devices.

(b) In adopting standards pursuant to this section, the State Architect shall consider standards for such devices developed by the Z-21 American National Standards Committee and the comments or suggestions from various public utilities.

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Section § 19183

If you're a manufacturer of gas shutoff devices that react to earthquakes, or similar devices required by local laws, you must get certified to ensure your product meets specific standards.

Manufacturers of earthquake sensitive gas shutoff devices or other devices required by an ordinance adopted pursuant to Section 19182 shall first obtain certification, pursuant to Article 7 (commencing with Section 19200), that the device meets the standards established pursuant to Section 19182.

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