When the handle of a natural gas supply line valve is in line with the pipe, which position is the valve in?

When the handle of a natural gas supply line valve is in line with the pipe, this indicates that the valve is in the open position. A valve's handle typically operates according to a standard mechanism where the alignment of the handle with the piping allows gas to flow freely through the line.

In contrast, if the handle were perpendicular to the pipe, the valve would be in the closed position, preventing the flow of gas. The position of the handle is crucial for emergency situations, as it directly affects the safety and control of the gas supply. Therefore, understanding these positions is essential for firefighters and anyone working with gas lines to ensure proper operation and response in various scenarios involving natural gas.