In investigations, components from an involved fuel gas system should be what?

In fire investigations, components from an involved fuel gas system should be tested for proper operation to ensure that they were functioning as intended before the incident. This testing helps investigators determine if the components contributed to the fire or if they were merely incidental to the event. It's essential to assess their operational status, as it can provide valuable evidence regarding the cause of the fire, whether it was due to a failure of the system, improper installation, or another factor.

By testing these components, investigators can gather information about the pressure levels, leaks, or any malfunctions that may help uncover the sequence of events leading to the fire. This step is crucial in establishing a thorough understanding of both the fuel gas system's role in the incident and the overall safety and compliance with relevant codes and standards.

While it is also possible to measure components for damage or consider archiving them, testing for proper operation provides direct insights into their functionality and relevance to the investigation, making it the most critical step in analyzing the fuel gas system’s involvement in the fire incident.