Abstract: To ensure safe operation of valves installed on natural gas pipelines and with consideration to causes of valve failures and structural features of these valves, the importance of storage and maintenance of valves before installation have been analyzed. With consideration to rich field experiences in handling of valve failures in gas compressor stations, it was required to strictly follow proper operation and maintenance programs as required by the scientific overall-process management theories for valves. To eliminate potential safety hazards caused by leakage in different ways, structures of valves and failure patterns of fragile components have been reviewed to highlight certain improper storage practices for valves before installation. Eventually, proper guidance has been proposed for storage of such valves before installation. As for frequently observed failures and certain factors that are frequently neglected prior to installation of valves, a checklist has been proposed before installation to ensure safe operation of such valves.