Abstract: An underground access box and valve operating and protecting means are disclosed. The access box comprises a pair of valve enclosing members adapted to be fitted together to enclose a valve and present an upward extension through which the valve can be reached. The valve enclosing members have a generally planar bottom, an open side, and an upwardly extending side portion. The bottom projects beyond a side portion and a flange extends upwardly from the bottom portion along a side portion. The valve operating means comprises a high-head comprising an elongated central portion, an upper operating nut portion, and a lower valve nut socket portion, at least one of which is melt fused to the central portion so as to be severed from the central portion if the high-head is exposed to torque which would damage the valve or the line to which the valve is connected. Further, an adapter is provided which enables one to use a square head valve operating socket on a flat head valve nut.