These simple safety devices can help put extra safeguarding in place for someone living with learning disabilities or dementia retain their independence and remaining safe in their own home,  providing peace of mind and reassurance to family, friends and carers.
 
The valve can easily be turned off and on and locked by the carer. When the valve is locked, the gas supply is isolated which means if the cooker is unintentionally turned on or left on when you are out of the room, there is no risk of gas escaping.

If you are a carer or health service provider and know someone who could benefit from this please visit our page on free installation of locking cooker valves for more information and to find the form to apply.

We will arrange a home visit to fit the device. A carer or relative will need to be there when we visit, to agree the valve's position. If the property is rented you will need to seek the permission of the landlord to have the work done.
With your help, we can provide a locking cooker valve to vulnerable people in our communities across the UK. 

It’s called The Priority Services Register (PSR) and helps us look after our customers who have additional communication, access or safety needs, such as:

• You need to be supported in a particular way
• You need tailored communications
• You would struggle to maintain your well-being if you lost your energy supply for any amount of time
• You’re of pensionable age
• You are disabled
• You are chronically ill
• You have children under the age of five

Its free and easy to join and gives extra support to those who need it. Find out more about Priority Services Register (PSR) or register.

It’s really important to make sure that your gas pipework, appliances and any flues are maintained properly, to ensure they continue to work efficiently and safely. This can be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If appliances aren’t maintained or aren’t working effectively they can release a harmful gas called Carbon Monoxide (CO) and if this is inhaled can cause CO poisoning.

It’s worth knowing some symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to viral infections or tiredness, so try not to panic. However, call your doctor if you experience the following:

• Headaches
• Nausea or feeling sick
• Breathlessness
• Dizziness
• Collapse
• Loss of consciousness

• Flu like symptoms, mild headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion and increased heart rate.

• Conscious but confused, disoriented, and movement difficulties due to extreme weakness.

• Unconscious, convulsions, loss of muscle control, slow breathing.

Effects will vary for different individuals depending on the level and duration of exposure, body size and physical condition.
If your symptoms reduce or disappear completely when you’re out of the house, it might be carbon monoxide poisoning. See your doctor if you have any health concerns, or dial 999 in an emergency. 

Read more about carbon monoxide.

There are alternative companies to Cadent that can be used to either make a new connection, alter existing pipework or disconnect services, they are known as Utility Infrastructure Providers (UIP’s) and can be found on the Lloyds Register website.