gas fire iscolation valve leak and incorrect use?

[southcoastboile]

went to do a boiler service and found a mbar drop over 2 mins at the meter, within the limit but i thought id investigate, found leak to be comming from the iscolation valve to the gas fire, took valve apart and regreased and the leak stopped. I was unable to replace the valve without taking up the floor. After doing this i realised that the customer had been using the iscolation valve as a means of turning the fire off which probably explained the reason it had been leaking,
he is 90 odd and cant bend down to the controlls on the fire, instead he uses a bean bag to lean on and shut the iscolation valve off, i explained that this is why it was leaking in the 1st place, just wondered what are your views on this?

 

[Puddle]

How is he turning fire back on again,if not using fire controls,how does he light fire,has it not a thermal sensor on it,think his lighting method could be the dangerous bit,especially if 90

imho

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

well if the old fellas finding it difficult recommend a fire with top controls

 

[tamz]

If that is the way he is working it there is not much you can do.
Agree with Puddle and Gas man. Lighting it is the dangerous bit for him. See if you can talk him or his family into a more suitable fire.