F.lli Razeto & Casareto at 2018 METS in Amsterdam

The 31st METS takes place in Amsterdam between November 13 and 15 next. The leading nautical accessories trade fair showcases not only the finest technologies and components on the market but more importantly still, the new products being launched by the sector. Based in Sori (GE), F.lli Razeto & Casareto, a company specializing in the design and manufacture of handles and technical hardware for boats, yachts and ships, has been attending the fair since 1989. This year, it will have a particularly high-profile presence spread over two different areas of the event - Super Yacht Pavillon Stand: 10.119 and Italian Pavilion Stand 01.647. It will be presenting extensive selection from its existing ranges and, much to the delight of the sector’s professionals, a slew of exciting new products.

The OSSH handle

The Razeto & Casareto luminous handle is a revolutionary product with a patented mechanism used most notably in ultra-luxe and exclusive designer handles for the high-end yachting segment. It was unveiled at the recent SMM in Hamburg, Europe’s largest maritime fair, as Project OSSH. The acronym translates as Our Souls Saved by the Handle as Razeto & Casareto had developed this new version specifically for applications in the onboard safety sector.

The OSSH handle meets and exceeds international safety requirements to the extent that it is a Best Practice product. It is aimed at shipping companies and yards alike, for installation aboard ferries, commercial vessels and cruise ships.

Its luminous handles are easily visible aboard even in very extreme and life-threatening situations. More impressively still, they clearly indicate threat levels by colour: they will glow red when a doorway should not be opened and green to indicate the door as a possible escape route.

Under current legislation, escape routes on ships must be highlighted using so-called Low Location Lighting (LLL) on all decks and along all corridors leading to fire doors. The integration of the OSSH luminous handles with the LLL system adds an important extra layer of safety by clearly indicating where doors are in critically low visibility caused by a lack of light, during an evacuation plan or in the presence of smoke during a fire.

Should flames take hold aboard, the smoke and fire alarm system alerts the bridge, legislation then demands that the bridge releases the electromagnetic holders on the fire doors in the relevant fire zones. When the door locks close they activate micro-switches inside the frame and these send a confirmation signal that the door is now closed back to the bridge.

At this point, legislation demands that an operator physically go to check if there is an actual fire or not by removing a glove and placing the back of a hand near the door handle without opening it. If any unusual heat is felt, there is a fire.

The OSSH handle system instantly intervenes and works efficiently to safeguard passengers, guests and staff aboard. As soon as sensors indicate a fire, the electromagnetic door holders are released by the bridge and the locks on the fire doors close, activating the micro-switches.

At this point, the door handles light up: green on the side of the fire zone in question and red on the outside.

Used in tandem with the LLL system, the luminous handle does not merely help light spaces but also by glowing green on the fire side, instantly indicates to panicking individuals the best routes for evacuation to safety.

The handle was also designed to work absolutely efficiently in even the most extreme situations. Its shape too has been crafted to make the light visible to and the handle itself usable by people lying on the ground. In fire situations when a space fills with smoke, anyone attempting escape will have to crawl along the ground where there is less smoke. With the OSSH, the handle lever is lower and thus not only easier to see from the ground but also easier to grasp and use.

Handles on the opposite side to the fire glow red to indicate very clearly that there is a fire on the other side of the door. This avoids the door being mistakenly opened and oxygen getting in that would further fuel the fire. Equally, it prevents smoke and flames from escaping to other areas of the vessel.

Soft Close Cabinet Lock

This is an evolution of the award-winning Soft Close Flush Lock. F.lli Razeto & Casareto’s R&D

Division has worked long and hard to make it easier to install across the board, including in full custom contexts.

Despite retaining the same security features and functionalities as the ADI and DAME-nominated Soft Close Flush Lock, which is designed for drawers fitted with Soft Close Guides, the Soft Close Cabinet Lock allows yards and designers to personalize the opening system with handles, levers, door knobs and buttons that are either discreetly hidden or used as a feature.

Linea Nauta Sans Souci

This handle range was designed specifically for quality yachts and has already been used on craft built by leading Italian yards. The handles are designed to adapt to the style of even the most exclusive furnishings and décor aboard luxury craft. Mechanically speaking, the Nauta Sans Souci draws on the technology and reliability of the light, technical Nauta Line which was created specifically for performance boats. Although the lock is still extremely efficient at its job, the San Souci has a more rounded and tapered design.