Abloy UK has supplied Commissioners of Irish Lights, the Irish coastal safety body, with a number of Super Weather Proof padlocks for use at Fastnet Rock lighthouse.
Fastnet Rock – known simply as Fastnet – is a small island in the Atlantic Ocean, 13 kilometres from County Cork on the Irish mainland. It is home to the Fastnet Race, an offshore yachting competition.
Such an inhospitable place has to withstand severe elements, the cold and relentless waves, which for much of the time submerge part of the lighthouse under saltwater.
Due to its remote location, access can only be gained by helicopter. The physical security must work correctly to allow authorised persons access when required.
Abloy says that its padlocks were chosen because of their ability to withstand the weather, because the components are protected to ensure operation in all conditions. According to the product firm security is guaranteed even with regular exposure to extreme heat or cold, storm-driven salt water or fine desert dust.
The padlocks includes mechanical and electromechanical models in a range of sizes. All padlocks in the range offer the same durability, and different sizes of mechanical and electromechanical locks can be combined in the same locking system.
Phil Lawlor, Lighthouse Team Lead at Commissioners of Irish Lights, said: “Many of our towers and dwellings are secured with Abloy locks, and I don’t think you could place them in a more harsh environment. Several of them – such as Fastnet – are constantly washed over with corrosive salty seawater. With technology moving forward so fast, we only need to visit some of our lighthouses once a year for maintenance and it is Abloy locks keeping the towers and dwellings secure.”
Pat Jefferies, Commercial Director at Abloy UK, added: “The Fastnet lighthouse is one of the most iconic lighthouses in the world, so we are extremely proud that Abloy padlocks are the chosen solution for securing this site. We are totally confident that our Super Weather Proof padlocks can be installed in any location – regardless of the environment or exposure to the elements – and they will continue to perform correctly whilst offering a superior level of security.”
