As simple as choosing lockers for a school may sound, it can actually be a little more confusing than you think. Because they will be in constant use throughout the day you need lockers that can stand up to heavy and frequent use.
That’s just one of the factors to consider before committing to a purchase. Keep reading to find out what else you may want to bear in mind.
Security and lock type
First and foremost in any locker choice comes security. The main reason for installing lockers in a school is for each student to have a safe storage space in which they can keep their books and electronic items. These days, nearly every student carries around a phone or laptop, which is why choosing a high-security locker solution is best.
Most school lockers in the UK have one of these three lock types fitted:
Who will use the lockers?
The locker and lock type needed will differ, depending on who will be using them. This, again, can be split into three main categories:
- Teachers: they may need larger lockers to store classwork and materials. A stronger lock type is preferable in this case as sensitive documents, such as exam papers, could be stored inside.
- High school students: durability is the main factor to consider here as they will be regularly used to store textbooks, bags and other everyday school items.
- Primary school children: smaller-sized compartments should work well here, ensuring that overall locker heights are not too high so that all children are able to reach the top ones. Colourful lockers could also be an option to fit with the décor of classrooms.
Material
Traditional metal lockers are preferred for many reasons: they’re strong, durable and versatile enough for many different applications. You can find them in lots of styles, sizes, colours, and configurations so you’ll have all the options needed to perfectly complement your school facility.
Plastic lockers are also a great option for schools that want to choose different colours and designs. Not to mention, cleaning them is as easy as wiping them with a cloth which is perfect for areas with high traffic and regular use.
An important aspect to consider with any locker design is ventilation. Choosing lockers with slightly perforated doors allows for the constant circulation of air, which is ideal for gym applications to stop odours from building up.
Other material types such as wood are not recommended for school use as their cons outweigh the pros. Wood lockers require a lot of maintenance and upkeep which may be possible in luxury club and hotel settings but are almost impossible to keep up within the majority of schools.
Price
Ultimately the type of locker that you choose will circle back to how much it will cost. Lockers are meant to last for years, so be sure to keep that in mind.
If your school is working on a limited budget and the price seems quite high, consider the cost of having to replace lesser quality lockers more often, rather than spending on durable options that will last your students for years to come.
Final word
Author Bio: First Mats started life as safety matting specialists, but have since expanded to become a complete industrial and commercial supplies company. The focus of First Mats is to provide safety-focused products that improve the wellbeing of staff through quality approved products, backed up by extensive knowledge. www.firstmats.co.uk
