Lockers are an integral part of various public spaces. These institutions utilise them to provide people with a safe space to store their belongings in secrecy without any danger. 

Workplaces need these storage units because it is an easy way to provide this safe space to a large number of employees. It prevents the compromise on space constraints in an office space that is already quite congested. However, the choice of a good locker type is important so that security can be ensured. Metal lockers are the most popular choice for this purpose.

Metal lockers are generally made of steel or other metal alloys. They are made in different sizes and designs. As a result, they fit in any kind of workplace atmosphere. Also, such lockers have specific security features that make them a secure choice as compared to others. Overall, workplace security improves.

Security Features of Metal Lockers

Material Strength

Metals like steel and its alloys are very strong and thus more resistant to wear and tear and similar damages. The strength of the metal also strengthens the lifespan of the units themselves. This means that even if the locker units you install get quite old, the belongings and information within them remain safe, which is not the case for other materials. 

Plastic and wood lockers fall apart easily, making them a huge security risk. With time these materials disintegrate or rot, unlike steel which can last a long time with just a little care. This makes metal lockers a better choice if you want to keep the workplace safe for a long period.

Durability of Metal Lockers

The strength of metal not only increases its longevity but also acts as a security measure itself. Other common locker materials can be broken or melted very easily. But steel can be hard to break unlike wood and has a very high melting point, unlike plastic. Metal lockers prevent theft or breaking even before locks and codes are implemented. 

Locking Mechanisms

Metal lockers can be equipped with high-quality locks. Because of their robust construction, metal lockers can be equipped with high-durability locking mechanisms like combination locks, electronic keypads, smart locks with mobile access codes, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) locks which are essentially touch locks, etc. This further prevents unauthorised access due to the metal locker. 

Damage Resistant

One of the biggest features of metal lockers is how damage-resistant it can be. Steel lockers tend to be moisture resistant which prevents rust and corrosion. Even if they aren’t, rust-resistant paints and coatings are easy to apply on metals and can prevent damage. These features also increase the general strength of the material, making it more durable and thus more secure.

Metal lockers have a smooth and inorganic surface. Hence, they are easy to clean. Whereas, plastic and wood have different surfaces so they are difficult to clean. The easy-to-clean factor of metal lockers makes it a better choice for hospitals, labs, kitchens, etc as they are more hygienic. 

Naturally, they are resistant to bacteria and pests which cause structural damage to the lockers, making them disintegrate quicker. 

This happens to wooden lockers and even sometimes plastic where moisture and bacteria lead to pests that cause structural weak spots in the locker, making them easier to get into without direct access. 

Anti-Tampering Features

Certain features can be installed in a metal locker easily which prevents outside tampering and force. 

Anti-pry edges and hidden hinges are design elements that can be installed in metal lockers which stops any attempt of forcefully prying open the locker. Installation of these features is a preventative measure to enhance security if needed but these features are difficult to come by in wooden and plastic lockers. 

How to Choose the Correct Metal Lockers to Enhance Security

Certain factors need to be considered when choosing the correct metal lockers that would enhance security. Choosing the design and features that suit the environment, the industry where it is, and what type of materials would be kept there is important to reflect on. 

Minding these criteria while choosing metal lockers might help you in choosing the unit that would be the safest for your workplace. 

Locker Quality

The quality of the metal locker is very important to keep in mind while choosing the locker. The quality firstly depends on the material. It is best that you choose thick gauge steel, at least 16 gauge or heavier. These are strong materials that provide durability and resist any attempt of tampering or breaking in. Thick steel is also less probable of wear and tear which affects the security of the locker. 

The lockers should also have a strong door construction with string hinges and reinforced edges, both of which keep the locker secure. 

Lock Type on Metal Lockers

Depending on your locking management you can choose combination locks which are the most common, electronic locks which provide access control and should be used in environments where high security is necessary, and keyed locks should only be used if the key management is well controlled and the items being stored aren’t too important that it would cause someone personal or monetary loss. 

It is essential to choose a locker that supports the lock type that you want. To ensure security, make sure that no tampering can take place. How? By ensuring that the locking mechanisms are positioned securely. 

Environmental Consideration 

When choosing the desired metal lockers, the designs need to match the environment where they will be used. A proper ventilation system is required if the lockers store perishables or uniforms which need to be aired, ensuring that an unhealthy environment is not created within the space.

 If the locker is communal for many where products for the workers are kept, they should feature see-through panels so that there is visibility from outside and should also be heavy duty to withstand being used frequently. These types of features become important for security and should be kept in mind when the installation is first taking place. 

Metal lockers are thus quite secure in themselves, compared to the other common locker materials. Its strength makes it durable, preventing tampering while also being able to resist general damage that can disintegrate the product. But, choosing the correct type of metal lockers depending on where and how it will be used is also important in ensuring its complete security. 

Read also: Beyond The Traditional: Innovative Uses Of Lockers In Modern Spaces