When it comes to outfitting your heavy industrial or mining operation, the lockers or crew storage are often rushed or overlooked. However, a well-designed and functional locker room is essential for employee morale, safety, and productivity. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the key considerations when purchasing or designing lockers for your crews.
1. Material Selection:
Given the demanding nature of heavy industrial and mining environments, durability is paramount. Having a locker system that allows for expansion, and will last the life-of-mine is key, look for lockers made from sturdy materials such as:
- Mild Steel: Mild steel is a popular choice for its strength and durability, this will however need to be finished with at least 2 coats of paint or powder-coating to help protect against rust.
- Galvanised Steel: With rust causing so much trouble, damage and forcing safety officers to condemn so many storage systems on modern mining sites, galvanised steel is an excellent way to go – Downside being an increased price tag.
2. Security Features:
To protect employees’ personal belongings, consider lockers with the following security features:
- Combination locks: These offer a high level of security and can be easily changed.
- Padlocks: While less secure than combination locks, padlocks can be a cost-effective option – the use of an easy to access master key helps here.
- RFID cards: For advanced security, RFID cards can be used to access lockers.
Key locking mechanisms are a very common request, however issues are found, such as lost keys, number of keys required to be fitted by a qualified locksmith and adds also complications if the lockers inhabitant choses to leave the company.
3. Ventilation and Airflow:
Proper ventilation is crucial in locker rooms to prevent mould, mildew, and unpleasant odours. Ensure your lockers have adequate ventilation, especially if they are located in enclosed spaces – If these lockers are for washrooms, full galvanised mesh lockers are the best option.
4. Storage Capacity:
Consider the size and type of items your employees need to store. Do they need lockers with multiple compartments for tools, uniforms, and personal belongings? Or will a single-compartment locker suffice? What tools will they have? Do the lockers require specialised storage areas for unusual equipment? Do the crews have mobile trolleys or drawer units that require storage within the locker?
5. Ergonomics:
Ergonomic design can help prevent injuries and improve comfort. Look for lockers with features such as:
- Adjustable shelves: Allow employees to customise the interior to fit their needs.
- Properly planned layout: If the locker is custom, ensure heavier items are stored within reach.
- Hooks and hangers: Provide convenient storage for coats, hats, and bags.
- Baskets or bins: Keep small items organised and easily accessible, such as consumable or tooling componentry.
6. Maintenance and Cleaning:
Choose lockers that are easy to clean and maintain. Most mining sites spray locker areas down, ensure the units are weatherproof and again, stress the importance of rust resistance.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select or design locker systems that meet the specific needs of your unique situation or site. A well-equipped and functional locker area can contribute to a positive work environment and boost employee morale, as well as contributing to increased productivity due to the application of the well known 5S methodology.
If you require some help, feel free to reach out to us for a site visit or virtual consultation.
