Choosing the right workplace lockers is an important part of creating a safe and organised workplace. Whether you manage a warehouse, factory, engineering workshop or distribution centre, your employees need somewhere secure to store their belongings. The right lockers help keep staff areas tidy, protect personal items and provide dedicated storage for PPE and workwear.
At 3D Lockers, we supply a wide range of workplace lockers for businesses across the UK. Follow our step-by-step guide to help you choose the best option for your workplace.
Step 1 – Decide What Your Lockers Need to Store
Start by thinking about what your employees need to keep in their lockers.
This could include:
- Coats and jackets
- Bags
- Mobile phones
- Wallets
- PPE
- Workwear
- Safety boots
- Tools
Some businesses only need employee lockers for personal belongings. Others need PPE lockers or heavy-duty industrial lockers for clothing and equipment. Knowing what needs to be stored will help you choose the right locker size and layout.
Step 2 – Choose the Right Locker Size
Workplace lockers are available in a range of sizes. Single-door lockers are ideal for coats, uniforms and larger items. Two, four and six-door lockers are a good choice when space is limited or more employees need storage. If your business works across different shifts, think about whether lockers will be allocated to one employee or shared between staff. Planning your layout now can save space later.
Step 3 – Select the Right Locking System
The best locking system depends on how your lockers will be used.
Popular options include:
- Cam locks
- Hasp and staple locks for padlocks
- Mechanical combination locks
- Digital keypad locks
- RFID locks
If each locker is allocated to one employee, a traditional key or padlock fitting may be all that's required. For workplaces with rotating shifts or temporary staff, digital locks can provide greater flexibility.
Step 4 – Do You Need PPE Lockers?
Many factories and warehouses require employees to wear Personal Protective Equipment.
Dedicated PPE lockers give staff somewhere safe to store:
- High-visibility clothing
- Safety boots
- Hard hats
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Ear defenders
Keeping PPE together makes it easier to find before every shift. Some PPE lockers also include shelves or hanging rails to help keep equipment organised.
Step 5 - Warehouse Lockers or Standard Workplace Lockers?
If you manage a warehouse, you may wonder whether you need specialist warehouse lockers. In most cases, standard workplace lockers are suitable for storing personal belongings, clothing and everyday items. However, if employees need to store PPE, tools or specialist equipment, choosing industrial lockers designed for heavier-duty use may be the better option. Our team can help you choose the most suitable lockers based on your working environment and storage requirements.
Step 6 – Choose Industrial Lockers Built for Daily Use
Factories and warehouses are high useage environments where storage lockers are exposed to a great deal of wear and tear. That's why it's important to choose industrial lockers that are built to last. Steel lockers with a powder-coated finish are strong, durable and easy to clean. At 3D Lockers, we supply leading brands including Probe Lockers, Elite Lockers, Pure Lockers, Link Lockers and QMP Lockers. Probe Lockers are a popular choice for warehouses thanks to their excellent value and wide choice of sizes. Elite Lockers are well suited to busy workplaces and are available in a range of compartment sizes. If sustainability is important, Pure Lockers are the UK's only carbon-neutral manufactured steel lockers. All of these ranges are designed to provide secure workplace storage for years to come.
Step 7 – Don't Forget Ventilation
Many warehouse and factory employees wear PPE or work in physically demanding environments. Well ventilated Wire mesh lockers improve airflow and help damp clothing or footwear dry more quickly. This can help reduce unpleasant odours while keeping lockers fresher between shifts.
Step 8 – Consider Your Future Requirements
When purchasing staff lockers, it's worth thinking ahead. Will your business expand over the next few years? Will you recruit additional employees? Do you have enough space to add more lockers later? Planning for future growth can save both time and money when expanding your facilities.
Step 9 - Complete Industrial Storage Solutions
While lockers are often the starting point, many businesses also require additional industrial storage solutions.
Depending on your workplace, you may benefit from:
Combining lockers with other workplace storage creates a practical and organised area for employees.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right workplace lockers doesn't have to be complicated. By considering how your employees will use them, the level of security required and the available space, you can create a practical storage solution that will last for years. Whether you need lockers for staff room, employee lockers, PPE lockers or heavy-duty industrial lockers, 3D Lockers can help you find the right solution for your workplace.
Browse our full range of workplace lockers online or contact our team for expert advice and a free quotation.
