Lockers are an essential storage solution in many workplaces, offering personal storage space for employees and members of the public alike, as well as helping to minimise the amount of clutter around the workplace.
From wire mesh lockers to standard metal lockers, metal lockers are one of the most popular types of lockers due to their strength and durability.
As well as being able to hold a variety of different items, they are also considered to be one of the easiest types of lockers to take care of, as long as the right methods and techniques are used.
Today, the expert team at Equip4work will be explaining the importance of cleaning metal lockers, as well as offering advice on how to do it efficiently and effectively to help combat the spread of viruses.
The importance of cleaning metal lockers
As employees head back to work and public facilities such as leisure centres, gyms and schools reopen again, keeping on top of the cleaning of equipment has never been more important.
Whether your workplace’s lockers are shared or personal, they must always be cleaned efficiently to prevent the spread of germs and other bacteria, as well as prevent cross contamination. Lockers used by multiple different people a day impose risks to the health and safety of all users, and can quickly become a breeding ground for dangerous germs and bacteria.
Research and tests carried out show that some viruses can live on metal surfaces for up to 7 days if they’re not cleaned properly, and while there are a lot of factors involved that may alter this time and the overall health of the virus on these surfaces, the amount of people that come into contact with the locker within this time are likely to be affected.
This could cause a wave of the virus and other germs spreading throughout the workplace, causing potentially deadly infections and illnesses that could have easily been avoided.
Cleaning metal lockers
There are a few basic procedures to ensure the cleaning of metal lockers is as beneficial and effective as possible. From ensuring the lockers are empty to using the right cleaning products, making sure the lockers are being cleaned properly is a big step in helping to stop the spread of viruses in the workplace and in the local community.
Lockers should be cleaned after every use if shared by multiple people, and every day if used by one singular person. When it comes to metal lockers for schools, it’s already likely that regular cleaning jobs will take place including the cleaning of lockers regularly, but doing a thorough clean every day is now very important.
Following these steps helps ensure metal lockers are the cleanest they can be:
- Sanitise hands before cleaning lockers. Washing your hands or using a hand sanitiser before cleaning ensures that no germs on hands get passed on to the cleaning equipment, making sure the lockers will be as clean as possible. Installing an industrial hand hygiene station or dispenser near the lockers makes this easy to do.
- Empty lockers and wipe down with a dry cloth or paper towel. Cleaning empty lockers ensures every part of the locker is covered, while wiping it down clears an accumulation of dust that may have built up.
- Use the right tools to clean. So not to cause damage, using cleaning products that won’t harm the lockers is essential. Use disinfectant wipes or rubbing alcohol all over the lockers, making sure each section has been reached. Don’t use abrasive cloths or materials, and don’t use any cleaners that include acid, hydrogen peroxide, methylene chloride or acetone.
- Sanitise hands again.
Antibacterial lockers
Choosing metal lockers with an antibacterial coating is a good way to help kill germs and bacteria without physical cleaning, however they should still be thoroughly cleaned between every use.
Equip4work offers a wide selection of different lockers with antibacterial coating, including Store-It ActiveCoat lockers and Probe lockers with Active Coat.
The antimicrobial coating on these lockers helps to reduce and kill bacteria and germs, as well as reduce cross contamination. This coating lasts the lifetime of the lockers, meaning they’ll always be effective as germ defence.
Browse our wide range of lockers and cloakroom furniture today to find the right lockers for your workplace, or take a look at the cleaning and hygiene equipment available to help keep your workplace as clean as possible.
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