SubscribeThe provision of a secure and robust locker facility is an essential in any modern school.
Personal possessions are increasing in value as mobile phones and iPods become part of everyday life; with this in mind, school Bursars and Site Managers must ensure pupils have a secure, lockable personal compartment to store their own possessions as well as material required for the academic day.
To cater for these increasing demands, the UK's leading personal storage equipment manufacturer, Link Lockers, is announcing a significant development to its range to maximise locker security through an 'in-built deterrent' design. Acknowledged as the market leader by being the first to introduce primary colours to the market and the first manufacturer to provide anti-bacterial protection on lockers with BioCote technology in the paint finish, the 07 Series steel locker builds on the company's history of innovation and product improvement and is set to offer major benefits to schools and sports facilities.
Adopted as the standard range, key new features of the 07 Series include an enhanced locking mechanism and a cleverly designed anti-theft shelf. Because both developments increase the time that the opportunist thief would need to gain access to the secure locker space, they create a highly effective deterrent. For all site and facilities managers who have a direct responsibility for pupils' personal security, they represent a new opportunity both to improve the services offered and, potentially, to reduce the consequent risks that could arise from property loss.
The new cam lock design now locates both through the door and the frame of the 07 Series locker unit providing significant advantages over designs where the cam locks behind the frame. Because the cam has a hooked end profile which also locates into a tapered slot in the fame, a more secure cam position is achieved. This arrangement provides support both to the front and behind the cam, making it far more difficult to force entry.
The anti-theft shelf design uses a baffle to cover the gap between the shelf and the door - both above and below - without the need for an intermediate frame. Obvious leverage points for a would-be thief are therefore eliminated making a further contribution to the time required for forced entry and thus minimising the likelihood of abuse.
"We believe that the benefits of the 07 series will be recognised across all market sectors," comments Phil Jackson, Marketing Manager at Link Lockers. "Not only does it mean greater peace of mind for the school bursar, but it can also mean fewer replacements of doors and locks and can help maintain a high profile, visibly acceptable appearance for a locker installation."
A newly-designed card holder completes the features now available with the new Link Lockers 07 Series products, which can be supplied in a full choice of sizes, colours and door configurations.
07 Series lockers continue to benefit from BioCote protection which comes as standard with all steel Link Lockers products. Applied to all painted steel products, BioCote is a silver-based anti-microbial agent, inert and completely safe to touch. Unlike surface applied anti-bacterial treatments, BioCote is integral within the powder-coating finish and remains active for the service-life of the product (see panel for more details).
From a broader perspective, secure locker facilities on site increase the overall smooth running of any educational establishment. Adequate locker provision - with a choice of locking mechanism options - can help minimise security issues which not only have a distressing impact on the pupils but can also distract members of staff, thereby potentially affecting teaching time. With the current move away from the use of 'lift up desk' furniture, the need for storage provision is even more acute.
There are clear benefits for pupils and students arising from the provision of sufficient locker storage space in schools. But the advantages also extend to the schools themselves which, through proper planning and budget management, can significantly offset the costs involved.
The new 07 Series lockers offer a choice of sizes, specifications and designs that have been developed to suit an extensive range of locations in a school environment, from standard storage of personal possessions to laptop storage and recharging units. They complement the extensive range of steel cupboards and cabinets available for all-round storage solutions, from janitors cupboards to lockable storage in classrooms and workshops. These are further complemented by a range of shelving solutions suitable for use office use or classroom storage and more heavy-duty applications such as in sports equipment storage.
The whole range is rounded off by the company's offer of locker and cubicle solutions for pool and sports facilities. Where sites are often used by pupils and public throughout the day and into the evening, the solution must be able to withstand robust and continuous use. The Aquarius lockers and recently introduced Neptune and Sahara cubicles (for wet and dry areas respectively) ensure a whole site can be equipped for storage from one supplier.