Installing Lockers: Checklist for Schools and Gyms
April 15, 2025
Your comprehensive guide to planning, installing lockers, and maintaining secure locker storage solutions
Contents
- Introduction
- Why Lockers Matter in Schools and Gyms
- Step-by-Step Locker Installation Checklist
- 1. Define Your Requirements
- 2. Assess the Installation Site
- 3. Choose the Right Locker Type
- 4. Select the Best Locking Mechanism
- 5. Consider Installation Method and Layout
- 6. Confirm Regulatory Compliance
- 7. Prepare for Delivery and Installation
- 8. Conduct Post-Installation Checks
- 9. Provide Access and Usage Training
- 10. Establish a Maintenance Schedule
- Bonus Tips for Long-Term Success
- Conclusion
Introduction Installing Lockers
Installing lockers may appear straightforward—choose the size, order the units, and bolt them to the wall. But in environments like schools and gyms, the process demands careful planning. These lockers must endure heavy daily use. They also need to meet hygiene and security standards. Additionally, they must serve a diverse user base.
This guide provides a comprehensive checklist to ensure your locker installation is cost-effective, compliant, and durable. It meets the day-to-day needs of students, gym-goers, staff, and facility managers.
You might be replacing outdated metal lockers. You could be expanding a sports facility. Alternatively, you might be setting up lockers in a new school building. This step-by-step guide will help you. It will ensure you install your lockers the right way the first time.
Why Lockers Matter in Schools and Gyms
In both educational and fitness environments, lockers play a vital role in:
- Securing personal belongings
- Reducing clutter and hazards
- Encouraging organisation and responsibility
- Promoting hygiene through separation of gear and clothing
- Enhancing user experience and trust
Poor locker layout or installation, however, can result in complaints, increased maintenance costs, or even safety issues.
Step-by-Step Locker Installation Checklist
1. Define Your Requirements
Before selecting any products, identify your core requirements.
Key questions to ask:
- How many users will require lockers at peak times?
- What will be stored in the lockers? (Books, kit, valuables, wet items?)
- Will lockers be assigned long-term or used daily?
- Are lockers to be used indoors, outdoors, or in wet areas?
- Do you need lockers to be wheelchair accessible?
Also consider:
- Budget range
- Expected lifespan (10–15 years standard)
- Colour schemes, finishes, or branding needs
- Digital or key access control policies
📌 Tip: Plan for growth. Install modular systems that allow expansion as your user base increases.
2. Assess the Installation Site
Conduct a full site audit before ordering. This will impact locker selection and installation strategy.
Check:
- Dimensions of the area (height, width, depth)
- Wall materials and structural supports (plasterboard vs block wall)
- Flooring type and level (uneven floors may require levelling feet)
- Ventilation (especially important in gyms and changing areas)
- Lighting and visibility (to deter misuse or vandalism)
Common site constraints:
- Fire doors or extinguishers blocking layout
- Overhead pipes, air vents, or ceiling restrictions
- Access to power if digital locks are being installed
3. Choose the Right Locker Type
Select lockers based on usage, durability, and environment.
| Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Lockers | Powder-coated steel, cost-effective | Dry school corridors, classrooms |
| Plastic Lockers | HDPE, waterproof and graffiti-resistant | Changing rooms, pool areas |
| Laminate Lockers | Designer finish, scratch-resistant | Sixth form areas, premium gyms |
| Z-Lockers | Interlocking compartments with hanging space | Compact areas needing coat storage |
Consider tiers (single, double, triple) based on what’s being stored. One-tier lockers accommodate bags and clothes; three-tier options suit personal items and books.
4. Select the Best Locking Mechanism
Lock options affect cost, user convenience, and long-term support.
| Lock Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cam Locks (keyed) | Secure, affordable | Lost keys common |
| Padlock Hasp | User provides padlock | No control over security |
| Combination Locks | No key required | Codes can be forgotten |
| Digital Locks | High security, audit trail | Requires batteries or power |
| Coin/Token Locks | Ideal for shared spaces | Coins/tokens must be supplied |
In schools, master key override is essential for emergencies. In gyms, combination or digital locks support rotating users.
5. Consider Installation Method and Layout
Determine how the lockers will be anchored and arranged.
- Fixed to wall: Ensures security and prevents tipping
- Free-standing with sloping tops: Prevents clutter on top of lockers
- Bench-integrated units: Space-saving in changing rooms
- Stacked or tiered: Maximises use of vertical space
- Island layouts: Useful in large open rooms
Leave adequate aisle space (minimum 900 mm) for safe access, including wheelchair clearance if needed.
6. Confirm Regulatory Compliance
Lockers installed in public or educational settings must meet UK regulations:
- BS 4680: Standard for locker dimensions and construction
- DDA/Equality Act 2010: Accessible lockers for disabled users
- Fire safety clearance: Lockers must not block fire exits or extinguishers
- Load-bearing safety: Fixing systems must support locker weight when fully loaded
Check with local building control if part of a larger refurbishment.
7. Prepare for Delivery and Installation
Locker delivery and installation can be disruptive. Prepare your site to minimise issues.
Before delivery:
- Clear the area of furniture or obstruction
- Provide easy vehicle access
- Confirm wall and floor condition
- Schedule installation outside of operating hours if possible
- Ensure power sockets are accessible for tools or digital lock testing
Most locker suppliers like Total Locker Service offer professional installation and can advise on preparation.
8. Conduct Post-Installation Checks
Once installed, perform a thorough walk-through:
- Open and close each door to check for alignment
- Test all locking mechanisms
- Ensure numbers or ID plates are legible and secure
- Check that lockers are firmly fixed and stable
- Look for sharp edges, uneven surfaces, or unsealed joins
- Validate that all locks have matching master keys (if applicable)
Photograph the installation for record-keeping and insurance.
9. Provide Access and Usage Training
Poor locker usage often leads to maintenance issues. Educate users on:
- Proper lock operation
- Prohibited items (food, liquids, flammables)
- Reporting faults or damage
- Shared use protocols in gyms or staff rooms
In schools: Provide replacement key procedures and issue guidelines through tutors or house leaders.
In gyms: Use signage and staff briefings to encourage responsible use.
10. Establish a Maintenance Schedule
Even the best lockers need upkeep. Create a plan based on usage intensity.
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Visual inspections | Weekly |
| Deep cleaning | Monthly |
| Lock repairs or resets | As needed |
| Key inventory check | Termly (schools) |
| Full service inspection | Annually |
Consider logging locker issues in a facilities management system to track recurring problems.
Bonus Tips for Long-Term Success
- Opt for lockers with replaceable parts – doors, locks, hinges
- Use anti-bacterial finishes for hygiene-sensitive environments
- Invest in spare keys, lock barrels, or wristbands upfront
- Choose a supplier offering maintenance support
- Document everything – layout plans, locker numbers, key registers
- Use colour coding to support wayfinding and user allocation
- Engage users – involve students or gym members in colour choice or placement
Conclusion Installing Lockers
Whether you’re installing 20 lockers in a PE department or 500 across a gym chain, planning and precision are key to a successful locker system. By following this checklist, you ensure that your lockers are:
- Installed safely and legally
- Matched to your facility’s needs
- Durable enough to withstand years of use
- Easy for users to access and maintain
- A valuable long-term asset to your organisation
Need Professional Locker Installation?
Total Locker Service offers a full locker installation service across the UK, including:
- Site audits
- Bespoke layouts
- Steel, plastic, and laminate locker ranges
- Coin, digital, and combination locking systems
- Post-installation support and spare parts supply
Call us today on 01284 749211 or visit
👉 https://total-locker-service.com
We’re here to help schools, gyms, and businesses design storage systems that last.