In the modern world, the conversation around health and safety has shifted dramatically. It’s no longer just about visible cleanliness, it’s about micro-hygiene – the invisible battle against germs and bacteria in communal spaces. Facilities managers, headteachers and business owners are all seeking effective, long-term solutions to protect their environments.
A significant, yet often overlooked, challenge lies in high-touch communal equipment. Consider the humble metal locker. A changing room, staff cloakroom, or school corridor locker is handled countless times a day by countless hands. These units, which are designed to keep items secure, can unwittingly become critical transfer points for bacteria and microbes if they are finished with only standard paint.
At Probe Lockers, we recognise that true security encompasses physical safety and health safety. That’s why we’ve gone beyond standard manufacturing to integrate our industry-leading ActiveCoat Anti-Bacterial Technology into the core finish of every standard steel metal locker we produce.
The Hidden Risk in High-Traffic Storage
Communal areas, from the damp environment of a swimming pool changing room to the busy hub of an industrial workspace, are breeding grounds for microorganisms. When multiple users repeatedly touch a standard powder-coated surface, it creates an ideal environment for bacteria, mould, and fungi to thrive and spread.
In fact, studies have shown that everyday bacteria, including pathogens of concern like E. coli and the antibiotic-resistant MRSA, can survive on surfaces for extended periods. Relying solely on periodic cleaning staff to wipe down hundreds of locker doors is simply not a sustainable or comprehensive hygiene strategy. You need a solution that is constantly vigilant, defending the surface against microbial growth 24 hours a day.
Understanding ActiveCoat Technology: The Science of Safety
ActiveCoat is not a temporary sanitiser or a superficial spray, it is a meticulously engineered, permanent anti-bacterial powder coating. This technology is seamlessly integrated into the finishing process of the steel, curing under heat to form a robust, durable and continuous protective shield.
The key to ActiveCoat’s efficacy lies in its incorporation of silver-based additives. Silver has been used for centuries for its natural antimicrobial properties. When micro-particles of silver are embedded within the paint matrix of our metal lockers, they release ions that act as catalysts. Once bacteria, mould, or fungi come into contact with the surface, these silver ions interfere with their cellular metabolism, disrupting the enzyme production necessary for the microbes to feed, grow, and reproduce. Essentially, the surface actively starves and disables the microbes, significantly reducing their presence.
The result is a surface that maintains strict hygiene standards continuously, providing a level of protection far superior to any standard paint finish.
The 24/7 Hygienic Advantage in Practice
Continuous, Uninterrupted Protection
Because the silver component is integral to the coating, it provides an unrelenting defence. This means the anti-bacterial action is effective not just immediately after the night cleaner has finished, but throughout the busiest periods of the day. This continuity is essential for preventing the spread of germs in environments with high user turnover, such as staff rotation in a manufacturing plant or student changes between classes.
Critical Care for Sensitive Environments
For sectors where hygiene is a matter of compliance and patient safety, ActiveCoat is invaluable. Healthcare facilities, including staff changing rooms in hospitals, dental surgeries and elderly care homes, benefit immensely from an environment that actively resists MRSA. Similarly, in food preparation and catering industries, ActiveCoat helps meet stringent safety regulations by providing a clean storage solution that reduces the risk of E. coli or other foodborne pathogens.
Durability Meets Hygiene
Our metal lockers are renowned for their strength, security features and seven-year warranty. The beauty of ActiveCoat is that it adds this crucial hygienic layer without compromising the structural integrity or the exceptional resistance to wear and tear. The coating is scratch-resistant, durable and designed to withstand the rigours of heavy daily use, ensuring your investment in storage protection is both long-lasting and health-conscious.
Invest in Security and Wellness
Choosing Probe metal lockers means you are not simply buying a box for storage; you are investing in a comprehensive storage solution that prioritises security, durability, and most importantly, the wellness of the people using your facilities.
In the modern landscape of health and safety, specifying storage with ActiveCoat Anti-Bacterial Technology is a vital step toward creating a safer, cleaner and more responsible environment. It’s the smart choice for facilities managers dedicated to maintaining the highest possible standards.
Ready to bring the hygienic advantage to your premises? Explore our full range of ActiveCoat-protected metal lockers and secure your space with confidence.
Tags: Metal Lockers, probe lockers