Can you elaborate on the type of tools you need the tethers for, there are various different types of tether systems you can attach to tools and then attach lanyards to.

Anorak: mainly screwdrivers, pliers, spanners and similar-sized hand tools; nothing as heavy as a hammer. We've looked at a few available tether systems, all of which so far look surprisingly expensive (when you include all associated costs such as modification of existing tools, or supply of new tools with attachment points). Each technician may have a dozen or more tools, many of which need to rotate without tangling. Zeb: that's an interesting idea, and a colleague suggested it as well but she couldn't find anything suitable - have you got experience of using nets for small temporary installations? Thanks very much for both responses.

Why do your operatives need insulated tools? Does your RA, MS & SSW allow live working? If not, then no need for insulated tools, as the point of work must be subject to formal safe isolation procedures prior to work. There should really be no need for 1000V insulated tools, except in very exceptional circumstances! I have come across 2 very unacceptable issues wrt this recently. First was an operative who was roasted and threatened with dismissal by a H&S manager for not using 1000V insulated tools on an electrical installation when there was no electrical supply present, as it had not been installed. OVERKILL or what! There should be no reason to require insulated tools if there is no electrical supply present. Was this "H&S" person competent? I have been told today by a H&S manager of a global blue chip automotive company that BS7671 (IEE/IET Wiring Regulations) is not relevant to their factory, that they do not have to comply with it, and that they do not have to test and inspect in accordance with BS7671 when they undertake design & physical changes to the electrical installation in the premises. Because they have the installation periodically checked every 5 years this is enough. It would be a LOT to go into the technical detail, but this is NOT so. I am very tempted to email him with my opinion and some related information & CC HSE, but this would jeopardise the company that got us the introduction with regard to their unrelated works there. However, I was flabbergasted! He even quoted an unrelated standard as being more relevant. I have at least 3-4 days work to quote him for the tasks he has requested costings for, I am very tempted to refuse to quote, because I am so astounded!!! Going to discuss with my introducer tomorrow...