The full title for this standard is Tools for live working – Specification for insulating hand tools for work on or near conductor rail systems operating at voltages up to 1000v ac or 1500v dc.
While the standard was originally intended for work around live conductor rails, it’s become the benchmark for safeguarding crews who risk striking live service cables during excavations. Tools built to this standard are made from or fully or partially covered by insulating materials to protect the user from electric shock. When purchasing and using insulated tools, it’s important to remember:
- They’re engineered to deliver protection from accidental contact with live conductor rails, not for live working. Live working tools fall under BS60900.
- Tools designed to BS8020 require inbuilt wear detection, provided by a white under-guard and orange over-guard. When the white under-guard is exposed, you should discard the tool.