• • • ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT • • •
TOOLS ON THE MOVE BY JASON CUNNIGHAM, PRODUCT AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT, KNIPEX S
taying safe on site goes beyond the task at hand. An organised, secure approach to carrying and using hand tools can help
avoid injury, reduce strain and keep work running smoothly. An electrical engineer’s working day rarely starts and ends in the same place. Moving around or between sites is part of the job so how tools are carried and organised plays a bigger role than it might seem. Poorly stored kit can slow work before it begins, whether that’s through carrying unnecessary weight, taking time to find the right tool or putting avoidable strain on the back and shoulders. Once work moves onto ladders, access platforms or gantries, there are other risks to consider with the potential for dropped tools and serious injury.
Stop the strain
Moving between job sites quickly adds up in terms of load, when tools, testers, documents and PPE need to be carried. HSE data continues to show that musculoskeletal disorders account for a significant proportion of work-related ill health, often linked to manual handling and repetitive strain. The way tools are transported is really important and the traditional toolbox is far from the only option. Tool backpacks are growing in popularity because they spread weight across the body’s stronger muscle groups, particularly the back and core, rather than placing strain on the shoulders or neck. Unlike a traditional toolbox carried on one side, which can lead to imbalance and long-term
12 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • APRIL 2026
posture issues, two shoulder straps help distribute weight evenly. Wide, padded straps also reduce pressure points, making them more comfortable during prolonged use. Fit also plays a role. Adjustable straps allow a backpack to sit close to the back, reducing movement and the “pull” associated with loose, low-hanging bags. Backpacks such as the KNIPEX Modular X18 are designed to reduce strain when moving from site to site. It has structured compartments, an 18-litre capacity and a reinforced base, so tools stay well organised and balanced. It has four MOLLE straps on the outside for attaching any adapters, carabiners and accessories and a total of 21 retaining loops and 37 pockets, some with zips, so frequently used items can be separated and accessed quickly, reducing time lost searching. It also has a separate laptop compartment which is positioned closest to the back panel, keeping the centre of gravity close to the body and making the load easier to manage. Transport is only part of the picture. On many industrial and infrastructure sites, tools are exposed to dust, moisture and impact, all of which can affect performance and longevity. In these environments, more robust storage is often required. A wheeled case such as the KNIPEX Robust26 Move, with its impact-resistant shell, dust and water protection and organised internal layout, is designed to protect tools in harsher conditions while the wheels and extendable handle reduce the effort needed to move heavier loads.
Safe working at height Working at height continues to account for a large share of workplace fatalities, but the risk is not limited to falls. Dropped tools remain a serious and often overlooked hazard. A plier or screwdriver falling from even a modest height can injure those below or damage plant and equipment.
The HSE’s Work at Height Regulations 2005 make it clear that employers and contractors must prevent not only people, but also materials and equipment, from falling. That includes tools, so a properly designed tethering system is now an essential part of a safe working practice for electricians working at height.
A tethering system secures tools to the user or a fixed point, reducing the risk of drops without restricting movement. The KNIPEX Tethering System Set, for example, supports tools up to 1.5kg and uses a flexible tether that allows a natural working range while maintaining control. KNIPEX has a wide range of tools with integrated tether attachment points for that additional level of security. The 70 06 180 T Diagonal Cutter for example, with its tether point, can be safely secured to a belt, wrist or fixed point, so electricians can carry out everyday tasks such as cutting and trimming cables, snipping ties or working with fine wire, without the risk of dropping tools in confined or elevated positions. The same thinking applies to other commonly used tools. The EvoStrip, for example, combines a tether attachment point with automatic stripping capability, allowing electricians to work safely at height while also speeding up repetitive cable preparation tasks. Designed to handle single, multi and fine-stranded conductors up to 10 mm², as well as ribbon cable, it delivers consistent stripping results without the need for manual adjustment. This not only improves accuracy but also reduces effort and time on site, particularly when working through multiple connections. For electricians, moving between sites is just part of the job so having tools that are easy to carry, properly organised and safe to use makes a real difference day to day. The way tools are packed, transported and secured, both on the move and when working at height, plays an important role in keeping work efficient, controlled and safe.
www.knipex.com
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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