How should tools be secured when working at height?

Securing tools when working at height is crucial for maintaining safety and preventing accidents. Using tethers or lanyards is the best practice because these methods are specifically designed to ensure that tools remain within reach and do not fall to the ground. This is especially important in elevated work environments where dropped tools can pose significant risks to workers below and can also lead to project delays and damage to equipment.

Tethers and lanyards allow tools to be attached directly to the technician, the work surface, or an anchoring point on the tower, significantly reducing the chance of losing control over the tools while they are in use. This practice not only safeguards the tools themselves but also communicates a commitment to safety, both for the worker at height and for others in the vicinity.

The other methods of securing tools, such as storing them in a safe area, holding them in hand while working, or placing them inside a toolbox, do not provide the same level of immediate security or accessibility as tethers or lanyards. For instance, storing tools away could make them difficult to reach, and holding them in hand increases the risk of dropping them and limits the use of both hands for secure work. Placing tools in a toolbox does not prevent accidents and can make retrieval