NLG Heavy Duty Power Tool Tethering Kit - 20kg Bungee Lanyard Tether Choke and Tether Tape

Who is this for

The heavy duty power tool tethering kit is used by height safety managers, principal contractors, and tradespeople in construction, telecoms, utilities, and industrial maintenance who operate power tools above ground level under a formal dropped object prevention policy. The kit is specified for environments including scaffolding, MEWP platforms, structural steelwork, rooftops, and rope access worksites where a dropped SDS drill, angle grinder, or disc cutter at height presents a serious injury or fatality risk to personnel below. It is appropriate for any site operating under the Working at Height Regulations 2005 and applying a formal tool tethering protocol for heavy power equipment.

Typical applications

• Operating an SDS rotary hammer on a scaffold at height, tethered to a structural scaffold tube anchor via the Tether Choke and Bungee Lanyard to prevent a drop onto the public or site operatives below.

• Securing an angle grinder or disc cutter during overhead cutting or grinding work on structural steelwork, where the tool's weight and vibration make hand contact intermittent.

• Tethering a power drill during electrical or MEP installation work on an elevated MEWP platform, where the basket rail provides the structural anchor point for the lanyard.

• Using the Tether Tape to create a secondary tethering point on a tool with a smooth or irregular housing that cannot accept the Tether Choke directly, for lighter power tools up to 5kg.

• Deploying the kit as part of a site-wide dropped object prevention programme on a multi-trade construction project, where height safety managers require each operative to tether all power tools above 2 metres.

• Securing power tools during telecoms or utilities work on towers, masts, and elevated structures where a dropped tool cannot be retrieved and poses a serious hazard to those at ground level.

• Using the NLG ID tag system to log tool tethering inspections digitally on site, satisfying the documentation requirements of a formal dropped object prevention audit.

How to use

Step 1: Weigh the tool with all attachments and accessories fitted. Confirm the total weight does not exceed 20kg. For tools up to 5kg being tethered via the Tether Tape only, confirm weight does not exceed 5kg.

Step 2: Select the attachment method. Use the Tether Choke for tools with a natural waist or moulded housing where the webbing can cinch securely. Use the Tether Tape for smooth-surfaced tools or as a secondary attachment where the choke cannot be applied.

Step 3: To attach the Tether Choke, loop the webbing around the tool body at the narrowest point between the motor and handle. Thread through the toggle and pull firmly until the choke seats close to the tool's centre of gravity. Apply manual tension to confirm the toggle will not slip under load.

Step 4: To apply Tether Tape, clean the tool surface and wrap the self-fusing tape firmly around the tool body without heat. Allow the fibreglass reinforcement mesh to fuse and form the attachment point. No adhesive or primer is required.

Step 5: Connect the screw-lock carabiner of the Heavy Duty Bungee Lanyard to the Tether Choke or Tape attachment point. Confirm the gate is fully closed and locked before beginning work.

Step 6: Secure the opposite end of the Bungee Lanyard to a structural anchor point rated for the full dynamic load of the tool. Do not attach to body-worn wrist or belt anchors for tools above 3kg.

Step 7: Confirm the lanyard has adequate drop clearance to extend to 130cm during arrest without the tool striking a surface below. Scan the NLG ID tag system before beginning work to confirm the kit is within its inspection interval.

Common mistakes

• Selecting a standard or medium-duty kit for a heavy power tool: Standard kits are rated to 3kg and medium-duty kits to 5kg. An SDS rotary hammer or angle grinder typically weighs 5-15kg. Deploying an under-rated kit creates a false sense of compliance while providing no genuine protection.

• Using Tether Tape as the sole attachment point for a tool above 5kg: The Tether Tape has a standalone max load of 5kg (11lbs). For power tools above this weight, the Tether Choke must be used as the primary attachment. The Tether Tape is included in the kit for lighter secondary tools and for surfaces where the choke cannot be applied.

• Anchoring to a body-worn wrist or belt loop for heavy power tools: Wrist anchors are rated to 1.5kg and belt loop anchors to 3kg. A 20kg tool under sudden arrest load at height will far exceed both limits. A structural anchor point is mandatory for heavy power tool tethering.

• Failing to quarantine equipment after a drop or arrest event: Any component that has arrested a falling load may have sustained internal damage that is not visible externally. Retire the entire kit from service immediately after any arrest event and inspect in full before returning to use.

• Insufficient drop clearance for the bungee lanyard: The lanyard extends from 80cm to 130cm during arrest. If the working position does not allow the full extension travel, the shock-absorbing function cannot operate correctly and peak arrest forces will be higher than rated.

Safety

This kit is rated to a system max load of 20kg (44lbs) and must not be deployed with tools exceeding this weight. The Tether Tape has a standalone max load of 5kg (11lbs) and must not be used as the sole attachment method for heavier tools. A structural anchor point is required for all heavy power tool tethering applications - body-worn wrist and belt anchors are not suitable for tools above 3kg. All components must be inspected before each use. In the event of any drop or arrest, quarantine the complete kit and inspect using the NLG Inspection Checklist before returning to service. Equipment must be used in accordance with the Working at Height Regulations 2005 and any applicable site-specific dropped object prevention policy. Third-party Declarations of Conformity to ANSI/ISEA 121-2023 are available on request from NLG.

Maintenance

Inspect all components before each use. Check the Tether Choke webbing for fraying, cuts, or discolouration. Inspect the Bungee Lanyard for damage to the bungee cord, stitching, and carabiner gate function - confirm the screw-lock gate closes and locks cleanly under manual test. Clean with mild soap and water only - do not use solvents, abrasive cleaners, or bleach. Store away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and chemical exposure. Scan the NLG ID tag system with a smartphone to log inspections, access the NLG Inspection Checklist, and review current certification records. Any component showing wear, deformation, or degradation must be replaced before the kit is returned to service.