There are occasions when Contractors are required to use fully insulated tools when working near, rather than directly on, electrified rail track.

The JAFCO INSULATED CONTRACTORS’ TOOLS – FORK and SHOVELS – conform to BS 8020:2011.  These tools feature a specially designed and profiled, double-sleeved, double-insulated overguard system, bonded over the metal sockets.

The overguard, made from rigid abrasion-resistant fibreglass-reinforced nylon, is coloured ORANGE and epoxy bonded to an underguard, which is also of fibreglass-reinforced nylon, is coloured WHITE and epoxy bonded to the metal socket.  This double overguard system of contrasting colours, as well as being securely fixed and insulating the metal socket, there is a safety warning indicator which ensures the socket remains safely insulated from the user, even when the warning white underguard becomes visible, however –

TOOLS SHOULD BE INSPECTED BOTH BEFORE AND REGULARLY DURING USE, AND IF AT ANY TIME THE WHITE UNDERGUARD BECOMES VISIBLE, USE OF TOOL SHOULD CEASE IMMEDIATELY AND THE TOOL REPLACED.

WARNING : users should note that contractors’ forks, shovels and spades with normal exposed metal sockets are NOT insulated, even those with fibreglass shafts.