This British Standard specifies requirements for insulating hand tools and hybrid insulating hand tools used for work on or in close proximity to conductor rails providing traction supplies, in accordance with BS EN 50163, to electrified railways and mass transit systems operating at voltages up to 1 000 V a.c. or 1 500 V d.c.

It is not applicable to hand-held insulated and insulating tools conventionally used by electricians and others for work on live electrical apparatus, which are specified in BS EN 60900.