The Current Position Within the UK
At the time of writing, there is no dedicated UK electrical insulation standard specifically written for water-fed poles, gutter vacuum poles or similar high-reach telescopic cleaning poles.
This creates a challenge for manufacturers, testing centres, retailers and purchasers. Companies wishing to improve safety often have no dedicated UK testing framework specifically designed for these products.
As a result, some manufacturers are seeking independent electrical testing through specialist laboratories in the UK, China and elsewhere to assess the insulating performance of their products.
Look Up Look Out welcomes genuine efforts to improve safety. Independent testing, even where it is not carried out under a dedicated pole-specific standard, can provide useful information and is a positive step towards greater transparency.
Recent industry guidance from the Federation of Window Cleaners, developed with input from the Health and Safety Executive and others, now also recognises the importance of overhead electrical hazards involving water-fed and other telescopic poles.
The guidance is particularly relevant where suppliers make claims about enhanced electrical safety. It states:
“it is important to obtain a certificate of conformity for any pole offered when a claim of enhanced electrical safety is made by the supplier.”
Look Up Look Out welcomes this statement. If a pole is promoted as insulated, voltage-tested, anti-conductive, electrically safer, or suitable for use where electrical hazards may exist, buyers should not be left to guess what that claim means.
However, this does not solve the wider problem.
A Certificate of Conformity may help where a supplier is already making an enhanced electrical safety claim. But many long conductive telescopic poles are sold with no such claim, no enhanced electrical protection, limited warning, and little explanation of the danger posed by overhead power lines.
That is why testing, transparency and public proof remain so important.
Our Recommended Approach
While no dedicated UK standard currently exists for these products, we believe manufacturers should consider a practical two-stage approach wherever possible.
Stage 1 – Independent Laboratory Testing
Manufacturers should consider obtaining independent electrical testing from a recognised laboratory capable of assessing the insulating performance of the product.
This provides an initial level of independent verification and allows manufacturers to demonstrate that testing has taken place.
Testing should make clear:
• what product, section, component or assembly was tested;
• whether the test was carried out on a material sample, lower handle section, pole section or complete telescopic assembly;
• what voltage, method or protocol was used;
• whether testing was carried out in dry, wet, contaminated, aged, worn or real-use conditions;
• what the result does and does not prove.
Stage 2 – Independent UK Verification
Where possible, manufacturers should also consider obtaining additional testing, assessment or technical review from an independent UK electrical testing facility.
Although BS 8020 was not written specifically for water-fed poles, gutter vacuum poles or similar high-reach cleaning equipment, it currently represents one of the closest established UK electrical insulation testing frameworks available.
Look Up Look Out recognises that a full BS 8020 certification process may not be appropriate or available for these products. However, aspects of the testing methodology, equipment and expertise available within BS 8020 testing facilities may still provide useful additional information regarding insulation performance.
For this reason, we encourage manufacturers to explore whether appropriate testing, assessment or verification can be undertaken through UK facilities with experience in BS 8020 electrical insulation testing.
Why We Support This Approach
We recognise that the current system is not perfect.
However, we believe that:
• independent testing is better than no testing;
• published evidence is better than unsupported claims;
• a Certificate of Conformity is useful where enhanced electrical safety is claimed;
• multiple layers of verification are better than a single test;
• clear limits are better than vague safety claims;
• greater transparency benefits manufacturers, retailers and end users alike.
Where a product is marketed using safety-related terms such as insulated, voltage-tested, anti-conductive, electrically safer, or similar, users should not be left to guess what that claim means.
UK product safety and advertising principles do not necessarily require every full technical report to be published in every case. However, safety-related claims should be clear, supportable and not misleading.
In practical terms, where a manufacturer has obtained independent testing, the clearest and fairest approach is to make a certificate, test summary, technical note, or clear explanation available alongside the product wherever possible.
This helps buyers understand what was tested, what voltage or method was used, which part of the product was tested, and what limits apply. It also protects responsible manufacturers and retailers from misunderstanding, exaggerated assumptions, or unfair comparison with products making vague or unsupported claims.
The Wider Safety Gap
The new industry guidance is a welcome step, but it is not the whole answer.
It is likely to help responsible suppliers who are already trying to improve safety, test products, explain claims and provide better evidence.
The greater concern is the wider market, where long conductive telescopic poles may still be sold for window cleaning, roof cleaning, gutter cleaning, camera work, decorating, Christmas lights and other domestic or commercial tasks without enhanced electrical protection or clear safety information.
Many of these products are bought by ordinary members of the public who may have no training, no risk assessment process and no understanding of overhead electrical hazards.
That is why Look Up Look Out believes the focus must not only be on certificates for improved products. It must also be on the products that remain outside those improvements.
Finding Independent Testing Facilities
To assist manufacturers, retailers and product developers, Look Up Look Out has compiled the directory of independent electrical testing and certification centres listed below.
We encourage companies seeking to improve product safety, verify insulation performance or explore additional testing options to contact suitable testing facilities directly to discuss their specific requirements.
The centres listed below may be able to provide guidance regarding testing methods, electrical insulation assessment, certification options or related technical services.
Our Long-Term Goal
Our long-term goal remains the development of a recognised testing framework specifically designed for water-fed poles, gutter vacuum poles and other high-reach telescopic cleaning equipment.
Until such a framework exists, we encourage manufacturers to continue improving insulation, publishing test data, obtaining independent verification, providing Certificates of Conformity where enhanced electrical safety is claimed, and sharing evidence openly with customers and the wider industry.
Every improvement in transparency and safety has the potential to save a life.
Directory Entries
United Kingdom
Organisation: Shocksafe / Richard Carter Ltd
Country: United Kingdom
Type: Manufacturer / tool maker
Why relevant / what to verify: BS 8020 insulated tools benchmark
Phone: 01484 666 806
Email: sales.desk@richardcarterltd.co.uk
Website: https://shocksafe.uk/
Organisation: JAFCO Tools Ltd
Country: United Kingdom
Type: Manufacturer / tool maker
Why relevant / what to verify: Insulated tool testing / insulated tool supply route
Phone: +44 (0)121 556 7700
Email: sales@jafcotools.com
Website: https://www.jafcotools.com/
Organisation: SATRA Technology Centre
Country: United Kingdom
Type: Testing / lab
Why relevant / what to verify: Certification and testing; confirm specific electrical insulation scope directly
Phone: +44 (0)1536 410000
Email: info@satra.com
Website: https://www.satra.com/
Organisation: Insulated Tools Ltd
Country: United Kingdom
Type: Manufacturer / lab
Why relevant / what to verify: IEC 60900 insulated tool testing route; confirm suitability for pole sections/assemblies
Phone: +44 (0)1342 324 255
Email: enquiries@insulatedtools.co.uk
Website: https://www.insulatedtools.co.uk/
Organisation: Kiwa Electrical Compliance
Country: United Kingdom
Type: Certification body
Why relevant / what to verify: Electrical safety testing; confirm relevant standard/scope directly
Phone: +44 (0)1495 229 219
Email: uk.kecsales@kiwa.com
Website: https://www.kiwa.com/
Organisation: Cranage EMC
Country: United Kingdom
Type: UKAS lab
Why relevant / what to verify: Product safety testing; verify current UKAS schedule and applicable standards
Phone: +44 (0)1630 658568
Email: info@cranage.co.uk
Website: https://www.cranage.co.uk/
Organisation: MS Testing
Country: United Kingdom
Type: UKAS lab
Why relevant / what to verify: Electrical testing; verify current UKAS schedule and applicable standards
Phone: +44 (0)1325 321366
Email: info@mstesting.co.uk
Website: https://www.mstesting.co.uk/
Organisation: TUV SUD
Country: United Kingdom
Type: Certification body / testing body
Why relevant / what to verify: Electrical safety testing; UK and international accreditation routes may be relevant; verify exact scope
Phone: +44 (0)1489 558100
Email: info.uk@tuvsud.com
Website: https://www.tuvsud.com/
Organisation: Eurofins / Eurofins York
Country: United Kingdom / International
Type: Testing / CB Scheme route
Why relevant / what to verify: Electrical product safety testing; IECEE CB Scheme route may be relevant; verify UKAS/CBTL scope
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.eurofins.com/electrical-and-electronics/
Organisation: Intertek
Country: United Kingdom / Global
Type: Testing, inspection and certification body
Why relevant / what to verify: Electrical product safety testing; added following MP office guidance; verify UKAS/ASTA/CB scope and site-specific accreditation
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.intertek.com/electrical-safety-testing/
Organisation: UL Solutions
Country: United Kingdom
Type: Certification body
Why relevant / what to verify: Global testing and certification; confirm relevant standard/scope directly
Phone: +44 1256 312 015
Email: cec@ul.com
Website: https://uk.ul.com/
Organisation: Element Materials Technology
Country: United Kingdom
Type: Testing / lab
Why relevant / what to verify: Electrical safety testing; verify UKAS/ISO/IEC 17025 schedule and applicability to pole sections/assemblies
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.element.com
Organisation: SGS United Kingdom Ltd
Country: United Kingdom
Type: Testing, inspection and certification body
Why relevant / what to verify: Electrical safety and product testing; verify UKAS schedule, electrical safety scope and report format
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.sgs.com
Organisation: BSI Assurance UK / BSI Product Testing
Country: United Kingdom
Type: Testing and certification body
Why relevant / what to verify: Product testing and certification; confirm relevant electrical insulation/dielectric scope for pole systems
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.bsigroup.com
Europe
Organisation: CATU
Country: France
Type: Lab / live-working specialist
Why relevant / what to verify: Live working testing; confirm pole section/assembly suitability
Phone: +33 (0)1 42 31 46 10
Email: service.tech@catuelec.com
Website: https://www.catuelec.com
Organisation: SERECT
Country: France
Type: Expert centre
Why relevant / what to verify: Live line expertise; may assist with test-route advice
Phone: +33 (0)3 68 35 54 00
Email: rte-cner-serect-contact@rte-france.com
Website: https://www.serect.fr
Organisation: KOLAB
Country: Spain
Type: Lab
Why relevant / what to verify: Electrical safety testing; confirm scope and accreditation
Phone: +34 91 621 66 54
Email: info@kolabensayos.com
Website: https://kolabensayos.com
Organisation: VDE
Country: Germany
Type: Institute
Why relevant / what to verify: Live working certification and electrical safety expertise
Phone: +49 69 8306-880
Email: Christoph.Nungaesser@vde.com
Website: https://www.vde.com
Organisation: DEKRA
Country: Germany
Type: Certification
Why relevant / what to verify: Global testing and certification; confirm relevant electrical insulation scope
Phone: +49 351 211 814 00
Email: DTC-Certification-body@dekra.com
Website: https://www.dekra.com
Organisation: IB-Lenhardt
Country: Germany
Type: Lab
Why relevant / what to verify: Product testing; confirm relevant electrical safety scope
Phone: +49 6894 38938-0
Email: info@ib-lenhardt.com
Website: https://ib-lenhardt.com
Organisation: Damstra
Country: Netherlands
Type: Lab
Why relevant / what to verify: Dielectric testing; confirm relevance to pole sections/assemblies
Phone: +31 (0)74 246 43 51
Email: info@damstra-lab.nl
Website: https://www.damstra-lab.nl
Organisation: Eurofins
Country: Finland / Europe
Type: Certification / testing body
Why relevant / what to verify: Electrical testing and international certification routes; verify IECEE/CBTL and local accreditation scope
Phone: +358 40 632 7151
Email: EEinfoFI@cpt.eurofinseu.com
Website: https://www.eurofins.fi
Organisation: OPA
Country: Poland
Type: HV lab
Why relevant / what to verify: High-voltage electrical equipment testing
Phone: +48 32 271-40-19
Email: mkl@opa.pl
Website: https://opa.pl
Organisation: SEP-BBJ
Country: Poland
Type: Certification
Why relevant / what to verify: Product testing and certification; confirm relevant electrical safety scope
Phone: +48 22 812 69 38
Email: bbj@bbj.pl
Website: https://www.bbj.pl
Organisation: Lukasiewicz IEL
Country: Poland
Type: Institute
Why relevant / what to verify: Protective equipment testing; confirm pole/assembly suitability
Phone: +48 22 11 25 225
Email: bok@iel.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Website: https://iel.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Organisation: Institute of Power Engineering
Country: Poland
Type: HV institute
Why relevant / what to verify: High-voltage testing and electrical expertise
Phone: +48 22 345 12 00
Email: instytut.energetyki@ien.com.pl
Website: https://ien.com.pl
Organisation: TUV Rheinland
Country: Germany / Europe
Type: Testing and certification body
Why relevant / what to verify: Insulating materials and tool testing; confirm IEC/EN 60900 suitability and pole section/assembly scope
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.tuv.com
Organisation: RISE Research Institutes of Sweden
Country: Sweden
Type: High-voltage testing / research institute
Why relevant / what to verify: Withstand-voltage and insulation-quality testing; confirm sample requirements, accreditation scope and report format
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.ri.se
Organisation: STRI AB
Country: Sweden
Type: Independent high-voltage test laboratory
Why relevant / what to verify: Accredited high-voltage and environmental testing; confirm applicability to pole sections/assemblies
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.stri.se
Organisation: LIZO Ltd Testing Laboratory
Country: Ukraine
Type: Testing laboratory
Why relevant / what to verify: Overhead-line hardware and electrical component testing; confirm applicability to insulated poles and assemblies
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://lizo-laboratory.com
Organisation: PEHLA GmbH
Country: Germany
Type: High-voltage testing route / lab association
Why relevant / what to verify: High-voltage and dielectric testing routes; confirm relevant PEHLA member lab, scope and report format
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.pehla.com
North America
Organisation: K-Line
Country: Canada
Type: Lab
Why relevant / what to verify: Hot stick testing / live-line equipment route
Phone: +1 (905) 640-2002
Email: opportunitieseast@k-line.ca
Website: https://k-line.ca
Organisation: LTL
Country: Canada
Type: Lab
Why relevant / what to verify: Line tool testing / electrical safety route
Phone: +1 416-742-6911
Email: main@ltl.ca
Website: https://ltl.ca
Organisation: Powertech
Country: Canada
Type: Lab
Why relevant / what to verify: High-voltage testing
Phone: +1 604.590.7500
Email: sales@powertechlabs.com
Website: https://powertechlabs.com
Organisation: Kinectrics
Country: Canada
Type: Testing
Why relevant / what to verify: Live working tools and electrical testing expertise
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.kinectrics.com
Organisation: JM Test Systems
Country: USA
Type: Lab
Why relevant / what to verify: Electrical testing; confirm hot-stick / dielectric scope
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.jmtest.com
Organisation: Copperhead Labs
Country: USA
Type: Lab
Why relevant / what to verify: Live-line testing; confirm pole/assembly suitability
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.copperheadlabs.com
Organisation: Burlington Safety
Country: USA
Type: Lab
Why relevant / what to verify: Dielectric testing; confirm relevant standards and report format
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.burlingtonsafety.com
Organisation: NAIL for PET
Country: United States / Canada
Type: Accreditation programme / accredited lab directory
Why relevant / what to verify: Electrical protective-equipment testing laboratory accreditation; use directory to identify accredited labs and confirm scope
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://nail4pet.org
Organisation: Arnett Testing Laboratory
Country: USA
Type: NAIL-accredited dielectric testing laboratory
Why relevant / what to verify: Hot-line tool and electrical protective equipment testing; confirm ASTM standards and report acceptance
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://hjarnett.com
Organisation: 70E Solutions
Country: USA
Type: Dielectric testing laboratory
Why relevant / what to verify: Hot-stick and live-line tool testing; confirm ASTM/OSHA scope and accreditation
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.70esolutions.com
Organisation: Domino Highvoltage Supply
Country: Canada / Puerto Rico
Type: Dielectric testing laboratory
Why relevant / what to verify: Dielectric tools and electrical safety equipment testing; confirm NAIL accreditation and local lab scope
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://dominohighvoltage.com
Organisation: Skarshaug Testing Laboratory
Country: USA
Type: Electrical safety testing laboratory
Why relevant / what to verify: High-voltage electrical protective equipment testing; confirm current NAIL scope and report format
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.skarshaug.com
Organisation: Saf-T-Gard / Voltgard Test Lab
Country: USA
Type: Dielectric testing laboratory
Why relevant / what to verify: Hot sticks, insulating hand tools and electrical safety equipment testing; confirm NAIL4PET scope and reporting
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.saftgard.com
Organisation: Protective Equipment Testing Laboratory (PETL)
Country: USA
Type: Protective equipment testing laboratory
Why relevant / what to verify: Electrical protective equipment and hot-stick testing/repair route; confirm NAIL accreditation and standards
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.petl.com
Organisation: Rexel Utility Service Centre
Country: Canada
Type: Dielectric testing service centre
Why relevant / what to verify: Dielectric testing and repair of electrical tools/safety equipment; confirm NAIL accreditation and report acceptance
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://rexelutility.ca
Organisation: Transcat
Country: USA / Canada
Type: Hot-stick testing and calibration provider
Why relevant / what to verify: ISO/IEC 17025-accredited hot-stick and dielectric withstand testing; confirm on-site/in-lab options and scope
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.transcat.com
Global / Certification
Organisation: CESI / KEMA
Country: Global
Type: HV testing
Why relevant / what to verify: High-voltage testing and certification programmes
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.cesi.it
Organisation: Intertek ASTA
Country: Global
Type: Certification
Why relevant / what to verify: HV certification / product safety certification route; verify applicable scope
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.intertek.com
Organisation: UL Solutions
Country: Global
Type: Certification
Why relevant / what to verify: Testing, inspection and certification; confirm applicable pole/insulation scope
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.ul.com
Organisation: CSA Group
Country: Global / Canada
Type: Testing and certification body
Why relevant / what to verify: Product testing and CB Scheme certification route; confirm relevant insulation/dielectric scope directly
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.csagroup.org
Organisation: Nemko
Country: Global / Norway
Type: Certification body / CB Scheme route
Why relevant / what to verify: Electrical product safety certification and CB Scheme route; confirm current NCB/CBTL scope
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.nemko.com
Organisation: Bureau Veritas / LCIE
Country: Global / France
Type: Testing and certification body
Why relevant / what to verify: Electrical safety testing and CB certification route; confirm LCIE/CBTL scope and applicability
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.bureauveritas.com
Organisation: Applus+ QPS
Country: Global / Canada
Type: NCB / CBTL / certification body
Why relevant / what to verify: IECEE CB Scheme route; confirm electrical safety test scope and product applicability
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.qps.ca
China
Organisation: Henan HV Institute
Country: China
Type: HV testing
Why relevant / what to verify: High-voltage products; confirm international recognition and report acceptance
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://en.gydqyjs.com
Organisation: Jiangsu Shangli
Country: China
Type: Lab
Why relevant / what to verify: Tool testing; confirm standards, accreditation and English-language reporting
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.sljcjs.cn
Organisation: Jiangsu Sudian
Country: China
Type: Lab
Why relevant / what to verify: Electrical testing; confirm standards, accreditation and English-language reporting
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.sudianjc.cn
Organisation: Luoyang Pengyue
Country: China
Type: Lab
Why relevant / what to verify: Inspection testing; confirm standards, accreditation and English-language reporting
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.lypengyue.cn
Organisation: Tianjin Jieen
Country: China
Type: Lab
Why relevant / what to verify: Tool testing; confirm standards, accreditation and English-language reporting
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.tjjieen.cn
Organisation: Guilin CEMT Technology Co., Ltd.
Country: China
Type: Electrical testing laboratory
Why relevant / what to verify: Electrical materials and insulation testing; confirm accreditation scope, English-language reporting and exact product/component tested
Phone: +86 773 560 3029
Email: postmaster@cemt.org.cn
Website: http://www.cemt.org.cn
Organisation: Shanghai Testing & Inspection Institute for Electrical Equipment Co., Ltd. (STIEE)
Country: China
Type: CB Testing Laboratory / electrical equipment testing institute
Why relevant / what to verify: IECEE CBTL route for electrical equipment; confirm insulation, dielectric and pole section/assembly scope directly
Phone: +86 (021) 62579429
Email: Not listed
Website: http://www.stiee.com
Organisation: China Quality Certification Centre / CQC
Country: China
Type: Certification body / CB Scheme route
Why relevant / what to verify: National Certification Body under the IECEE CB Scheme; confirm relevant testing route and accepted reports
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.cqc.com.cn
Organisation: CQC South China Testing Technology Co., Ltd.
Country: China
Type: Testing laboratory / CBTL route
Why relevant / what to verify: Electrical safety and performance testing; confirm CNAS/CMA/CBTL scope, English-language reporting and product/component tested
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.cqc.com.cn
Organisation: Suzhou Laice Testing Technology Co., Ltd.
Country: China
Type: Electrical safety tools testing laboratory
Why relevant / what to verify: Power-frequency withstand-voltage testing for electrical safety tools; confirm accreditation scope and report acceptance outside China
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://lecchina.com
Organisation: Dongguan Di'en Testing Co., Ltd.
Country: China
Type: Electrical safety tools testing laboratory
Why relevant / what to verify: Withstand-voltage and electrical safety tools testing; confirm accreditation scope, standards and English-language reporting
Phone: Not listed
Email: Not listed
Website: https://www.dn-testing.com
Website Wording Note
Where this directory is used on the website, keep the wording cautious. Suggested wording:
“Look Up, Look Out does not recommend any specific test centre. Where a manufacturer or supplier makes an electrical safety claim, users should ask whether the claim is supported by testing from a UKAS-accredited or internationally recognised body, and should check what part of the product was tested, what standard or method was used, and what the result does and does not prove.”
Review Note
This directory should be treated as a working list. Accreditation schedules, testing scopes, contact details and certification routes can change. Before publishing or relying on any entry, check the organisation directly and, where relevant, check the UKAS directory, IECEE CB Scheme records, or the organisation’s current accreditation documentation.