What is the recommended length of a tool tether?

The recommended length of a tool tether is based on ensuring safety and functionality while minimizing the risk of foreign object debris (FOD) during work operations. A minimum length is prescribed to allow the user sufficient reach to perform tasks comfortably and effectively without the tether becoming a hazard itself.

When the tether is too short, it can lead to awkward movements or the potential for tools to be dropped, which increases the chance of an FOD incident. Conversely, a tether that is too long can create a risk of entanglement or the tool moving out of the worker's control. Thus, having a minimum length assists in balancing these concerns by allowing workers to maintain good ergonomic posture and ensuring that tools remain securely attached while in use.

The other options, like specifying a maximum length or a specific additional length compared to the tool size, do not address the primary objective of ensuring safety and ease of use combined with effective use of the tether. The approach of determining a tether length as "long as necessary" lacks the structure needed to promote safety standards and best practices effectively. Therefore, having guidelines that recommend a minimum length is critical for operational safety and efficiency.