Below is sections from the standard that contain descriptions of areas and duties related to PREI’s responsibilities.
Safe operation
Before carrying out any operation on an electrical installation an assessment of the electrical risks shall be made. This assessment shall specify how the operation shall be carried out and what safety measures and precautions are to be implemented to ensure safety.
Personnel
No person shall undertake any work activity where technical knowledge or experience is needed to prevent electrical danger or injury, unless that person has such technical knowledge or experience, or is under such supervision as is necessary for the work undertaken.
Organisation
PREI has the overall responsibility for the safe operation of an electrical installation, by setting rules and organisation or framework.
The PREI can be a natural person from the own organisation or a third-party organisation. In the case of a person from another organisation, it is recommended to document the nomination, the part of the installation the person is responsible for and the timescale of nomination in writing.
PREI can delegate a part of his/her duties to other persons. This should be documented.
Where two or more installations come together, it is essential that there are formal arrangements for consultation and cooperation between the nominated persons responsible for an electrical installation of each of those installations to ensure safety.
Access to all places where ordinary persons are exposed to electrical hazards shall be regulated. The method of regulation and control of access shall be the responsibility of PREI and shall comply with national requirements.
The PREI can be a natural person from the own organisation or a third-party organisation. In the case of a person from another organisation, it is recommended to document the nomination, the part of the installation the person is responsible for and the timescale of nomination in writing.
PREI can delegate a part of his/her duties to other persons. This should be documented.
Where two or more installations come together, it is essential that there are formal arrangements for consultation and cooperation between the nominated persons responsible for an electrical installation of each of those installations to ensure safety.
Access to all places where ordinary persons are exposed to electrical hazards shall be regulated. The method of regulation and control of access shall be the responsibility of PREI and shall comply with national requirements.
Work location
The work location shall be defined and marked clearly. Adequate working space, means of access and lighting shall be provided at all parts of an electrical installation on, with, or near which any work activity is to be carried out. Where necessary the safe access to the work location shall be clearly marked.
Suitable precautions shall be taken to prevent injury to persons from other hazards that are present in the work location and work activity such as mechanical or pressure systems or falls.
Objects which impede access and/or flammable materials shall not be placed adjacent to nor in or on access ways, escape routes to and from electrical switchgear and controlgear nor in those areas where personnel have to operate that equipment. Flammable materials stored next to or adjacent to electrical plant shall be kept away from all sources of ignition.
Suitable precautions shall be taken to prevent injury to persons from other hazards that are present in the work location and work activity such as mechanical or pressure systems or falls.
Objects which impede access and/or flammable materials shall not be placed adjacent to nor in or on access ways, escape routes to and from electrical switchgear and controlgear nor in those areas where personnel have to operate that equipment. Flammable materials stored next to or adjacent to electrical plant shall be kept away from all sources of ignition.
Tools, equipment and devices
Tools, equipment and devices shall comply with the requirements of relevant Standards where these exist.
Tools, equipment and devices shall be used in accordance with the instructions and/or guidance provided by the manufacturer or supplier. These instructions and/or guidance shall be in the language or languages of the country of use.
Any tools, equipment and devices provided for the purpose of safe operation of, or work on, with, or near electrical installations shall be suitable for that use, be maintained in a condition suitable for that use, and be properly used.
NOTE 1 “Maintained in a condition suitable for use” means periodic visual inspections and electrical testing where necessary including after repairs and/or modification to verify the electrical integrity and mechanical properties of the tools, equipment and devices.
NOTE 2 Equipment includes personal protective equipment.
All special tools, equipment and devices used during operation of or work on, with, or near an electrical installation shall be properly stored.
Tools, equipment and devices shall be used in accordance with the instructions and/or guidance provided by the manufacturer or supplier. These instructions and/or guidance shall be in the language or languages of the country of use.
Any tools, equipment and devices provided for the purpose of safe operation of, or work on, with, or near electrical installations shall be suitable for that use, be maintained in a condition suitable for that use, and be properly used.
NOTE 1 “Maintained in a condition suitable for use” means periodic visual inspections and electrical testing where necessary including after repairs and/or modification to verify the electrical integrity and mechanical properties of the tools, equipment and devices.
NOTE 2 Equipment includes personal protective equipment.
All special tools, equipment and devices used during operation of or work on, with, or near an electrical installation shall be properly stored.
Drawings and records
There shall be available up-to-date drawings and records for the electrical installation.
Signs
When necessary, during any work or operations adequate signs shall be displayed to draw attention to any relevant hazard. The signs shall comply with relevant European, National or International Standards where these exist.
Emergency arrangements
Suitable emergency arrangements shall be developed and implemented by the person overall responsible for electrical installations and safety at work for the case an electrical accident or incident takes place.
Operational procedures
In the case of activities as specified as operating activities and functional checks, as appropriate, suitable tools and equipment shall be used so that electrical danger to persons is prevented. These activities shall be subject to agreement of the nominated person responsible for an electrical installation.
Inspection
The purpose of inspection is to verify that an electrical installation is in accordance with safety regulations and the specified technical requirements of the relevant standards; the inspection may include verification of the normal state of that installation.New electrical installations as well as modifications and extensions of existing installations shall be inspected prior to their being brought into operation. Electrical installations shall be inspected at suitable intervals. The purpose of periodic inspections is to discover defects that can occur after commissioning and may impede the operation or generate hazards.
The inspection may include visual, examination, measuring and/or testing.
If defects constitute an immediate danger, these shall be rectified without delay, or these faulty parts shall be disconnected without delay and secured against reconnection.
The result of an inspection shall be recorded. Suitable corresponding remedial actions shall be taken where necessary and the results recorded in accordance with national and local requirements.
The inspection may include visual, examination, measuring and/or testing.
If defects constitute an immediate danger, these shall be rectified without delay, or these faulty parts shall be disconnected without delay and secured against reconnection.
The result of an inspection shall be recorded. Suitable corresponding remedial actions shall be taken where necessary and the results recorded in accordance with national and local requirements.
Maintenance
The purpose of maintenance is to keep the electrical installation in the required condition. Maintenance may consist of “preventive maintenance” which is carried out on a routine basis with the intention of preventing breakdown and keeping equipment in good condition, or “corrective maintenance” which is carried out to repair or replace a defective part.