This article continues the detailed analysis of CEI Standard 11-27 in its 2021 edition, examining further features and amendments compared to the previous version. While the scope of the standard remains essentially unchanged, the procedures and duties assigned to the professional figures discussed in the previous article have undergone some significant modifications. The following sections detail the most important changes.
Electrical work, live working zones, exclusions.
- First, note the clarification of the definition of “electrical work” as “any work activity carried out in the live working zone or in the proximity zone, since in those zones any worker may be exposed to electrical risk, whether operating directly on live or de-energised parts of the electrical installation, or performing work of a non-electrical nature, such as masonry, painting, tree trimming, etc. (…)”. The “live working zone” is now explicitly referenced alongside the “proximity zone”, reaffirming that where non-skilled or non-instructed personnel (i.e. an Ordinary Person, PEC) are present, supervision by a PES and/or PAV is essential, as they are responsible for “implementing all safety measures necessary to prevent PEC operators from engaging in behaviour that could endanger their health”.
The “live working zone” is now explicitly referenced alongside the “proximity zone”, reaffirming that where non-skilled or non-instructed personnel (i.e. an Ordinary Person, PEC) are present, supervision by a PES and/or PAV is essential, as they are responsible for “implementing all safety measures necessary to prevent PEC operators from engaging in behaviour that could endanger their health”.
- Paragraph 5 (“Operating procedures”) specifies that any activities carried out “not under voltage” on installations may be performed by a PEC only under the surveillance of a PES or PAV; the previous edition also permitted simple supervision. Under CEI Standard 11-27, however, “surveillance” means “constant monitoring activity […] designed to prevent dangerous actions” — effectively requiring the physical presence of a PES or PAV to oversee PEC personnel. This represents a tightening of operational control requirements, including for preventive purposes.
- Also in relation to “live working”, paragraph 6.3.4.5 introduces clarifications to exclude certain scenarios: as before, switching operations and the use of voltage detectors, etc., do not constitute “live working” (CEI Standard 11-15), specifying that this may also apply where such operations are carried out “on electrical installations or equipment under voltage exceeding 1000 V AC and 1500 V DC, constructed in compliance with the relevant technical standards, provided that equipment and procedures conforming to technical standards are used and that personnel are adequately trained and instructed”. Testing and fault-finding are also excluded, provided it is guaranteed (following a specific risk analysis) that such parts cannot be re-energised (even without earthing and short-circuiting) and cannot be reactivated (e.g. through lock-out/tag-out procedures).
Testing and fault-finding are also excluded, provided it is guaranteed (following a specific risk analysis) that such parts cannot be re-energised (even without earthing and short-circuiting) and cannot be reactivated (e.g. through lock-out/tag-out procedures).
Organisation of activities and complex works.
From an organisational standpoint, the “Organisation” paragraph notably corrects the term “interfaced” to the more appropriate “interfering”, referring to installation characteristics requiring proper consultation and coordination during work phases — although this may be somewhat redundant, since correct application of Article 26 of the Consolidated Act (or Title IV) already ensures safety coordination during works (including) on electrical installations. Regarding complex works, the standard specifies that “within a Work Plan covering the same complex installation, multiple independent work sites may be identified, each under the responsibility of a Work Supervisor (PL), in which case the Installation Manager (RI) shall coordinate the safety isolation and return-to-service operations”. Where, however, the complex work can be divided into multiple sites that are not independent of each other and a single PL cannot effectively oversee the entire operation, it is necessary to “assign part of the duties for each subdivision to other operators, who must nonetheless be coordinated by the single PL”. In practice, the standard explicitly establishes a supervisory structure comprising Work Supervisors (PL) and an Installation Manager (RI) acting as coordinator. Paragraph 4.12 also reinforces the operational definition of “RI (person designated to operate the electrical installation)”, specifying that certain RI duties may be delegated to other PES-qualified figures, who then assume responsibility for those operations (e.g. preparation of Work Plans, handover of installations upon completion of works, etc.).
Regarding complex works, the standard specifies that “within a Work Plan covering the same complex installation, multiple independent work sites may be identified, each under the responsibility of a Work Supervisor (PL), in which case the Installation Manager (RI) shall coordinate the safety isolation and return-to-service operations”. Where, however, the complex work can be divided into multiple sites that are not independent of each other and a single PL cannot effectively oversee the entire operation, it is necessary to “assign part of the duties for each subdivision to other operators, who must nonetheless be coordinated by the single PL”.
In practice, the standard explicitly establishes a supervisory structure comprising Work Supervisors (PL) and an Installation Manager (RI) acting as coordinator.
Paragraph 4.12 also reinforces the operational definition of “RI (person designated to operate the electrical installation)”, specifying that certain RI duties may be delegated to other PES-qualified figures, who then assume responsibility for those operations (e.g. preparation of Work Plans, handover of installations upon completion of works, etc.).
Regarding the selection of operating procedures for live working (a responsibility of the Work Supervisor, PL), the standard emphasises the obligation to consider, in addition to the amount of short-circuit current present, also the operating time of the protections against such currents: previously, the time factor was not among the requirements for protective devices (e.g. circuit breakers, fuses, etc.). The Work Supervisor (PL) must therefore be familiar with the installation’s characteristics in terms of supply and protection, and aware of the relationship between exposure time / current magnitude and potential harm to operators, thereby demonstrating highly specific practical competences.
The Work Supervisor (PL) must therefore be familiar with the installation’s characteristics in terms of supply and protection, and aware of the relationship between exposure time / current magnitude and potential harm to operators, thereby demonstrating highly specific practical competences.
Annexes
Lastly, the new edition of the standard contains several amendments and additions to the annexes: templates for Work Plans and Intervention Plans aligned with the amendments described above; a new annex (Annex H, “Additional information for safe working”) which sets out, with appropriate examples: a) levels of responsibility and b) management schemes for complex works and limits of competence.
Templates for Work Plans and Intervention Plans aligned with the amendments described above;
A new annex (Annex H, “Additional information for safe working”) which sets out, with appropriate examples: a) levels of responsibility and b) management schemes for complex works and limits of competence.
Building on the previous edition, CEI Standard 11-27:2021 refines a number of measures, bringing them up to date and making them more consistent — and, it is hoped, safer — for the personnel involved, reaffirming its function as an organisational and operational reference for all management.
By the CEPER Editorial Team