Safe operation of electrical installations in EU

The European Standard EN 50110-1 "Operation of electrical installations" sets out the requirements for the safe operation of and work activity on, with, or near electrical installations. In Europe there are many national laws, standards and internal rules dealing with the matters coming within the scope of this standard and these practices have been taken as a basis for this standard. This paper summarizes the Std. EN 50110-1, showing in comparison definitions and terms adopted by the IEEE Standard 902. It is believed to be a first decisive step to the gradual alignment in Europe of the safety levels associated with the operation of, work activity on, with, or near electrical installations. This document acknowledges the present different national requirements for safety. The intention is, over the course of time, to create a common level of safety. Even the best rules and procedures are of no value unless all persons working on, with, or near electrical installations are thoroughly conversant with them and with all legal requirements and comply strictly with them. Considering that the possibility of injury is not avoidable, to guarantee and to reward the efforts for the best safety, the judgement of working accidents should be given out by persons of competence qualifying them like skilled or instructed persons.