Installation responsible person and work responsible person (NEN 3140)

Under NEN 3140, the installation responsible person (IV) is the person responsible for the technically safe operation of an electrical installation and its electrical work equipment. The work responsible person (WV) is responsible for the safe execution of a specific piece of work on or near that installation. The employer appoints both in writing. If no IV has been appointed, the employer is the IV itself.

This is how Techniek Nederland describes the four appointments in NEN 3140: IV, WV, competent person (VP) and sufficiently instructed person (VOP). This page covers the two responsible roles. The executive roles are on appointing VPs and VOPs.

One person can be both IV and WV, especially in a small company. What matters is that it is on paper who has which role, for which installation.

What does an installation responsible person do?

The IV is the owner of the safety of the installation. According to Techniek Nederland, the IV organises and manages the work processes, authorities, procedures and inspections. The IV usually does not work on the installation themselves, but makes sure it is well arranged.

Duty of the IV	Practical example
Record inspection intervals	”Workshop fully every 3 years, visual check every six months”
Arrange inspections and follow them up	Have the defects in the Scope 8 report repaired and signed off
Keep schedules up to date	After each extension, have the drawing updated
Give permission for work	Approval before a distribution board is opened
Set rules for work on the installation	Agreements on switching off, locking out and measuring
Supervise the testing of work equipment	Check the testing register

According to NEN , the IV decides and records how often a visual check takes place. If they record nothing, yearly applies. That makes the IV the linchpin of your NEN 3140 inspection.

What does a work responsible person do?

The WV is responsible for one job: replacing a distribution board, connecting a machine, extending a group. They organise, instruct, check and supervise the execution. The WV is often the supervising fitter or the project manager. For how such work is carried out de-energised, read working dead.

	Installation responsible person (IV)	Work responsible person (WV)
Responsible for	The installation, continuously	One job, temporarily
Core question	Is the installation safe in use?	Is this work carried out safely?
Typical role	Head of technical services, facilities manager, external IV	Supervising fitter, project manager
Works on the installation themselves?	Usually not	Sometimes, or directs VPs and VOPs
Communication	Gives permission for the work	Asks for permission and reports completion

Example: IV and WV on one job

An installer needs to install a new group in a distribution board of a supermarket. The installer’s WV reports to the supermarket’s IV. Together they agree which part will be de-energised, when, and who manages the lock-out. Afterwards, the WV reports the job as completed and delivers the updated schedule. The IV records that in the documentation.

What requirements apply to an IV or WV?

NEN says that the IV and WV have sufficient technical knowledge, gained through training and/or experience. The employer assesses whether someone meets that requirement. There is no statutory diploma for it, but there is a wide range of courses.

A course certificate is not an appointment. The employer must still appoint the person in writing, for a defined installation. What belongs in that appointment is set out on appointing VPs and VOPs.

Assign the IV internally or externally?

Since the amendment of 2019, an IV may delegate parts of their responsibilities, provided this is recorded in writing. Many organisations without their own technical department therefore assign the role to an installation company. The employer still keeps its duty of care under the Arbowet (Dutch Working Conditions Act).

Choice	Suits	Note
Own employee as IV	Companies with a technical department	Arrange a replacement for holidays or sickness
External or delegated IV	Offices, care, education, retail	Record tasks, availability and powers in a contract
No appointment	Nobody	The employer is then automatically the IV, often without realising it

Example division of tasks under NEN 3140

A fictional food company with 80 employees records the roles as follows:

Role	Person	For which installation	Appointed by
Ultimately responsible employer	Director	Entire organisation	n/a
Installation responsible person	Head of technical services	All installations at the Zwolle site	Director
Work responsible person	Team leader fitters	Technical services work	Director, on advice of the IV
Competent person	3 fitters	Distribution boards and production machines	Director, on advice of the IV
Sufficiently instructed person	6 operators	Resetting machines, replacing fuses	Director, on advice of the IV

Put this overview up at the technical services department and include it in your RI&E (risk inventory and evaluation). Then everyone knows whom to go to.

What does the inspector or auditor want to see?

A written appointment of the IV, signed by the employer
Appointments of WVs, VPs and VOPs, with a definition of the installations and tasks
Recorded inspection intervals and the latest inspection reports
Proof that the IV follows up on defects

A VCA auditor or an ISO 45001 auditor mainly asks about the last point: is anything actually done with the findings?

Common mistakes with the installation responsible person

Appointing nobody. Then the director is the IV, without the knowledge or time to fill that role.
Appointing an IV without defining the scope. “IV for everything” does not work with several locations or with a high-voltage installation (which falls under NEN 3840).
Assuming the installer is “the IV by default”. That only applies if it has been agreed in writing.
Not arranging a replacement. Work that needs the IV’s permission then stops.

Frequently asked questions about the installation responsible person

Does an office also need an installation responsible person?

Yes. Since the 2019 amendment, every electrical installation and every item of electrical work equipment must fall under an IV. That includes a small office. The IV role can often be assigned to an installation company or a facilities provider.

Can one IV be responsible for several locations?

Yes, as long as they know the installations and are reachable. Name in the appointment which locations and installations are covered. With many locations, one IV per region or per building often works better.

How do you become an installation responsible person?

You need sufficient electrical technical knowledge and experience, and a written appointment from your employer. Many IVs follow a course for installation and work responsible persons, for example through Techniek Nederland. The course is a tool; the appointment makes you the IV.

What is the difference between the IV and the employer?

The employer remains ultimately responsible for safe working conditions. It appoints the IV and signs the appointment. The IV carries out the technical responsibility. Delegation is allowed, but the duty of care under the Arbowet stays with the employer.