RI&E for Electrical Work Equipment (NEN 3140 §5)

The Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E) for electrical work equipment forms the basis of the NEN 3140 management system. Without a thorough RI&E, inspection frequency is arbitrary, and the organization does not comply with the Working Conditions Act (Arbowet). This article explains how to practically perform and document the RI&E.

Legal Basis

Article 5 of the Working Conditions Act (Arbowet) obliges every employer to conduct an RI&E for all hazards in the work environment, including electrical hazards. NEN 3140 §5 provides the elaboration for electrical work equipment: based on the RI&E outcome, the inspection frequency is determined for each category of work equipment.

The RI&E is not a one-time exercise. When new work equipment is purchased, the environment changes, or significant incidents occur, the RI&E must be updated.

What are electrical work equipment?

NEN 3140 distinguishes two main categories:

Portable electrical work equipment — drill presses, grinding discs, lighting equipment, extension cords, charging equipment.
Fixed electrical installations — distribution boards, switchgear cabinets, motor drives, lighting installations.

The RI&E covers both, but the inspection regime for portable work equipment is the most detailed because they are subjected to heavier loads and suffer damage more frequently.

Risk Factors in the RI&E

NEN 3140 §5 identifies the following factors that increase the risk score:

Environmental Factors

Factor	Explanation
Humid / Wet	Basements, wash bays, outdoors, bathrooms
Corrosive	Chemical industry, food industry, shipping
Mechanically Stressed	Construction sites, transport environments, maintenance workshops
High Temperature	Bakeries, foundries, factories with process heat
Explosive Atmosphere	ATEX zones 0/1/2 — separate legislation (NEN-EN 60079)

Usage Factors

Factor	Explanation
Intensive Use	≥ 4 hours per day, used almost daily
Regular Transport	Work equipment carried daily
Users without Electrical Training	Higher chance of incorrect usage
Shared Use	Greater chance of damage due to changing users

Construction Factors

Factor	Explanation
Class I (Earthed)	Higher risk if PE conductor is damaged
Class II (Double Insulated)	Lower risk; no dependency on earthing
Age	Work equipment older than 10 years — increased wear
Repair History	Previously repaired live parts — re-inspection required

Determining Inspection Frequency

Based on the RI&E outcome, a risk score is determined. NEN 3140 does not provide a fixed numerical table, but practice follows this bandwidth:

Risk Level	Description	Typical Frequency
Low	Dry office, light use, Class II, new	2 years
Normal	Industrial hall, normal use, Class I	1 year
Increased	Construction site, humid, intensive use	6 months
High	Corrosive or wet + intensive use	3 months
Immediately after incident	Electric shock, visible damage	Removed from service immediately + re-inspection

Practical Tip: Use color coding on the inspection sticker (e.g., green = normal, yellow = increased, red = high) so users can quickly see if work equipment has been recently inspected.

Execution of the RI&E — Step by Step

Step 1 — Inventory

Create a complete overview of all electrical work equipment: serial number, description, location, circuit (if applicable). Use a work equipment register (spreadsheet or CMMS).

Step 2 — Risk Assessment per Work Equipment

Assign a risk score to each work equipment based on the factors above. Involve the users: they know the practical conditions best.

Step 3 — Determine Inspection Frequency

Translate the risk score into an inspection interval (see table above). Document the justification: why was 6 months chosen instead of 1 year?

Step 4 — Execution of Inspection

Have the inspection performed by a VOP (Sufficiently Instructed Person) or an external inspection agency, depending on complexity. The inspection includes at least:

Visual inspection (cable, plug, housing)
Insulation resistance measurement (R_i ≥ 1 MΩ at 500 V DC for Class I)
Continuity measurement of PE conductor (R_PE ≤ 0,3 Ω for extension cables ≤ 5 m)
Functional test (switch works, locking mechanism functions)

Step 5 — Documentation and Sticker

Record the result in the work equipment register and on the work equipment itself (inspection sticker with date + expiry date). Keep inspection reports at least until the next inspection, preferably for 5 years.

Step 6 — Update upon Changes

Update the RI&E when:

New work equipment is purchased
Environment or usage method changes
Incidents occur (electric shock, visible damage, fire)
Results of internal audits or external inspections are available

Link with LOTO and VP

The RI&E is the foundation; execution relies on the broader NEN 3140 structure:

LOTO — the 5 steps: apply during maintenance based on the RI&E risk assessment.
VP — designation and tasks: the VP establishes the RI&E and signs off on inspection programs.
NEN 3140 inspection: the practical execution of the inspection.

Common Mistakes

RI&E is static — organizations create the RI&E once when implementing NEN 3140, but never update it. Result: outdated inspection frequencies that no longer match the practical situation.
No justification for frequency — the register states "1 year" but nowhere does it state why. In the event of an accident, the justification is legally essential.
Missing work equipment — temporarily hired equipment or clothing of freelancers is forgotten in the register. Nevertheless, the NEN 3140 obligation applies if the work equipment is used within the company.
Confusion between Class I / Class II — Class I equipment has higher requirements (PE continuity). Class II (symbol □□) may be used without PE but requires intact double insulation.

Summary


Legal Basis	Arbowet art. 5 + NEN 3140 §5
Goal of RI&E	Risk score per work equipment → inspection frequency
Key Factors	Environment, usage intensity, construction class
Frequency Band	3 months (high risk) to 2 years (low risk)
Responsible Party	VP establishes; VOP performs inspection
Documentation	Register + sticker + justification

RI&E for Electrical Equipment