Who is required to comply with EN 50110-1?

Discover the division of responsibilities

Who is required to comply with NEN 9140? This question concerns many professionals working in the electric vehicle sector. Whether you are an experienced electrician or a business owner responsible for workplace safety, it is crucial to know exactly who falls under this standard. In this article, we take a closer look at the EN 50110-1 standard, examine the division of responsibilities, and explore who is required to comply with this standard.

The basics of the EN 50110-1:

Who qualifies?

The EN 50110-1 standard is an important standard that ensures safety when working on electric vehicle installations. But who is this standard actually mandatory for? Essentially, EN 50110-1 applies to anyone performing work on or near electric vehicle installations. 
This means that a wide range of professionals can be affected by it.

Let’s take a look at the different roles defined by the NEN9140​-norm:

  • Worker (W)

  • Work Controller (WC)

  • Operation Controller (OC)

Each of these roles has specific responsibilities and authorities. It is important to understand that the requirement is not so much tied to a job title but to the actual work a person performs. For example, an operator may in some cases be designated as a W (worker), while a service technician is often considered a WC (work controller).

Many companies find that implementing the EN 50110-1 standard leads to a clearer division of responsibilities and increased safety awareness among staff. An electrical company from Rotterdam told us: 

"Since we implemented the EN 50110-1 standard, we’ve noticed that our employees are much more safety-conscious. It has truly had a positive impact on our company culture."

John DOE • CEO of MyCompany

The EN 50110-1 matrix: a useful tool​

An important part of the EN 50110-1 standard is the so-called matrix. This matrix provides an overview of who is authorized to perform which tasks based on their designation. It is an indispensable tool for companies to assign the right people to the right tasks.

The matrix distinguishes different types of tasks, such as:

  • Visual inspections
  • Measurements and testing
  • Replacement of components
  • Complex repairs

For each type of task, the required level of competence is indicated. This ensures that everyone within the organization knows exactly what is and isn’t part of their responsibilities.



An HR manager from a large manufacturing company shared her experience:​

"The EN 50110-1 matrix has been extremely helpful in creating job profiles and assigning tasks. It provides clarity and prevents people from performing work for which they are not qualified."

John DOE • CEO of MyCompany

Employer Obligations

Ensure the correct designations

Step 1

Map out which electric vehicle-related tasks are performed 
within your organization.

Step 2

Determine which employees perform these tasks.

Step 3

Provide the appropriate education and training 
to qualify employees for their role.

Step 4

Prepare written designations clearly outlining the responsibilities.

Step 5

Ensure regular evaluations and additional training where needed.


Would you like to see an example of a proper appointment letter for a W, WC, or OC? 

Download an example appointment letter here that you can use for your own organization.​

The role of education and training in EN 50110-1 compliance

To comply with the EN 50110-1 standard, it is essential that employees possess the proper knowledge and skills. This means that education and training play a crucial role. Whether it is a basic training for a worker, or a follow-up training for a work controller,  investing in education is of great importance.

Many organizations choose to organize internal training, while others make use of specialized training institutes. The advantage of external training is that employees often receive the most up-to-date information and can learn from experiences in other companies.

A training coordinator at a technical training center noted:

"We are seeing an increasing demand for EN 50110-1 related training. Companies realize that well-trained employees not only work more safely but also more efficiently and make fewer mistakes."

The future of electric vehicle safety: Stay up-to-date

The world of electrical engineering is constantly evolving. New technologies and methods require continuous updates to safety protocols. That’s why it’s important not only to comply with the EN50110-1 standard once, but to view it as an ongoing process.

Here are some tips to stay up-to-date:​

  • Regularly attend refresher courses

  • Stay informed about updates to the standard

  • Exchange experiences with colleagues in the industry

  • Evaluate your internal processes regularly and adjust them where needed

A safety consultant with many years of experience in the industry emphasized:

"Safety is not a one-time action but a continuous process. Companies that truly embrace the EN 50110-1 standard see it as an opportunity to elevate their entire organization to a higher level."

Take action today for a safer working environment

Now that you know who the​ EN 50110-1 standard applies to and how to comply with it, it’s time to take action. Whether you run a small electrical company or are responsible for safety in a large industrial environment, implementing the EN 50110-1 standard is essential for the safety of your employees and the quality of your work.

Start today by mapping out all electric-vehicle-related tasks within your organization. Identify who performs which activities and ensure the correct role designations are assigned. Invest in education and training, and make safety an integral part of your company culture.

For more information about the responsibilities of VOP, VP, and WV, read Designating W, WC, and OC.

For a detailed overview of the levels within the​ EN50110-1 standard look at Levels within EN50110-1.


Do you want to learn more about how to implement the EN 50110-1 standard in your organization? 

Visit our webshop and explore our training modules and Learning Management System (LMS) that help you comply with this essential standard.

Ready to invest in the safety of your employees?

Check out the courses and certifications in our webshop, designed to comply with the EN 50110-1standard.