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12 October 2026

Scope 8 or Scope 10? Choosing the Right Inspection for Your Electrical Risks

If you are responsible for a building, installation, or workplace, choosing between Scope 8 and Scope 10 can feel more complicated than it should. Both inspections focus on electrical safety, both involve detailed checks, and both can play an important role in reducing risk. The difference is that they address different types of electrical risk. Understanding that difference helps you make the right decision for your site, your employees, and your property.

At Wassenaar Inspecties, businesses can arrange both SCIOS Scope 8 inspections and SCIOS Scope 10 inspections. While the inspections share several technical elements, they are not interchangeable. Scope 8 focuses on occupational safety under the Dutch Working Conditions Act, while Scope 10 focuses on fire risks in electrical installations and is often linked to insurance requirements.

In this guide, you will learn what each inspection covers, how they differ, when each one is appropriate, and how to decide which inspection best matches your situation.

What is the difference between Scope 8 and Scope 10?

The short answer is simple:

That means the right choice depends on the primary risk you need to control.

Scope 8 in one sentence

A SCIOS Scope 8 inspection is a periodic inspection of electrical equipment and installations in relation to occupational safety and the requirements of the Arbowet.

Scope 10 in one sentence

A SCIOS Scope 10 inspection is an inspection of electrical installations focused on identifying and minimizing fire risks.

For many businesses, this distinction is the starting point:

What is a SCIOS Scope 8 inspection?

A Scope 8 inspection is designed to help ensure that electrical installations are safe for use by employees and comply with occupational safety standards. It is connected to the Dutch Working Conditions Act and focuses on minimizing work-related risks.

Wassenaar Inspecties carries out Scope 8 inspections using detailed drawings and documents, combined with visual checks and electrical measurements.

What does Scope 8 look at?

During a visual inspection, the inspector checks:

Measurements and tests verify:

When is Scope 8 relevant?

Scope 8 is particularly relevant for businesses that use:

In many cases, a Scope 8 inspection is mandatory due to the Working Conditions Act or specific insurance conditions. It supports safer working conditions and helps businesses control electrical risks that could endanger employees.

What is a SCIOS Scope 10 inspection?

A Scope 10 inspection focuses on reducing the risk of fire caused by electrical installations or equipment. This inspection looks beyond general electrical safety and concentrates specifically on conditions that could lead to overheating or fire.

Wassenaar Inspecties performs Scope 10 inspections using drawings and documents, visual checks, measurements, and an additional layer that distinguishes it from Scope 8: thermographic examination.

What does Scope 10 look at?

The visual inspection includes checks on:

Measurements and tests verify:

In addition, Scope 10 includes:

When is Scope 10 relevant?

Scope 10 is used where businesses need to assess and minimize fire risks from electrical equipment. It is often required by insurers as part of efforts to reduce the chance of electrical fires.

If your concern is business continuity, property protection, or compliance with insurance-related fire risk requirements, Scope 10 is often the inspection to prioritize.

Scope 8 vs Scope 10: side-by-side comparison

Aspect Scope 8 Scope 10
Main purpose Occupational safety Fire-risk reduction
Primary focus Employee safety under the Arbowet Fire safety in electrical installations
Typical driver Workplace compliance and safe working conditions Insurance requirements and property protection
Inspection methods Visual checks, measurements, drawings, documents Visual checks, measurements, drawings, documents, thermographic examination
Looks at environment and usage patterns Not stated as a core element Yes
Best for Workplaces where employee electrical safety must be controlled Buildings where electrical fire risk must be assessed and minimized

How to choose between Scope 8 and Scope 10

The best way to decide is to start with the risk you need to manage first.

Choose Scope 8 if your priority is workplace safety

Scope 8 is the right fit when your main question is:

Are our electrical installations and equipment safe for employees to use or work around?

This is especially relevant in workplaces with machinery, tools, distribution boards, heated workspaces, and lighting systems used daily by staff.

Choose Scope 10 if your priority is fire risk

Scope 10 is the right fit when your main question is:

Could our electrical installation create a fire hazard, and do we need to reduce that risk for safety or insurance reasons?

This is often the case in commercial properties where continuity, property protection, and insurer expectations carry significant weight.

Consider both if you need broader coverage

Because workplace safety and fire safety are not the same thing, some businesses benefit from arranging both Scope 8 and Scope 10. One addresses employee risk under occupational safety rules, while the other addresses the risk of fire.

For organisations that want a broader view of electrical risk, combining both inspections can create more insight, improve safety, and reduce blind spots.

What happens during the inspection process?

A professional inspection process is easier when everyone knows what to expect.

Before the inspection

Before the inspection takes place, Wassenaar Inspecties sends the client an Inspectierapport. This form must be completed and signed so there is permission to work at the location and in the fusebox.

For a Scope 12 inspection, clients are also asked, where possible, to provide a legplan, Stringplan, Ballastplan, and Constructieberekening.

During the inspection

During an inspection, it is advised that the client:

After the inspection

If serious findings are identified, the customer is expected to have these issues resolved by an external company. After that, the Herstelverklaring should be returned so an inspector can assess whether the repairs were carried out correctly.

If an installation does not comply, a detailed report is issued with identified defects and recommendations for improvement. After corrections, a re-inspection can be requested.

Which equipment is used for Scope 8 and Scope 10 inspections?

Wassenaar Inspecties uses different equipment depending on the inspection scope.

Scope 8 equipment

For Scope 8 inspections, the equipment used includes:

Scope 10 equipment

For Scope 10 inspections, Wassenaar Inspecties uses the same tools as for Scope 8, plus thermal imaging equipment:

All instruments are properly calibrated on time.

How long does it take to schedule an inspection?

The waiting time depends on the size of the installation. If a site has 1 or 2 fuseboxes, the estimated waiting time is usually around 3 weeks.

For larger or more complex installations, planning may differ depending on the scope and extent of the work.

Why certification matters

Both Scope 8 and Scope 10 are specialist inspections. Wassenaar Inspecties states that customers should rely only on inspection bodies with official SCIOS certification for the relevant scope.

Wassenaar Inspecties is officially certified for both:

The company also states that its inspectors must have:

In addition, inspectors undergo a thorough audit once every three years to test their aptitude.

Who typically uses these inspections?

Wassenaar Inspecties serves businesses that use electrical installations and equipment, and it works with both residential and commercial customers nationwide.

It has carried out inspections at important locations such as:

The company also routinely inspects large chains such as:

Practical tips for choosing the right inspection

If you are still deciding between Scope 8 and Scope 10, use this checklist:

  1. Define your main risk
    Is your biggest concern employee safety or fire safety?

  2. Review your obligations
    Check whether your situation is driven by the Arbowet, insurer requirements, or both.

  3. Consider your installation type
    Workplaces with active staff use, machinery, tools, and electrical work equipment often need a strong focus on occupational safety.

  4. Think about consequences
    Employee injury and fire damage are different risks and may require different inspection strategies.

  5. Look at the bigger picture
    If you want broader control over electrical risk, combining Scope 8 and Scope 10 may be the most effective route.

Depending on your site, you may also want to explore related inspection services such as:

These services can be relevant when you want a wider approach to electrical compliance, safety, and reliability across different systems.

Wassenaar Inspecties locations and support

Wassenaar Inspecties can be quickly on-site anywhere in the Netherlands and has the following branch locations:

Customer support is available Monday to Friday, from 09:00–17:00. Wassenaar Inspecties states that it is always available to help with questions about its services and to guide clients through the inspection process.

Conclusion: which inspection should you choose?

If you are comparing Scope 8 or Scope 10, the decision comes down to the type of electrical risk you need to manage.

A well-chosen inspection does more than check a box. It helps create safer working conditions, supports compliance, and can reduce the chance of serious incidents.

If you want help deciding between Scope 8 and Scope 10, or you are ready to schedule an inspection, contact Wassenaar Inspecties for information, guidance, or a quotation. Payment is usually expected within 2 weeks of receiving an invoice.

Wassenaar Inspecties also holds a 4.7 star rating on Google, and its inspectors carry a Google Review Card so customers can leave honest feedback after the service.