Self-testing according to DIN EN 1090

Self-inspection according to DIN EN 1090 is mandatory for certified metal and steel construction companies. It ensures that load-bearing components are manufactured, coated, and assembled in accordance with standards and that CE marking can be legally affixed.

On this page you will find a compact overview of the most important requirements, a practical checklist for self-inspection and the appropriate measuring technology for all test points.

Briefly explained: DIN EN 1090 in 5 points

• What does DIN EN 1090 regulate? It defines throughout Europe how load-bearing steel and aluminium structures must be planned, manufactured, tested and documented.

• Who does it apply to? All companies that manufacture, assemble or distribute load-bearing components – from small metal construction companies to steel construction firms.
• What does the standard require? Evidence of material quality, qualified welding procedures and welders, corrosion protection, dimensional and assembly checks, and effective factory production control (FPC).

• What role does self-inspection play? It documents that every component and every coating complies with the specifications and forms the basis for the declaration of conformity and CE marking.

• Advantages for companies: legal certainty, verifiable quality for customers and auditors, lower risk of complaints and a strengthened market position.

Self-assessment checklist, step by step

1. Planning and documents

Prepare execution and welding plans, specifications, testing and assembly instructions.

Clarify and document responsibilities as well as execution and manufacturing class (EXC).

2. Incoming goods inspection

Check material certificates (e.g. EN 10204), clearly assign them to the components and document any deviations.

Ensure the identification and traceability of materials (storage, cutting, construction site).

In case of ambiguities (missing certificates, incorrect quality ratings), block and clarify before further processing.

3. Weld inspection

Visual inspection of the welds according to the welding and inspection plan: shape defects, fusion defects, pores, cracks, impermissible spatter.

Depending on the execution class, plan additional non-destructive tests (e.g. VT, PT, MT, UT) and document the results.

Regularly review and assign welder qualifications and procedure qualifications (WPQR).

4. Dimensional and geometric inspection

Check main dimensions, lengths, angles, hole patterns, flatness and fit against the drawing.

Select appropriate measuring instruments (e.g. tape measure, calipers, angles, dial gauges) and keep an eye on their calibration status.

Document deviations from the tolerance standards and, if necessary, initiate corrective measures.

5. Corrosion protection / coating

Check surface preparation: cleanliness level according to ISO 8501, roughness profile according to ISO 8503.

Monitor and document climatic conditions during blasting and coating (surface and air temperature, relative humidity, dew point).

Check wet and dry film thicknesses according to EN 1090 and ISO 12944 and record them as a series of measurements.

6. Assembly and functional testing

Check that all components are correctly assembled according to the assembly instructions (position, orientation, connection details).

Verifiably check connecting elements (e.g. screws, dowels) for completeness and tightness.

Perform functional testing: test moving parts, locking mechanisms and safety-relevant components for proper function.

7. Final documentation and archiving

Create a final test report from all individual tests (measurement protocols, acceptance reports, photos).

Clearly present deviations, rework and approvals (e.g. in a checklist or form).

Securely archive all documents in accordance with standards and certification requirements so that they are available for later inspections and verification.

Measuring technology for all testing requirements according to EN 1090

After planning in accordance with standards, the right measuring technology is key to reliable self-inspection. The following tables link typical testing obligations and standards with suitable measuring instruments. You can use these overviews directly as a template for your self-inspection checklist or your quality management manual.

FAQ on self-testing according to DIN EN 1090

Does every metal construction company have to carry out a self-inspection according to DIN EN 1090?

Yes, as soon as load-bearing components with CE marking are manufactured or assembled, the standard requires documented self-testing as part of the factory's own production control.

How long must documents for self-assessment be kept?

The exact timeframe depends on the contract and the certifier; in practice, periods of up to 10 years are often set for load-bearing structures.

Which measurement technology is particularly important for corrosion protection?

Typically, dew point measuring devices, roughness and coating thickness measuring devices, possibly pore testing devices and adhesion testing devices – depending on the required scope of testing according to the standards and the customer.

Can the self-assessment be digitally documented?

Yes. Modern measuring devices with storage and export functions facilitate digital logging; important are a clean assignment to components/projects and audit-proof archiving.

• If you require measuring equipment or assistance with selection for your EN-1090 self-test, contact mtv messtechnik or visit our B2B shop.

Self-testing according to DIN EN 1090: Requirements and relevance

Self-testing according to DIN EN 1090 is permitted under certain conditions and can be useful to ensure that the requirements of the standard are met. Here are the most important points to consider:

Requirements for self-assessment

1. Competence and qualifications:

• The person performing the self-inspection must possess sufficient expertise and qualifications in the field of welding technology and materials testing. This can be demonstrated through relevant training and further education as well as practical experience.

2. Quality assurance system:

• Your company must be able to demonstrate a documented and certified quality assurance system in accordance with DIN EN 1090.
• This includes, among other things, an in-house production control system (PPC) that is regularly audited.

3. Equipment and procedures:

• Suitable testing equipment and procedures must be available to carry out the required tests.
• This includes, for example, non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment and measuring tools.

Meaningfulness of self-assessment

Self-assessment can be useful in the following cases and offers these advantages:

1. Cost savings:

• Internal audits can save costs for external inspectors, especially for regular or extensive audits.

2. Flexibility and efficiency:

• In-house testing enables flexible and timely implementation of the necessary checks, which can increase the efficiency of production processes.

3. Internal quality control:

• Internal audits strengthen awareness of quality within the company and promote continuous improvement of production processes.

The need for a FROSIO inspector

A FROSIO inspector (International Committee for Training and Certification of Inspection Personnel) specializes in coatings and corrosion protection and is not strictly required by DIN EN 1090. However, consulting a FROSIO inspector may be advisable or necessary in the following cases:

Specific requirements for corrosion protection:

• If the design has special corrosion protection requirements that necessitate professional coating and inspection, a FROSIO inspector is advisable.

External certifications:

• For projects requiring external certification of corrosion protection, a FROSIO inspector may be necessary to provide the relevant evidence.

Conclusion

Self-inspection according to DIN EN 1090 is permitted and advisable if the necessary prerequisites are met, in particular the qualification of the inspector and the existence of a certified quality assurance system. It is not mandatory to commission a FROSIO inspector unless specific corrosion protection requirements or external certifications necessitate it.

For detailed requirements and specific project conditions, you should consult DIN EN 1090 as well as the relevant regulations and guidelines.

Details on surface testing equipment for FROSIO inspectors can be found here.

Sources:

• DIN EN 1090 Standard text
• FROSIO
• German Institute for Standardization (DIN)

DIN EN 1090: What's behind it? A brief summary.

• DIN EN 1090 is used in metal construction. What exactly does the DIN EN 1090 standard include?

• What is DIN EN 1090? DIN EN 1090 is a European standard system that regulates the quality assurance and certification of steel and aluminium structures.

• Requirements for manufacturing companies according to DIN EN 1090: Uniform requirements for the design, manufacture and testing of load-bearing components in the EU.

• Compliance with DIN EN 1090 requirements: Specific requirements for material quality, processing and documentation.

• Obtaining a DIN EN 1090 Declaration of Conformity: Necessary steps for companies to obtain the declaration of conformity.

• Benefits of complying with DIN EN 1090 for companies: Improved products, strengthened reputation and cost savings through conformity.

• Compliance with DIN EN 1090 is crucial for the competitiveness and market acceptance of steel and aluminium construction products.

• This information does not replace reading the complete standards; the current editions of DIN EN 1090 and the associated ISO standards always remain authoritative.