Standards & Regulations for Industrial Inspection – Overview for Operators and Inspectors
BetrSichV, DGUV, API, EN, TRBS – industrial inspections are subject to a dense framework of German ordinances, European standards and international codes. This overview maps the most important standards by application area and explains how drone inspection data (4K, LiDAR, thermography) can be used as an inspection basis.
- BetrSichV / TRBS – German plant safety framework and technical rules
- API 510 / 653 / 570 – international standards for vessels, tanks and pipework
- DIN EN 12952 / 12953 – European boiler standards
- ATEX, DGUV, maritime class rules – all major areas covered
Why Standards Matter in Inspection
Industrial inspections are subject to a dense framework of standards from German ordinances, European norms and international codes. For operators this is often confusing – which standard applies to my boiler? Which regulation governs tank inspection? Do inspection authorities accept drone data?
This overview maps the most important standards by application area and explains how drone inspection data (4K, LiDAR, thermography) can be used as an inspection basis.
Important note: Every inspection authority (TÜV, DEKRA, DNV, Lloyd’s Register, ABS etc.) decides independently whether and to what extent it accepts drone-supported inspection data as an inspection basis. We make no blanket acceptance claims.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes and does not replace legal advice. Inspectomatic GmbH accepts no liability for the accuracy, completeness or currency of the information. The authoritative texts are always the current versions of the ordinances at gesetze-im-internet.de and baua.de.
Plant Safety & Legal Framework (Germany)
BetrSichV (Betriebssicherheitsverordnung – Plant Safety Ordinance)
- Central basis for inspection obligations for überwachungsbedürftige Anlagen (pressure equipment, lifts, Ex-zone plants)
- §§ 14–16: Recurring inspections by “zugelassene Überwachungsstellen” (ZÜS – authorised inspection bodies) or “befähigte Personen” (competent persons)
- Important: The standard prescribes the inspection obligation, not the method – drone is a legitimate alternative
- Drone inspection data can serve as a partial basis for inspection documentation
DGUV Regel 113-004
- “Working in vessels, silos and confined spaces”
- Governs: risk assessment, gas measurements, safety attendants, rescue concept
- Relevance for drones: If the drone replaces human entry, many DGUV requirements (rescue chain, breathing apparatus etc.) no longer apply – hazard minimisation as core principle
TRBS 1201 (Inspections and controls of work equipment) – Specifies the BetrSichV; defines type, scope and documentation of recurring inspections.
TRBS 1111 (Risk assessment) – Key document for drone deployment: the risk assessment is the central basis for every decision on inspection method and personnel deployment. Drone as method for hazard minimisation explicitly justifiable.
TRBS 2141 (Hazards from steam and pressure) – Relevant for boilers, pressure vessels, steam generators.
GefStoffV (Hazardous Substances Ordinance) – Relevant where contaminated or chemically loaded areas are involved. Governs protective measures when dealing with hazardous substances – relevant for drone deployment in loaded confined spaces.
ArbSchG (Occupational Health and Safety Act) – Overarching framework for all occupational safety measures. Obligates employers to risk assessment – drone as risk-reducing measure documentable.
European Standards & NDT: EN, DIN EN
DIN EN 12952 (Water-tube boilers) – Parts 1–16: design, materials, manufacture, testing. Drone relevance: internal visual inspection of the boiler (tube systems, baffles, heating surfaces) → ELIOS 3 ideal for VT.
DIN EN 12953 (Shell boilers) – Similar to EN 12952 but for shell boilers (flame-tube boilers, heating boilers). Inspection obligations analogous.
DIN EN 15635 (Fixed steel storage systems) – Application and maintenance of storage equipment. Damage classification green/yellow/red, inspection intervals. Drone relevance: racking inspection in high-bay warehouses → ELIOS 3 replaces rack guide vehicle (RGV) traversal.
DIN EN 13445 (Unfired pressure vessels) – European standard for design, manufacture and testing of pressure vessels. Supplements API 510 for European context.
EN 1504 (Concrete repair) – Standard series for assessment, planning and repair of concrete structures. Drone relevance: cracks, spalling, corrosion → typical drone findings as basis for EN 1504 assessment.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT / NDE):
- DIN EN ISO 17637 – Visual testing (VT): 4K footage from the ELIOS 3 as VT documentation
- DIN EN ISO 16810 ff. – Ultrasonic testing (UT): contact method, not by drone – but drone locates inspection points
- DIN EN ISO 3452 – Penetrant testing (PT): contact method, not by drone
- DIN EN ISO 9934 – Magnetic particle testing (MT): contact method, not by drone
- Key distinction: We deliver VT + thermography + LiDAR (non-contact). Contact methods (UT, MT, PT) require physical access – the drone identifies and locates suspect areas, the inspector carries out targeted contact testing
Explosion Protection & ATEX
ATEX Product Directive 2014/34/EU – Governs requirements for equipment and protective systems for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Equipment must be certified for the relevant zone (Zone 0/1/2 for gas, Zone 20/21/22 for dust).
ATEX Operating Directive 1999/92/EC (“ATEX 137”) – Minimum provisions for safety and health protection of workers in potentially explosive atmospheres. Obligates operators to prepare explosion protection documents and zone classification.
TRGS 720–727 (Explosion protection rules) – Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances: classification of hazardous substance atmospheres, protective measures, ignition source prevention.
DIN EN 60079 (Explosive atmospheres) – Equipment and protective measures for explosive atmospheres; basis for ATEX certification.
Practical note on ELIOS 3 & ATEX: The Flyability ELIOS 3 is not ATEX-certified. Deployment in ATEX zones is therefore only possible after complete gas measurement and proven concentrations below explosion limits – or alternative methods are used. We communicate this transparently and plan our deployments in coordination with the operator’s safety officer.
Tanks, Pressure Vessels & International Codes: API, EEMUA
API 510 (Pressure Vessel Inspection) – International standard for inspection, repair and alteration of in-service pressure vessels. Drone relevance: internal visual inspection of pressure vessels → ELIOS 3 for VT.
API 653 (Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction) – Standard for aboveground storage tanks. Defines: floor inspection, shell inspection, roof inspection. Drone relevance: shell and roof inspection from inside → ELIOS 3 for VT, thermography, LiDAR.
API 570 (Piping Inspection) – Standard for inspection of in-service piping systems. Drone relevance: inspection of accessible pipe bridges and pipe tunnels.
EEMUA 159 / EEMUA 183 (Tank Inspection Best Practices) – European practical guides for aboveground tank inspection. Our inspection data provides the basis for API- and EEMUA-compliant assessments.
ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) – US standard for pressure vessels and boilers, internationally recognised.
VGB Guidelines (Power plants & energy facilities) – VGB PowerTech: guidelines for boilers, turbines, power plant operation. Inspections typically during shutdown; documentation for maintenance and revision.
Maritime Standards: IACS, DNV, ABS, Lloyd’s
IACS (International Association of Classification Societies) – Umbrella body for classification societies (DNV, ABS, Lloyd’s Register, Bureau Veritas etc.). Defines minimum standards for ship inspection and classification.
DNV Rules for Classification of Ships – Detailed inspection requirements for cargo tanks, ballast tanks and structural members. Drone relevance: internal inspection of tanks on ships → ELIOS 3 replaces rafting/staging.
ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) – Own classification rules for tankers, bulk carriers and offshore units. Increasing acceptance of drone-supported inspection data (depending on context).
Lloyd’s Register – British classification society with global presence. Active research and use of drones for ship inspections.
The acceptance of drone inspection data for official class surveys varies by classification society, surveyor and specific inspection scope. We clarify this in advance with the responsible body.
Mining: BergVO, Markscheider-Bergverordnung
Bundesberggesetz (BBergG) + Allgemeine Bundesbergverordnung (ABBergV) – Governs operation and safety in mining. Inspection obligations for shafts, tunnels, caverns.
Markscheider-Bergverordnung (MarkschBergV) – Governs surveying and documentation in mining. Drone relevance: LiDAR 3D scanning for cavity surveying → ELIOS 3 delivers point clouds for mine surveyor documentation.
Water, Wastewater & Tanks: DIN EN 13508, DWA, DVGW, VdS
DIN EN 13508-2 (Condition assessment of drainage systems) – Defines coding system for condition assessment of sewers. Drone relevance: The ELIOS 3 can inspect large-profile sewers (>DN 600) and special structures (combined sewer overflow chambers, pump stations) – supplementary to classical CCTV inspection.
DWA-M 149 (Condition assessment of drainage systems) – Working sheet of the German Water Association. Supplements DIN EN 13508 with practical guidance.
DVGW Regulations (Drinking water tanks) – Technical rules for water supply. Relevant for elevated tanks, water towers, drinking water reservoirs. Drone relevance: Low-contamination inspection without human entry – minimal hygiene risk, no introduction of bacteria or dirt.
VdS CEA 4001 (Sprinkler systems) – European sprinkler standard: planning, installation and maintenance. Also governs inspection and testing of sprinkler tanks (fire water vessels). Drone relevance: Sprinkler tank inspection without draining → ROV for water-filled tanks, ELIOS 3 for internal inspection of drained tanks.
Drones & ROV – Still Lightly Regulated
A strategically important point: there is no specific drone standard for indoor use in industrial plants yet. This is not a disadvantage – it is a positioning opportunity.
EU Drone Regulation (2019/947 / 2019/945) – Primarily governs outdoor UAS operations. Categories Open / Specific / Certified by risk profile. Indoor relevance: For flights exclusively in enclosed spaces without outdoor connection the EU rules do not directly apply – the plant safety ordinance of the building is then authoritative.
ISO 21384-3 (UAS Operations) – International standard for UAS operations, currently in development. No completed standard for indoor industrial use yet.
How indoor drone deployment is legitimised today:
- Combination of existing standards: BetrSichV + DGUV + plant-specific risk assessment
- Risk assessment as central instrument: drone as hazard-minimisation measure to be documented
- Coordination with expert assessors and inspection authorities before deployment
The technology is new – but embedded in standards compliance. There is no specific indoor drone standard, but deployment is legitimised via existing regulations (BetrSichV, DGUV, risk assessment). That is a strong argument: we navigate the legal environment for our customers.
What Operators Really Need to Know
Standards are not an end in themselves. The decisive statement for operators:
“Standards define the framework – the inspection method determines the efficiency.”
Or more concretely: “We don’t replace standards – we deliver the data to meet them efficiently.”
Conclusion: Know the Standards – No False Promises
Knowledge of relevant standards is a basic requirement for professional industrial inspection. We align our work with applicable standards and document our inspections so that results can serve as a solid inspection basis.
Your Contact
Project Manager
We navigate the standards framework for our customers – and coordinate with the responsible inspection authority before every deployment.
Related Services
- Industrial Inspection – Standards-compliant industrial inspections with state-of-the-art drone technology
- Confined Spaces Inspection – DGUV-compliant inspections in confined spaces without human entry
- Tank Inspection – Tank inspection per API 653 and BetrSichV by drone
- Boiler Inspection – Boilers inspected and documented per EN 12952 and BetrSichV
- Maritime Inspection – Class surveys per IACS, DNV and Lloyd’s with drone technology
- Mining & Mining Inspection – Shafts and caverns inspected and surveyed by drone per mining law
Frequently Asked Questions: Standards & Inspection
- Are drone inspections standards-compliant?
- There is no blanket answer. Acceptance depends on the specific standards context, the inspection authority and the inspection scope. In many cases drone data is accepted as supplementary or complete inspection basis – we clarify this in advance with the responsible bodies.
- Can I pass a TÜV inspection using drone data?
- Fundamentally: the decision rests with the TÜV expert assessor. Our experience shows that many assessors accept drone data as an inspection basis – especially when VT (visual testing) and thermography are in scope. We recommend involving the assessor in planning before the inspection.
- Which standards are relevant for a tank inspection?
- Depending on tank type and location: API 653 (aboveground tanks), API 510 (pressure vessels), BetrSichV + TRBS (German inspection obligations), DGUV 113-004 (safety during confined space entry). For maritime tanks additionally: IACS/DNV/ABS rules.
- Do we still need a DGUV confined space entry despite using a drone?
- If no person enters the confined space (Zero Entry), many DGUV requirements (rescue chain, breathing apparatus, safety attendant) no longer apply. Gas measurement and coordination with the safety officer are still required however.
Contact – Standards Check for Your Inspection
Together with you and, if appropriate, the responsible inspection authority, we clarify which standards apply and how drone data can serve as an inspection basis.