In an industrial project, some works are buried under concrete or covered by insulation and panels and cannot be inspected later without breaking out: foundation reinforcement, equipment anchor bolts, neck insulation, buried services, and thermal insulation behind roof panels. A single mistake in any of them can appear years later as a leak, settlement or a fault that stops production. So good supervision relies on critical inspection points that may not be passed without documented acceptance. This guide sets out the critical inspection points in industrial projects, what is checked at each, how they are documented, and why they matter for the operating licence.
Critical Inspection Points
| Stage | What is inspected |
|---|---|
| Excavation and replacement | Depth and compaction matching the soil report |
| Foundations before pouring | Reinforcement, dimensions, and anchor bolts for columns and equipment |
| Below-ground waterproofing | Waterproofing of foundations and necks before backfilling |
| Steel frame | Connections, alignment and protection |
| Industrial floors | Layers, reinforcement, levelling and joints |
| Buried services | Electrical, drainage and fire before covering |
| Roof and wall thermal insulation | Before closing |
| Fire systems | Pressure and operational tests |
Details of the Key Points
- Excavation and replacement: compaction test results for each layer matching the report's recommendations. Read: Excavation, replacement and levelling and The soil investigation report.
- Anchor bolts: positions and levels exactly matching the supplier's drawings, as an error of centimetres can prevent a machine being installed.
- Floors: levelling to the requirements of racking and equipment, with expansion joints in place. Read: Warehouse design.
- Steel frame: material certificates, bolt tightening torque, weld quality and coating.
- Fire systems: pressure-testing each section before ceilings are closed. Read: Failing the final test.
How Is Inspection Documented?
- An inspection request from the contractor well in advance.
- The supervisor attends and checks the item against the drawings and specifications.
- Dated photographs and a signed acceptance form.
- Recording observations and stopping work until they are closed.
- Keeping records in the project file.
Read: Contents of supervision reports and Stages where pouring is not allowed without the supervisor.
Why Do They Matter for the Operating Licence?
Among the attachments to the operating licence application in MODON are an insulation works completion certificate, a safety systems test form and quantity survey, and an electrical connections and wiring safety certificate. These are not produced from nothing at the end, but from inspection records during construction. Read: Certificates required before factory operation.
Common Mistakes
- Pouring before reinforcement is inspected because of schedule pressure.
- Backfilling foundations before waterproofing is inspected.
- Closing ceilings before testing the fire network.
- No photographs or signed forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if concrete was poured before inspection?
It is hard to verify later, and destructive testing or rework may be required.
Who signs the acceptance?
The engineering supervisor after verification, documented with photographs and forms.
Do the points differ between steel and concrete frames?
Yes, each system has its own points. Read: Steel or concrete hangars.
Is the contractor's self-inspection enough?
It is useful as a first step, but documented acceptance by an independent supervisor is the reference.
How often does the supervisor visit the site?
At least at every critical point, and according to the agreed supervision arrangement. Read: Supervising factory construction.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that supervises industrial projects with documented critical inspection points, and prepares the records and certificates required for the operating licence in MODON. See our industrial project supervision service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.