The certification concept for shop approval provides evidence to stakeholders that a manufacturer has demonstrated verifiable capability for the manufacturing process. Capability is relative to an approved scope of work to comply with a set of requirements identified as being critical for the respective processes.

This service of shop approval certifies that a workshop operates with approved production facilities, working procedures, quality management system, methods and qualified staff. DNV assesses and verifies the customer’s capability to manufacture wind turbine components in compliance with national and international standards and guidelines or acknowledged methods.

The DNV shop approval is independent from component, type or project certification and is always workshop specific. It consists of two main elements: general document review and on-site inspection. The general document review includes evaluation of the general quality documentation, e.g. specifications and procedures for manufacturing purposes. As part of the shop approval an on-site inspection of the workshop facilities and relevant associated manufacturing or inspection methods and quality processes is performed. Furthermore, a check of the validity of equipment being used as well as skills of staff is covered by this service.

The service specification also describes conditions for maintaining the shop approval.