A newly published standard applies the principles of ISO 9001 to the nuclear sector to combine quality best practice with the specific requirements of the nuclear industry.
ISO 19443, Quality management systems – Specific requirements for the application of ISO 9001:2015 by organizations in the supply chain of the nuclear energy sector supplying products and services important to nuclear safety, aims to increase safety culture in the nuclear sector and harmonize supplier assessments such as auditing.
Bertrand-Marie Nahon, Convenor of the working group that developed the standard, said ISO 19443 will improve the understanding of quality requirements by suppliers and encourage major nuclear industry players to work in the same direction.
“It is a win-win standard because it gives buyers the assurance of a standardized level of quality while securing safety and quality for those in the supply chain,” Nahon said.
“[ISO 19443] is aligned with the many regulatory and industrial local and international requirements and allows organizations to better manage risks related to the construction of a nuclear power plant and, ultimately, improve their performance.”
ISO 19443 was developed by 24 international experts in close collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency.