ISO 19443: The quality management standard for the nuclear supply chain

As nuclear safety is of the utmost importance, it is vital that a sound safety culture is in place throughout the entire supply chain. ISO 19443 is a dedicated standard for the nuclear supply chain, enabling organizations to demonstrate that their quality management system (QMS) combines best practices against the specific requirements of the nuclear industry. Training of personnel to be up to speed with ISO 19443 is essential to provide consistent quality and safety across the global supply chain.

TÜV SÜD nuclear safety experts, Dr. Lars-Thilo Voß and Dr. Özlem Yilmaz, have written a white paper for you to download or you can read a brief summary below.

ISO 19443: UNIFYING NUCLEAR SUPPLY CHAIN

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 (ITNS) enables organizations, regardless of size or location, to demonstrate that their QMS combines best practice against the specific requirements of the nuclear industry. It also confirms the quality and reliability of processes, as well as a focus on development and continuous improvement.

By implementing this standard, you improve your organization's credibility and instill confidence among stakeholders, ensuring all products and services meet stringent safety benchmarks.

KEY BENEFITS OF ISO 19443

The nuclear supply chain faces intricate challenges, particularly with projects spanning decades. ISO 19443 addresses these complexities by:

• Providing a framework for global harmonization
• Enabling seamless operation across diverse regulatory environments
• Reducing uncertainty in long-term supplier relationships
• Minimizing integration time and costs

CULTIVATING A NUCLEAR SAFETY CULTURE

ISO 19443's core are to aims to optimize safety and quality throughout the entire nuclear supply chain. The requirements are intended to be applicable to any organization, regardless of type or size, that supplies nuclear products, systems and services that are ITNS.

The Institute of Nuclear Power Operations cites the following eight principles for a strong safety culture:

1. Everyone is personally responsible for nuclear safety
2. Leaders demonstrate commitment to safety.
3. Trust permeates the organization.
4. Decision-making reflects safety first.
5. Nuclear technology is recognized as special and unique.
6. A questioning attitude is cultivated.
7. Organizational learning is embraced.
8. Nuclear safety undergoes constant examination.

eXPERT TRAINING FOR ISO 19443 IMPLEMENTATION

TÜV SÜD offers specialized training programs to equip your team with essential skills for effective ISO 19443 implementation such as:

• Introduction to ISO 19443: Quality Management for the Nuclear Supply Chain 
• Mastering ISO 19443: Quality Management for Nuclear Supply Chain Auditor Training 

Our comprehensive curriculum offers you:

• Over 130 industry-specific courses
• Programs designed to enhance workplace efficiency and safety
• Training to bridge knowledge gaps and empower your workforce

STREAMLINED CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Achieving ISO 19443 certification is straightforward with TÜV SÜD's expert guidance. Our experienced auditors provide:

• Thorough readiness assessments
• Alignment of your QMS with ISO 19443 requirements
• Pre-certification audits and gap analyses for targeted improvements

TÜV SÜD is one of the first companies in the world to be accredited for ISO 19443 certification.

Proactive Adoption Gives Your Business a Competitive Edge

As the nuclear industry faces intensified scrutiny and evolving standards, early adoption of ISO 19443 positions you at the forefront of the sector. Although not yet a legal requirement, certification has become compulsory for some projects, particularly as the industry is becoming increasingly concerned about CFSIs leaking into the supply chain.

Why download our ISO 19443 The quality management standard for the nuclear supply chain white paper?

Download our comprehensive white paper on ISO 19443 to discover how this standard can transform your nuclear supply chain, enhance safety protocols, and help you develop strong partnerships with suppliers, operators and licensees.

Get your copy today to learn about:

• nuclear supply chain challenges
• how to create a nuclear safety culture – ISO 19443
• training qualification tailored to your needs
• getting started with certification 

Authors

Dr. Lars-Thilo Voß

Managing Director, TÜV SÜD

Lars-Thilo is a highly qualified physicist with extensive experience in the fields of nuclear safety, nuclear technology and project management. With over a decade of practical experience in aging management, component behavior, plant safety and optimization, he is well-known as a project manager who has led diverse projects related to nuclear safety in Germany and abroad, and as a specialist for external hazards involved in the German (RSK) stress tests and the European stress test.

Dr. Özlem Yilmaz

Nuclear Safety Expert and Project Manager, TÜV SÜD

With a Doctorate in Nuclear Engineering and six years of research and work experience in severe accident analysis and management, Özlem has a broad knowledge and understanding of both the nuclear technology and nuclear safety culture. In her current position as Project Manager she is part of the team developing the ISO 19443 products at TÜV SÜD and she is a member of the DIN Working Group “Quality Management in Nuclear Technology”.

Find out more about our ISO 19443 nuclear training, assessment and certification services.