ISO 19443 Nuclear Quality Management Standard

WHAT IS ISO 19443?

ISO 19443 is a nuclear-specific quality management standard designed to improve safety and quality throughout the nuclear supply chain.

ISO 19443 builds upon ISO 9001 to create enhanced principles specific to the nuclear energy sector, merging safety best practice with requirements that are unique to the field in order to obtain optimum nuclear safety. Where ISO 9001 focuses on the requirements of a quality management system (QMS), ISO 19443 has built upon these requirements with a specific focus on nuclear safety. These are laid out with a view to be implemented throughout the entire nuclear quality management systems, meaning organizations within the nuclear supply chain that produce equipment and services important for nuclear safety. For example, for Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) companies and manufacturers.

WHY IS ISO 19443 IMPORTANT?

Nuclear safety is crucial and therefore a sound safety culture needs to be in place throughout the entire nuclear supply chain. ISO 19443 provides clear requirements for quality management systems for those in the nuclear industry who provide nuclear equipment, systems and services to operators in order to not only meet the customer’s needs but enhance customer satisfaction through effective application of the system. This includes how to implement risk-based thinking, improvements to be made and conformity assurance.

As developments in nuclear processes progress, so too will the standard that accompanies these developments. While ISO 19443 is not yet a legal requirement for nuclear suppliers, the accelerations in these advancements mean that possession will likely become mandatory. Securing ISO 19443 certification therefore future proofs your offering, while allowing your company to showcase the quality and reliability of your processes as well as your forward-thinking preparation, leadership and strategic planning.