ISO 19443 – Nuclear training, assessment and certification

ISO 19443 is an internationally harmonised quality management standard specific to the nuclear industry. It is designed to improve safety and quality throughout the nuclear supply chain. TÜV SÜD is an accredited certification body that assesses and certifies nuclear suppliers according to ISO 19443.

The ISO 19443 standard builds upon the ISO 9001 to create enhanced principles specific to the nuclear energy sector, merging safety best practice with requirements unique to the field to obtain optimum nuclear safety. Where the ISO 9001 focuses on the requirements of a quality management system (QMS), ISO 19443 builds upon these requirements with a specific focus on nuclear safety.

ISO 19443 certification instils a culture of safety within organisations across the entire nuclear supply chain. These include a range of organisations from equipment manufacturers that produce equipment and services important to nuclear safety (ITNS) to EPC contractors.

Nuclear safety is of the highest importance. Therefore, a sound safety culture needs to be in place throughout the whole nuclear supply chain. ISO 19443 provides clear requirements for quality management systems in the nuclear industry. It offers guidance to those who provide nuclear equipment, systems and services to nuclear facilities.

This is not only to meet the customer’s needs but also to enhance customer satisfaction through effective application of the ISO 19443 standard. This includes how to implement risk-based thinking, improvements to be made and conformity assurance.

While ISO 19443 is not a legal requirement for nuclear suppliers, acceleration in nuclear power advancement means that it will likely become mandatory. Securing ownership of ISO 19443 certification therefore future proofs your offering, while allowing your company to showcase the quality and reliability of your processes. It also helps you demonstrate your forward-thinking preparation, leadership, and strategic planning, all of which gives you a competitive advantage.

TÜV SÜD is one of the first companies worldwide that has been accredited as a certification body for ISO 19443. We provide certification according to the quality management standard from the French Accreditation Body, COFRAC (Comité français d'accréditation), which is specifically aligned to the requirements in the civil nuclear industry, and in line with ISO/TS 23406.

Moreover, TÜV SÜD is a globally recognised name in the nuclear field, having provided exceptional quality, in-depth insight and implementation of industry standards for more than 60 years. Known to consistently deliver quality, safety and impartiality to our customers, TÜV SÜD is a trusted partner for nuclear suppliers.

A partnership with TÜV SÜD signifies your willingness to provide the best quality for your customers while ensuring that excellence is delivered through our expert services. Our worldwide network of auditors ensures cost-effective auditing all around the world.

We’ve fine-tuned our offering to ensure that you and your team are well-informed, understand your duty to keep your nuclear facilities safe, and can implement improvements through your newly gained understanding. As a result, TÜV SÜD offers three different service areas regarding ISO 19443.

ISO 19443 training

Our nuclear training and workshops follow a core structure that focuses on the practical applications of the theory and regulations behind nuclear processes.

It is a two-day training course that introduces the ISO 19433 standard and familiarises participants with it. We focus on the ISO 19433 requirements that are new and additional compared to those of ISO 9001:2015. There will be an exam at the end of the second day. Participants will receive a certificate of participation that displays the contents covered during the training.

You may extend the training by an optional third day on which participants will have a workshop that offers a practical deepening of the content learned. At the end of the third day, participants will receive a certificate proving compliance with the training requirements of ISO 19433 for auditors in accordance with ISO/TS 23406. 

Once completed, we will provide you with a certificate of attendance.

Our nuclear training team is made up of experts with first-hand experience in nuclear industry. By using real-world examples in our training, we ensure that your organisation can apply what they’ve learnt to their working life, giving them an indelibly useful experience.

We can conduct ISO 19443 training in your preferred location. We offer in-house training throughout Europe or online-based training.

Pre-audit / gap analysis

During this, TÜV SÜD will perform a pre-audit of your quality management system to check if it meets the requirements specified for your project.

Certification audit

The certification of quality management systems covers the specific requirements for the application of ISO 9001:2015 by organisations in the nuclear supply chain that provide products and services important to nuclear safety (ITNS).

A successful management system is one that is improved on a continual basis. This requires that you maintain both your management system and your certificate.

Therefore, certification consists of two stages: The initial certification, and maintenance of the certificate thereafter.

Certification follows a seven-step process:

1. Input Dialogue
2. Documentation Review
3. Initial Visit
4. Certification Audit
5. Certification Decision and Issuance of Certificate
6. Periodic Audits
7. Re-certification Audit

You can use the ISO 19443 standard independently or in an integrated way to any other management system, saving you time and costly double certification.

This process ensures that your company is compliant with the latest legal requirements, both local and international. It also demonstrates that your organisation is continuously working to ISO 19443 standards. By doing so, you will establish a strong safety culture and mindset amongst your workforce: to continuously strive for improvement in each area of the process.

Example of an ISO 19443 training schedule

The 2-day nuclear training course gives an overview of the general idea and concept of the ISO 19443. The program focuses on crucial requirement areas and demonstrates practically how you can integrate these additional requirements into your existing management system.

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