Alan Webb
Accreditation Specialist – Development
UKAS

The nuclear energy sector plays a vital role in our journey towards a sustainable future. As the world strives to reduce carbon emissions and transition to clean energy sources, nuclear power has emerged as a viable option. However, ensuring the safety and quality of the nuclear supply chain is of utmost importance. To address this, a new type of accreditation has been developed by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), which enables ISO/IEC 17021-1 Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems — Part 1: Requirements accreditation for the certification of 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).

ISO 19443 is a major step towards harmonising industry standards in the nuclear sector. Published in 2018, this standard aims to bridge the gap between the nuclear industry’s safety demands and international management approaches. It provides a common framework for organisations involved in the nuclear supply chain, emphasising the importance of quality management systems (QMS) specific to nuclear safety.

Inculcating a culture of safety

The primary purpose of ISO 19443 is to enhance the safety culture within the nuclear industry. By standardising supplier assessments and auditing processes, the accreditation ensures that suppliers understand and meet the quality requirements necessary for nuclear operations. This global harmonisation facilitates acceptance by regulatory bodies and minimises the risks associated with counterfeit, fraudulent, and suspect items within the supply chain.

ISO 19443 builds upon the foundation of ISO 9001 Quality management systems — Requirements, which sets out general requirements for QMS in various industries and is applicable to organisations of all types and sizes that supply ITNS. By incorporating the principles of ISO 9001 and adding industry-specific requirements, ISO 19443 optimizes safety and quality throughout the entire nuclear supply chain.

Integrated approach to organisational management

ISO 19443 adopts a “high-level structure” that aligns with other management systems, making it easier for organisations to integrate new and existing systems. This approach enhances clarity, applicability, and consistency across multiple management systems, reducing duplication and achieving cost savings. By aligning nuclear safety with core business processes, organisations can ensure a systematic and efficient approach to quality management.

The pilot accreditation process

The accreditation process for ISO 19443 certification involves a thorough assessment of an organisation’s compliance with the standard’s requirements. The pilot accreditation scheme implemented by UKAS is now able to grant this type of accreditation to certification and verification bodies, such as Bureau Veritas and The Quality Scheme for Ready Mixed Concrete (QSRMC) who received their grant of accreditation for this type of activity at the end of 2022.

The pilot accreditation program involved collaboration between accreditation bodies from different countries. In the case of Bureau Veritas, the accreditation assessment activity took place in both the United Kingdom and France, requiring collaboration between UKAS and the Comité Français D’Accréditation (COFRAC). This international collaboration ensures consistency of accreditation processes, further enhancing the credibility of ISO 19443 certification and opening international business opportunities for those who can issue it.

The pilot was not only a process of assessment but also a platform for mutual learning. Participants, including accreditation bodies and certification bodies, worked together to establish the feasibility of accreditation and determine the best practices for demonstrating competence and compliance. This collaborative approach fosters continuous improvement and builds confidence in the robustness of the accredited organisations’ competency and impartiality.

This new type of accreditation enhances the level of support organisations can offer to their customers, demonstrating a commitment to quality and safety. By adhering to the requirements of the standard, organisations can minimise risks and ensure that their products, systems, and services meet the highest safety standards. This commitment to safety builds trust and fosters long-lasting partnerships and trust within the nuclear industry.

ISO 19443’s integrated approach to organisational management eliminates duplication and streamlines processes. By aligning nuclear safety QMS with existing management systems, organisations can achieve significant cost savings and improve efficiency. The common framework and consistent definitions provided by ISO 19443 make it easier to integrate new systems and enhance the clarity and applicability of the standard.

The introduction of ISO/IEC 17021-1 accreditation for the certification of ISO 19443 for management system certification in the nuclear supply chain is a significant development in ensuring safety and quality within the industry. This development will enable organisations to demonstrate robust safety measures, improve quality management systems, and harmonise supplier assessments. The collaborative pilot accreditation program conducted by UKAS has paved the way for organisations like Bureau Veritas Certification to become pioneers in this new type of accreditation. As the nuclear industry continues to evolve, accreditation will play a crucial role in shaping a reliable and sustainable nuclear supply chain.