Ensuring the ongoing and beneficial use of radioactive sealed sources by the medical, industrial and research communities. Working to improve the safety and security of the use, transportation and management of radioactive, sealed sources.

ISSPA Articles

Code of Good Practice: Objectives

Through the implementation of robust safety and security cultures, and strong regulatory compliance practices, producers and suppliers of sealed sources are committed to ensuring the safety and security of sealed radioactive sources throughout their lifecycle. In support of this principle and the IAEA Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources, IAEA Nuclear Safety Series (NSS) documents on Security in Transport of Radioactive materials and Nuclear Security Recommendations on Radioactive Materials, and the Guidance on Import and Export of Radioactive Sources, members endorse the International Source Suppliers and Producers Association Code of Good Practice. Through implementation of this Code of Good Practice, ISSPA expects to promote good and equitable business practices, industry best practices, and to facilitate beneficial uses of radioactive sources.

The Code of Good Practice will continue to be developed, updated, implemented and maintained by the International Source Suppliers and Producers Association.

 

Code of Good Practice: Principles

The Code of Good Practice covers the following principles, with an emphasis on safety and security.

1. Regulatory Compliance

  • comply with all applicable requirements
  • participate in the development, interpretation and implementation of regulations and guidelines

2. Quality Management

  • consistently apply quality management to all aspects of source and equipment lifecycle that are under the producers or suppliers control
  • perform all appropriate investigation and follow-up action in response to any identified product quality issues
  • work cooperatively and with national and international regulatory bodies and experts during any emergency response situation where member expertise and experience can be of benefit in mitigating the effects of such an emergency

3. Design of sources and devices

  • design sources and devices to include, as appropriate:
    • compliance with ISO 2919 and other appropriate standards
    • verification of fitness for service labeling for tracking purposes
    • physical features or properties to limit vulnerability to illicit use
    • operational features and functions related to safety and security
    • apply ALARA principles to radiological and industrial protection for users and the public
    • minimization of radiological waste during the manufacturing process and end of life management

4. Manufacturing of sources and devices

  • maintain safety and security of materials during the isotope delivery and source manufacturing cycle
  • apply ALARA principles to radiological and industrial protection for employees and the public
  • minimization of radiological waste during the manufacturing process and end of life management

5. Sales

  • as required by regulations, verify the legitimacy of customers and that they are authorized to possess and use the sealed source being provided
  • maintain contracts with distributors that clearly establish their obligations and their adherence to the principles of the ISSPA Code of Good Practice
  • advise the customer regarding appropriate technical conditions of use

6. Distribution

  • apply protocols to maintain safety, security and regulatory compliance during delivery
  • utilize only appropriately licensed and compliant containers in the carriage and movement of sealed sources
  • as required by regulations, commit to and complete all necessary communications and shipment status updates throughout the transportation process
  • utilize only qualified and appropriately authorized carriers and forwarders throughout the shipping process

7. Tracking

  • in accordance with regulatory requirements and good business practices, maintain key information for source tracking purposes, and make this information available to the appropriate regulatory authorities as required

8. User support

  • provide operating, handling and maintenance instructions that include information regarding safety and security
  • offer training and technical support to the users regarding safe and secure operation of the equipment and/or source
  • when installing sources and/or equipment, perform installation verification tests as defined by the manufacturer (e.g. safety features, dosimetry)
  • provide technical competence, when requested, in response to events regarding safety and security
  • apply appropriate record retention to facilitate source life cycle management

9. Source life cycle management

  • assist the user where needed, in managing disused sources (e.g. returning to manufacturer, recycling, and access to local storage facilities)
  • provide competent technical assistance, when requested, with the management ofdisused sources, including orphan sources