About ISSPA

Safe and Secure Sealed Sources for Beneficial Use

The International Source Suppliers and Producers Association (ISSPA) is an association that is comprised of companies who are international industry leaders in the manufacture, production and supply of sealed radioactive sources and/or equipment that contain sealed radioactive sources as an integral component of the radiation processing or treatment system, device, gauge or camera.

Radioisotope products are used in a wide range of applications that impinge upon health, safety, and security. Effective source management practices are a cornerstone to strengthen the long term safety and security of radioactive sources throughout their life cycle. Radioactive sources are a safe, secure, viable technology for use in a variety of important medical, industrial, and research applications.

ISSPA aims to ensure the ongoing and beneficial application of radioactive isotope sealed sources and  promotes continuous improvements in the safe and secure use, transportation and end of life management of sealed sources.

ISSPA addresses a number of industry-critical concerns including safety, security, lifecycle management, denial of shipments, isotope supply and transportation.  Its mission is to ensure the use of radioactive sources continues to be regarded by the public, the media, legislators, and regulators as beneficial.

The objectives of ISSPA are:

• to establish, implement, and maintain a Code of Good Practice for source manufacturers and suppliers that will contribute to enhancing safety and security of sources throughout their life cycle
• to represent and communicate the interests of the Members with the International Atomic Energy Agency, legislative authorities and national regulators, and other key stakeholders
• to provide industry leadership in the development, implementation, and application of international guidelines and national regulations with respect to the safe and secure design, manufacture, and supply of radioactive sources
• to build and enhance public, user, and media confidence in safe and secure life cycle management of radioactive sources to promote their beneficial use
• to educate legislators and other key stakeholders with respect to the safety, security, and beneficial use of radioactive sources
• to promote good, sustainable practices by Association Members to enhance perception of the industry and the Members with regulators, the public and the media
• to provide technical expertise to assist and facilitate the management of disused sources

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Articles of Association

• Articles of Association – ISSPA – English

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, source and device 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 approved storage or disposal facilities)
• provide competent technical assistance, when requested, with the management of
  disused sources, including orphan sources