ISO 1709:2018/Amd 1:2022

Overview

ISO 1709:2018/Amd 1:2022 is an important amendment to the internationally recognized ISO 1709 standard, which focuses on criticality safety principles in the context of nuclear energy, specifically for fissile materials. This amendment introduces refined methods of control and safety equipment to enhance the safety protocols during the storing, handling, and processing of fissile materials. Developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 85 and its Subcommittee SC 5, this update reflects current best practices and safety requirements in nuclear criticality safety management.

Key Topics

This amendment to ISO 1709 highlights several critical aspects of nuclear criticality safety control:

• Methods of Control: It defines approaches to control nuclear criticality by addressing several factors that influence criticality safety. Controls consist of limiting one or a combination of these factors, taking into account their interactions to maintain safe conditions.
• Types of Safety Measures:
  • Passive engineered safety features such as equipment design, which inherently reduce risks without active input.
  • Active engineered safety measures including process control systems and instrumentation for real-time monitoring and intervention.
  • Administrative safety measures like signage, procedural controls, and training to support safe operations.
• Reliability and Failure Frequency: Control measures and safety equipment requirements are established with specified reliability metrics, focusing on minimizing the failure frequency to assure operational safety.
• Safety Equipment Management: Equipment used to maintain criticality safety must undergo commissioning and routine testing at appropriate intervals to ensure they remain functional and fully reliable in safeguarding nuclear operations.

Applications

ISO 1709:2018/Amd 1:2022 is essential for nuclear facility operators, safety engineers, and regulatory authorities involved in the management of fissile materials. Its practical applications include:

• Designing and operating facilities where fissile material is stored or processed, ensuring compliance with criticality safety rules.
• Developing administrative protocols and safety procedures to prevent accidental criticality events.
• Installing and maintaining engineered safety systems that provide both passive and active safeguards.
• Performing nuclear criticality safety assessments that form the basis for operational controls and safety equipment specifications.
• Supporting audits and inspections by providing a standardized framework for assessing criticality safety methods and equipment reliability.

Related Standards

ISO 1709:2018/Amd 1:2022 complements other nuclear and radiological safety standards developed by ISO and affiliated organizations, including:

• ISO 1709 series: Covers general criticality safety principles and practices.
• ISO/TC 85 standards: Related to nuclear energy and radiological protection technologies.
• IEC standards: Collaborates on electrotechnical aspects of instrumentation and control systems used within nuclear power plants.
• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safety Standards: Aligns with global nuclear safety frameworks for fissile material handling and criticality prevention.

By implementing the guidance in ISO 1709:2018/Amd 1:2022, organizations can significantly improve nuclear criticality safety management, reduce risk of accidents, and enhance protection for personnel and the environment. This amendment reinforces the role of methods of control and safety equipment as foundational elements for safe storage, handling, and processing of fissile materials in nuclear energy applications.