The management systems of Australias only research reactor have gained formal quality nendorsement, recognising that its operations meet international best practice standards. HIFAR at ANSTO has received formal certification of its Quality Systems and complying with the requirements of AS/NZS ISO 9001.
The ISO 9001 standard, strongly supported by Government and industry in Australia, was developed by the International Standards Organisation in Geneva. It is an internationally recognised quality benchmark.
The HIFAR reactors operations are the second major aspect of ANSTOs operations to gain formal quality accreditation.
Its Engineering Division, which provides both nuclear and general infrastructure support for ANSTO, was first quality accredited 1993, and re-accredited to a new standard in 1996.
The Executive Director of ANSTO, Professor Helen Garnett, said the quality accreditation of HIFAR had been a three year project involving every member of the reactors staff.
She said HIFAR had operated safely to set procedures for 40 years. However, ANSTO recognised the value of a review of procedures by an independent organisation to ensure they aligned with contemporary best practice.
"The value is both internal and external, " Professor Garnett said.
"Internally, it is important for our staff to be fully involved in the review of procedures and, nowhere necessary, in developing training and new systems that were both practical and best practice.
"It was a co-operative effort by all of the HIFAR staff and it was done in an outstanding manner.
"It is also important that our community knows that operational procedures in HIFAR have been reviewed independently and meet the very high standards of international best practice.
"All at ANSTO are proud that this accreditation has been granted, "Professor Garnett said.
Further quality initiatives are underway at ANSTO. Work has already begun on gaining ISO 9001 accreditation for waste management on the Lucas Heights site.
The ISO 9001 accreditation of the HIFAR systems was managed by the Australian company, Quality Assurance Services Pty Ltd. It has worked with some 6000 Australian organisations to help them gain quality accreditation.
Published: 03/04/1997