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Independent safety assurance (ISA) key topic

Addressing key issues within the independent safety assurance sector.

Promoting the role of Independent Safety Assessor (ISA).

 The Regulator

The Regulator is generally an independent body set up by UK Law. 

For example, the Nuclear Safety Directorate (NSD) acts for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and act independently of any Government Department responsible for the UK nuclear power programme. NSD sets the safety standards to be used on nuclear sites in the UK acts

For nuclear safety policy matters in England and Wales, the HSC/E advises the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, while in Scotland it advises the Secretary of State for Scotland. NSD may be called on to contribute to advice on nuclear safety matters to HSE and HSC and, on their behalf, to Ministers.

 The Purchaser or User

These are represented by Organisations such as : Ministry of Defence (MoD); oil and petrochemical companies; power generators etc.

The Supplier

These are the companies who supply products and services to the Purchasers/Users.

The Professional Institutions

The Engineering Institutions such as :

• The Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET)
• Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
• British Computer Society (BCS)
• Institute for Measurement and Control (InstMC)
• Institute of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE)
• Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)
• The Safety and Reliability Society (S&RS) 

etc..  Many have committees/working groups addressing Safety Issues.

The Independent Safety Organisations

Organisations who provide Independent Safety Services to Suppliers/Purchasers/Users or the Regulator.

About the Group

The Working Group is keen to encourage active participation from other representatives in industry with an interest in ISAs. Although our focus is on Functional Safety and primarily the Electrical/Electronic/Software aspects; we are keen to learn from safety professionals in other disciplines/sectors.

If you want answers to any of the following:

• What is an ISA?
• How do I contract an ISA?
• Do I need an ISA?
• Do I need Safety Assurance?
• How do I become an ISA?
• What competencies are required?
• What are the liabilities?

then consult the FAQ list or contact the ISA Group

We will try and reach a consensus view on any question posed and post the response on the FAQ list.

For a list of documents and standards that may be of use to Independent Safety Assessors please use the following link:

ISA Standards List (39 k) Updated January 2008

You can contribute, either by joining the working group, or by contributing comments/suggestions or questions via this web site (see foot of page).

View a list of the members of the ISA Group.

View the aims and the progress of the group against their objectives.

Useful ISA information:

• View the 2006 Seminar Presentations
• View the 2004 Seminar Presentations
• View the ISA Guidelines for MOD Projects

Is it Independent Safety Assessor or Advisor? - The ISA Group definition.

• Why employ an Independent Safety Assessor?
• Frequently Asked ISA Questions

For further information and details on the ISA Group, please contact:

SEE ALSO:

• Independent Safety Assurance (ISA) Group