Engineering Ethics
Engineering Ethics
(OP)
The following site has links to many interesting sites dealing with ethics.
http://www.ccsr.cse.dmu.ac.uk/resources/professionalism/codes/
The below was obtained from this site and is published by the NSPE
NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers
Preamble
Engineering is an important and learned profession. As
members of this profession, engineers are expected to
exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity.
Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life
for all people. Accordingly, the services provided by
engineers require honesty, impartiality, fairness and equity,
and must be dedicated to the protection of the public health,
safety, and welfare. Engineers must perform under a
standard of professional behavior that requires adherence to
the highest principles of ethical conduct.
I. Fundamental Canons
Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall:
1. Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the
public.
2. Perform services only in areas of their competence.
3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful
manner.
4. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or
trustees.
5. Avoid deceptive acts.
6. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and
lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and
usefulness of the profession.
II. Rules of Practice
1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and
welfare of the public.
a. If engineers' judgment is overruled under circumstances
that endanger life or property, they shall notify their employer
or client and such other authority as may be appropriate.
b. Engineers shall approve only those engineering documents
that are in conformity with applicable standards.
c. Engineers shall not reveal facts, data or information
without the prior consent of the client or employer except as
authorized or required by law or this Code.
d. Engineers shall not permit the use of their name or
associate in business ventures with any person or firm that
they believe are engaged in fraudulent or dishonest
enterprise.
e. Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of this
Code shall report thereon to appropriate professional bodies
and, when relevant, also to public authorities, and cooperate
with the proper authorities in furnishing such information or
assistance as may be required.
2. Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their
competence.
a. Engineers shall undertake assignments only when
qualified by education or experience in the specific technical
fields involved.
b. Engineers shall not affix their signatures to any plans or
documents dealing with subject matter in which they lack
competence, nor to any plan or document not prepared under
their direction and control.
c. Engineers may accept assignments and assume
responsibility for coordination of an entire project and sign
and seal the engineering documents for the entire project,
provided that each technical segment is signed and sealed
only by the qualified engineers who prepared the segment.
3. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an
objective and truthful manner.
a. Engineers shall be objective and truthful in professional
reports, statements, or testimony. They shall include all
relevant and pertinent information in such reports,
statements, or testimony, which should bear the date
indicating when it was current.
b. Engineers may express publicly technical opinions that
are founded upon knowledge of the facts and competence in
the subject matter.
c. Engineers shall issue no statements, criticisms, or
arguments on technical matters that are inspired or paid for
by interested parties, unless they have prefaced their
comments by explicitly identifying the interested parties on
whose behalf they are speaking, and by revealing the
existence of any interest the engineers may have in the
matters.
4. Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful
agents or trustees.
a. Engineers shall disclose all known or potential conflicts of
interest that could influence or appear to influence their
judgment or the quality of their services.
b. Engineers shall not accept compensation, financial or
otherwise, from more than one party for services on the same
project, or for services pertaining to the same project, unless
the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed to by all
interested parties.
c. Engineers shall not solicit or accept financial or other
valuable consideration, directly or indirectly, from outside
agents in connection with the work for which they are
responsible.
d. Engineers in public service as members, advisors, or
employees of a governmental or quasi-governmental body or
department shall not participate in decisions with respect to
services solicited or provided by them or their organizations
in private or public engineering practice.
e. Engineers shall not solicit or accept a contract from a
governmental body on which a principal or officer of their
organization serves as a member.
5. Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts.
a. Engineers shall not falsify their qualifications or permit
misrepresentation of their or their associates' qualifications.
They shall not misrepresent or exaggerate their responsibility
in or for the subject matter of prior assignments. Brochures
or other presentations incident to the solicitation of
employment shall not misrepresent pertinent facts
concerning employers, employees, associates, joint
venturers, or past accomplishments.
b. Engineers shall not offer, give, solicit or receive, either
directly or indirectly, any contribution to influence the award
of a contract by public authority, or which may be reasonably
construed by the public as having the effect of intent to
influencing the awarding of a contract. They shall not offer
any gift or other valuable consideration in order to secure
work. They shall not pay a commission, percentage, or
brokerage fee in order to secure work, except to a bona fide
employee or bona fide established commercial or marketing
agencies retained by them.
III. Professional Obligations
1. Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the
highest standards of honesty and integrity.
a. Engineers shall acknowledge their errors and shall not
distort or alter the facts.
b. Engineers shall advise their clients or employers when
they believe a project will not be successful.
c. Engineers shall not accept outside employment to the
detriment of their regular work or interest. Before accepting
any outside engineering employment they will notify their
employers.
d. Engineers shall not attempt to attract an engineer from
another employer by false or misleading pretenses.
e. Engineers shall not actively participate in strikes, picket
lines, or other collective coercive action.
f. Engineers shall not promote their own interest at the
expense of the dignity and integrity of the profession.
2. Engineers shall at all times strive to serve the public
interest.
a. Engineers shall seek opportunities to participate in civic
affairs; career guidance for youths; and work for the
advancement of the safety, health and well-being of their
community.
b. Engineers shall not complete, sign, or seal plans and/or
specifications that are not in conformity with applicable
engineering standards. If the client or employer insists on
such unprofessional conduct, they shall notify the proper
authorities and withdraw from further service on the project.
c. Engineers shall endeavor to extend public knowledge and
appreciation of engineering and its achievements.
3. Engineers shall avoid all conduct or practice that deceives
the public.
a. Engineers shall avoid the use of statements containing a
material misrepresentation of fact or omitting a material fact.
b. Consistent with the foregoing, Engineers may advertise for
recruitment of personnel.
c. Consistent with the foregoing, Engineers may prepare
articles for the lay or technical press, but such articles shall
not imply credit to the author for work performed by others.
4. Engineers shall not disclose, without consent, confidential
information concerning the business affairs or technical
processes of any present or former client or employer, or
public body on which they serve.
a. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested
parties, promote or arrange for new employment or practice
in connection with a specific project for which the Engineer
has gained particular and specialized knowledge.
b. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested
parties, participate in or represent an adversary interest in
connection with a specific project or proceeding in which the
Engineer has gained particular specialized knowledge on
behalf of a former client or employer.
5. Engineers shall not be influenced in their professional
duties by conflicting interests.
a. Engineers shall not accept financial or other
considerations, including free engineering designs, from
material or equipment suppliers for specifying their product.
b. Engineers shall not accept commissions or allowances,
directly or indirectly, from contractors or other parties dealing
with clients or employers of the Engineer in connection with
work for which the Engineer is responsible.
6. Engineers shall not attempt to obtain employment or
advancement or professional engagements by untruthfully
criticizing other engineers, or by other improper or
questionable methods.
a. Engineers shall not request, propose, or accept a
commission on a contingent basis under circumstances in
which their judgment may be compromised.
b. Engineers in salaried positions shall accept part-time
engineering work only to the extent consistent with policies
of the employer and in accordance with ethical
considerations.
c. Engineers shall not, without consent, use equipment,
supplies, laboratory, or office facilities of an employer to carry
on outside private practice.
7. Engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or
falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation,
prospects, practice, or employment of other engineers.
Engineers who believe others are guilty of unethical or illegal
practice shall present such information to the proper authority
for action.
a. Engineers in private practice shall not review the work of
another engineer for the same client, except with the
knowledge of such engineer, or unless the connection of
such engineer with the work has been terminated.
b. Engineers in governmental, industrial, or educational
employ are entitled to review and evaluate the work of other
engineers when so required by their employment duties.
c. Engineers in sales or industrial employ are entitled to
make engineering comparisons of represented products with
products of other suppliers.
8. Engineers shall accept personal responsibility for their
professional activities, provided, however, that Engineers may
seek indemnification for services arising out of their practice
for other than gross negligence, where the Engineer's
interests cannot otherwise be protected.
a. Engineers shall conform with state registration laws in the
practice of engineering.
b. Engineers shall not use association with a nonengineer, a
corporation, or partnership as a "cloak" for unethical acts.
9. Engineers shall give credit for engineering work to those to
 
http://www.ccsr.cse.dmu.ac.uk/resources/professionalism/codes/
The below was obtained from this site and is published by the NSPE
NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers
Preamble
Engineering is an important and learned profession. As
members of this profession, engineers are expected to
exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity.
Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life
for all people. Accordingly, the services provided by
engineers require honesty, impartiality, fairness and equity,
and must be dedicated to the protection of the public health,
safety, and welfare. Engineers must perform under a
standard of professional behavior that requires adherence to
the highest principles of ethical conduct.
I. Fundamental Canons
Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall:
1. Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the
public.
2. Perform services only in areas of their competence.
3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful
manner.
4. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or
trustees.
5. Avoid deceptive acts.
6. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and
lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and
usefulness of the profession.
II. Rules of Practice
1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and
welfare of the public.
a. If engineers' judgment is overruled under circumstances
that endanger life or property, they shall notify their employer
or client and such other authority as may be appropriate.
b. Engineers shall approve only those engineering documents
that are in conformity with applicable standards.
c. Engineers shall not reveal facts, data or information
without the prior consent of the client or employer except as
authorized or required by law or this Code.
d. Engineers shall not permit the use of their name or
associate in business ventures with any person or firm that
they believe are engaged in fraudulent or dishonest
enterprise.
e. Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of this
Code shall report thereon to appropriate professional bodies
and, when relevant, also to public authorities, and cooperate
with the proper authorities in furnishing such information or
assistance as may be required.
2. Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their
competence.
a. Engineers shall undertake assignments only when
qualified by education or experience in the specific technical
fields involved.
b. Engineers shall not affix their signatures to any plans or
documents dealing with subject matter in which they lack
competence, nor to any plan or document not prepared under
their direction and control.
c. Engineers may accept assignments and assume
responsibility for coordination of an entire project and sign
and seal the engineering documents for the entire project,
provided that each technical segment is signed and sealed
only by the qualified engineers who prepared the segment.
3. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an
objective and truthful manner.
a. Engineers shall be objective and truthful in professional
reports, statements, or testimony. They shall include all
relevant and pertinent information in such reports,
statements, or testimony, which should bear the date
indicating when it was current.
b. Engineers may express publicly technical opinions that
are founded upon knowledge of the facts and competence in
the subject matter.
c. Engineers shall issue no statements, criticisms, or
arguments on technical matters that are inspired or paid for
by interested parties, unless they have prefaced their
comments by explicitly identifying the interested parties on
whose behalf they are speaking, and by revealing the
existence of any interest the engineers may have in the
matters.
4. Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful
agents or trustees.
a. Engineers shall disclose all known or potential conflicts of
interest that could influence or appear to influence their
judgment or the quality of their services.
b. Engineers shall not accept compensation, financial or
otherwise, from more than one party for services on the same
project, or for services pertaining to the same project, unless
the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed to by all
interested parties.
c. Engineers shall not solicit or accept financial or other
valuable consideration, directly or indirectly, from outside
agents in connection with the work for which they are
responsible.
d. Engineers in public service as members, advisors, or
employees of a governmental or quasi-governmental body or
department shall not participate in decisions with respect to
services solicited or provided by them or their organizations
in private or public engineering practice.
e. Engineers shall not solicit or accept a contract from a
governmental body on which a principal or officer of their
organization serves as a member.
5. Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts.
a. Engineers shall not falsify their qualifications or permit
misrepresentation of their or their associates' qualifications.
They shall not misrepresent or exaggerate their responsibility
in or for the subject matter of prior assignments. Brochures
or other presentations incident to the solicitation of
employment shall not misrepresent pertinent facts
concerning employers, employees, associates, joint
venturers, or past accomplishments.
b. Engineers shall not offer, give, solicit or receive, either
directly or indirectly, any contribution to influence the award
of a contract by public authority, or which may be reasonably
construed by the public as having the effect of intent to
influencing the awarding of a contract. They shall not offer
any gift or other valuable consideration in order to secure
work. They shall not pay a commission, percentage, or
brokerage fee in order to secure work, except to a bona fide
employee or bona fide established commercial or marketing
agencies retained by them.
III. Professional Obligations
1. Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the
highest standards of honesty and integrity.
a. Engineers shall acknowledge their errors and shall not
distort or alter the facts.
b. Engineers shall advise their clients or employers when
they believe a project will not be successful.
c. Engineers shall not accept outside employment to the
detriment of their regular work or interest. Before accepting
any outside engineering employment they will notify their
employers.
d. Engineers shall not attempt to attract an engineer from
another employer by false or misleading pretenses.
e. Engineers shall not actively participate in strikes, picket
lines, or other collective coercive action.
f. Engineers shall not promote their own interest at the
expense of the dignity and integrity of the profession.
2. Engineers shall at all times strive to serve the public
interest.
a. Engineers shall seek opportunities to participate in civic
affairs; career guidance for youths; and work for the
advancement of the safety, health and well-being of their
community.
b. Engineers shall not complete, sign, or seal plans and/or
specifications that are not in conformity with applicable
engineering standards. If the client or employer insists on
such unprofessional conduct, they shall notify the proper
authorities and withdraw from further service on the project.
c. Engineers shall endeavor to extend public knowledge and
appreciation of engineering and its achievements.
3. Engineers shall avoid all conduct or practice that deceives
the public.
a. Engineers shall avoid the use of statements containing a
material misrepresentation of fact or omitting a material fact.
b. Consistent with the foregoing, Engineers may advertise for
recruitment of personnel.
c. Consistent with the foregoing, Engineers may prepare
articles for the lay or technical press, but such articles shall
not imply credit to the author for work performed by others.
4. Engineers shall not disclose, without consent, confidential
information concerning the business affairs or technical
processes of any present or former client or employer, or
public body on which they serve.
a. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested
parties, promote or arrange for new employment or practice
in connection with a specific project for which the Engineer
has gained particular and specialized knowledge.
b. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested
parties, participate in or represent an adversary interest in
connection with a specific project or proceeding in which the
Engineer has gained particular specialized knowledge on
behalf of a former client or employer.
5. Engineers shall not be influenced in their professional
duties by conflicting interests.
a. Engineers shall not accept financial or other
considerations, including free engineering designs, from
material or equipment suppliers for specifying their product.
b. Engineers shall not accept commissions or allowances,
directly or indirectly, from contractors or other parties dealing
with clients or employers of the Engineer in connection with
work for which the Engineer is responsible.
6. Engineers shall not attempt to obtain employment or
advancement or professional engagements by untruthfully
criticizing other engineers, or by other improper or
questionable methods.
a. Engineers shall not request, propose, or accept a
commission on a contingent basis under circumstances in
which their judgment may be compromised.
b. Engineers in salaried positions shall accept part-time
engineering work only to the extent consistent with policies
of the employer and in accordance with ethical
considerations.
c. Engineers shall not, without consent, use equipment,
supplies, laboratory, or office facilities of an employer to carry
on outside private practice.
7. Engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or
falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation,
prospects, practice, or employment of other engineers.
Engineers who believe others are guilty of unethical or illegal
practice shall present such information to the proper authority
for action.
a. Engineers in private practice shall not review the work of
another engineer for the same client, except with the
knowledge of such engineer, or unless the connection of
such engineer with the work has been terminated.
b. Engineers in governmental, industrial, or educational
employ are entitled to review and evaluate the work of other
engineers when so required by their employment duties.
c. Engineers in sales or industrial employ are entitled to
make engineering comparisons of represented products with
products of other suppliers.
8. Engineers shall accept personal responsibility for their
professional activities, provided, however, that Engineers may
seek indemnification for services arising out of their practice
for other than gross negligence, where the Engineer's
interests cannot otherwise be protected.
a. Engineers shall conform with state registration laws in the
practice of engineering.
b. Engineers shall not use association with a nonengineer, a
corporation, or partnership as a "cloak" for unethical acts.
9. Engineers shall give credit for engineering work to those to
 





RE: Engineering Ethics
Faith of the Engineer
I am an engineer. In my profession I take deep pride, but without vain glory; to it I owe solemn obligations that I am eager to fulfill.
As an engineer, I will participate in none but honest enterprise. To those who have engaged my services, as employeer or client, I will give the utmost of performance and fidelity.
When needed, my skills and knowledge shall be given without reservation for the public good. From special capacity springs the obligation to use it well in the service of humanity; and I accept the challenge that this implies.
Jealous of the high repute of my calling, I will strive to protect the interests of and the good name of the engineer that I know to be deserving; but I will not shrink, should duty dictate, from disclosing the truth regarding anyone who by unscrupulous act, has shown conduct unworthy of the profession.
Since the Age of Stone, human progress has been conditioned by the genius of my professional forebears. By them have been rendered usable to mankind nature's vast resources of material and energy. By them have been vitalized and turned to practical account the principles of science and the revelations of technology. Except for this heritage of accumulated experience, my efforts would be feeble. I dedicate myself to the dissemination of engineering knowledge, and especially to the instruction of younger members of my profession in all its arts and traditions.
Engineer's Code of Ethics
Engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor and dignity of the engineering profession by:
1. Using their knowledge and skill for the advancement of human welfare;
2. Being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity the public, their employeers and clients;
3. Striving to increase the competence and prestige of the engineering profession; and
4. Supporting the professional and technical societies of their disciplines.
Reprinted from The Engineers' Council for Professional Development
Mike Van Voorhis
MJVanVoorhis@CS.com