Ethics

NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers

This code of ethics is taken from the National Society of Professional Engineers and can be found here with more in depth details.

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:

Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.

Perform services only in areas of their competence.

Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.

Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.

Avoid deceptive acts.

Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.

II. Rules of Practice

Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.

Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their competence.

Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.

Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.

Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts.

III. Professional Obligations

Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

Engineers shall at all times strive to serve the public interest.

Engineers shall avoid all conduct or practice that deceives the public.

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.

Engineers shall not be influenced in their professional duties by conflicting interests.

Engineers shall not attempt to obtain employment or advancement or professional engagements by untruthfully criticizing other engineers, or by other improper or questionable methods.

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.

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.

Engineers shall give credit for engineering work to those to whom credit is due, and will recognize the proprietary interests of others.