Cheatsheet: Code of Conduct

1. Fundamental Canons

2. Professional Obligations

2.1 Public Safety and Welfare

• Report violations of law or code that endanger public safety to proper authorities
• Notify employer or client when professional judgment is overruled if adverse consequences threaten public safety
• Approve only work that conforms to applicable standards
• Avoid conflicts of interest that could influence professional judgment

2.2 Competence and Scope of Practice

• Undertake assignments only when qualified by education, training, or experience
• Accept responsibility only for work performed or directly supervised
• Affix seal or signature only to work under direct control or supervision
• Continue professional development throughout career

2.3 Truthfulness and Objectivity

• Be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements, or testimony
• Include all relevant and pertinent information in reports
• Express opinions based on adequate knowledge and honest conviction
• Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose them when unavoidable

3. Client and Employer Relations

3.1 Confidentiality

• Maintain confidentiality of business and technical information unless authorized to disclose
• Do not disclose confidential information to advance personal interests
• Protect proprietary information unless required by law or ethical obligations

3.2 Conflicts of Interest

• Disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest to clients or employers
• Avoid situations where personal interests conflict with professional duties
• Do not accept compensation from multiple parties for same services without disclosure
• Do not solicit or accept financial or other valuable consideration to secure work

3.3 Faithful Service

• Act as faithful agents or trustees for clients and employers
• Avoid improper solicitation of work
• Do not accept work that would create conflicts of interest with existing clients

4. Professional Practice Standards

4.1 Honest Representation

• Do not affix seal or signature to work not prepared under direct supervision
• Do not claim credit for work not personally performed
• Give proper credit for engineering work to those who performed it
• Do not misrepresent qualifications, experience, or capabilities

4.2 Advertising and Solicitation

• Avoid false, misleading, or exaggerated statements in promotional materials
• Do not use statements containing material misrepresentation of fact
• Do not claim capabilities beyond actual qualifications
• Represent credentials accurately without exaggeration

4.3 Improper Practices to Avoid

5. Obligations to the Profession

5.1 Professional Development

• Continue professional development to maintain competence
• Keep current with developments in area of practice
• Pursue continuing education requirements as mandated by jurisdiction

5.2 Reputation of Profession

• Avoid associations or actions that discredit the profession
• Do not injure or attempt to injure reputation of other engineers maliciously
• Do not make false statements about other engineers
• Support professional and technical societies in areas of practice

5.3 Fair Competition

• Do not compete unfairly with others
• Do not attempt to supplant another engineer in employment by false or malicious statements
• Do not use confidential information gained from previous employment to advantage
• Do not review work of another engineer for same client without knowledge of that engineer unless terminated

6. Seal and Signature Requirements

6.1 When Seal Required

• Engineering plans, specifications, and reports submitted to public authorities
• Documents intended for construction, fabrication, or public record
• Work that affects public health, safety, or welfare
• As required by state or local licensing board regulations

6.2 Seal Application Rules

• Seal only work performed by licensee or under direct supervisory control
• Sign and date all sealed documents
• Do not affix seal to work prepared by others unless reviewed and approved
• Do not permit use of seal by others
• Maintain control of seal at all times

6.3 Responsible Charge

• Exercise direct control and personal supervision of work sealed
• Possess detailed professional knowledge of work being sealed
• Review and approve work prepared by subordinates
• Be available for consultation during project execution

7. Disciplinary Matters

7.1 Violations Subject to Discipline

• Practicing without valid license or outside scope of license
• Gross negligence, incompetence, or misconduct
• Fraud or deceit in obtaining license
• Violation of code of ethics or professional conduct rules
• Criminal conviction related to professional practice
• Aiding unlicensed practice

7.2 Reporting Obligations

• Report violations of engineering laws or rules that endanger public to licensing board
• Report knowledge of unethical or illegal conduct by other engineers
• Cooperate with licensing board investigations
• Respond truthfully to board inquiries

7.3 Possible Sanctions

8. Special Practice Situations

8.1 Expert Witness Testimony

• Provide testimony based on adequate knowledge and preparation
• Express honest professional opinion supported by facts
• Remain objective and impartial in analysis
• Do not advocate beyond professional expertise
• Disclose potential conflicts of interest

8.2 Plan Reviews and Approvals

• Review only work within area of competence
• Apply appropriate codes, standards, and regulations
• Approve only work that meets applicable requirements
• Document basis for approval or rejection

8.3 Supervision of Subordinates

• Provide adequate supervision proportionate to training and experience
• Review and approve work before submission or use
• Assign only tasks appropriate to qualifications
• Accept responsibility for work performed under supervision

9. Key Ethical Principles Summary

9.1 Priority Hierarchy

1. Public safety, health, and welfare (paramount)
2. Compliance with laws and regulations
3. Obligations to employer or client
4. Professional reputation and integrity

9.2 When in Doubt

• Prioritize public safety over all other considerations
• Consult licensing board or ethics committee
• Seek guidance from professional society
• Document decision-making process and rationale
• Refuse work beyond competence or that violates ethical standards

9.3 Common Ethical Dilemmas