Ethics and Professional Practice

What is the primary purpose of engineering codes of ethics?

To ensure engineers protect public health, safety, and welfare while maintaining honesty and integrity.

According to the NCEES Model Rules, what must come first in all professional decisions?

The safety, health, and welfare of the public.

When can an engineer accept compensation from more than one party for the same project?

Only with full disclosure and consent of all parties involved.

When must an engineer disclose a potential conflict of interest?

As soon as it becomes apparent that personal interests may influence professional judgment.

What should an engineer do if they believe an employer’s design is unsafe?

Advise the employer, refuse to approve it, and if necessary, report to proper authorities.

What should an engineer do when discovering another engineer’s unethical or illegal conduct?

Report it to proper authorities or licensing board while maintaining factual objectivity.

What are the four major types of intellectual property protection?

Copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.

What does a copyright protect?

Original works of authorship such as written, artistic, or digital content.

What does a patent protect?

Inventions and processes that are new, useful, and non-obvious.

What does a trademark protect?

Symbols, names, or logos used to identify goods or services.

What does a trade secret protect?

Confidential business information that provides a competitive advantage.

Who issues patents in the U.S.?

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

What is the duration of a U.S. patent?

Typically 20 years from the filing date.

What is the duration of a U.S. copyright?

Author’s life plus 70 years.

What is the main purpose of grounding in electrical safety?

To provide a safe path for fault current and prevent electric shock.

What does PPE stand for?

Personal Protective Equipment.

Give examples of PPE for electrical engineers.

Insulated gloves, face shields, arc flash suits, dielectric boots.

What is an MSDS or SDS?

Material Safety Data Sheet (now Safety Data Sheet) — provides chemical hazard and handling information.

What is lockout/tagout?

Safety procedure that ensures machinery is properly shut off and not restarted before maintenance.

What is arc flash?

Sudden release of electrical energy due to a fault, producing intense heat and light.

How can arc flash hazards be mitigated?

Through PPE, equipment labeling, proper boundaries, and de-energizing circuits.

What is the difference between ethics and law?

Ethics are moral principles; laws are enforceable rules created by governments.

What should an engineer do if a client requests falsified data?

Refuse the request and report if necessary — always uphold professional integrity.

What must an engineer include when using others’ work in their reports or presentations?

Proper attribution and credit to original authors.

What is whistleblowing?

Reporting unsafe, illegal, or unethical practices that endanger public safety or violate regulations.

What must engineers avoid in advertising or public statements?

False, misleading, or exaggerated claims about their qualifications or services.

What is the engineer’s responsibility regarding environmental impact?

To minimize environmental harm and promote sustainable practices when possible.

When can an engine