The NSPE Code of Ethics

Test your knowledge on the NSPE Code of Ethics with this quiz focused on a case involving a fire code violation. Explore the conflicting values and obligations faced by engineers in maintaining confidentiality while also prioritizing public health and safety. Learn about the relevant articles of Code Section II.1 and how they correspond to other sections of the NSPE Code of Ethics. See if you can determine the appropriate course of action for Engineer A in this case, according to the NSPE guidelines. Put your ethical decision-making skills

Created by

@VerifiableReasoning

Questions and Answers

What is the conflict faced by the engineer in this case?

Safety and confidentiality

What conflicting values does the engineer in the case face?

Objectivity and public health

Which fundamental canon of the NSPE Code seems to conflict with fundamental canon 1 in this case?

Fundamental canon 2

Which NSPE Code Section employs the word "paramount" to describe the obligation of the engineer with respect to public health and safety?

Section II.1 Signup and view all the answers

Which articles of Code Section II.1 are relevant in this case?

II.1.b, II.1.c, and II.1.f Signup and view all the answers

What are the relevant articles of Section II.1 in the case?

II.1.b, II.1.c, and II.1.f Signup and view all the answers

What does the NSPE Board of Ethical Review believe should take precedence over the obligation to maintain confidentiality?

Public health and safety Signup and view all the answers

According to the NSPE Board of Ethical Review, which obligation should take precedence over the obligation to maintain confidentiality?

Public health and safety Signup and view all the answers

What should Engineer A advise the client to do in this case?

Report the violation to code enforcement officials if necessary Signup and view all the answers

What should Engineer A advise their client to do in the case?

Take appropriate steps to protect occupants and report the violation if necessary Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The case involves an engineer who discovered a fire code violation in a building owned by their client.
The engineer is bound by conflicting values of objectivity and public health as well as safety and confidentiality.
The NSPE Code Section I fundamental canon seems to conflict with fundamental canon 1 in this case.
Code Section II.1 employs the word "paramount" to describe the obligation of the engineer with respect to public health and safety.
The relevant articles of Section II.1 in this case are II.1.b, II.1.c, and II.1.f.
The NSPE Board of Ethical Review believes that matters of public health and safety must take precedence over the obligation to maintain confidentiality.
Code Section II.1.c corresponds to NSPE Code Section III.2.
Engineer A should advise the client to take appropriate steps to protect occupants from the risks associated with the fire code violation and report the violation to code enforcement officials if necessary.
According to the NSPE Code of Ethics, engineers must acknowledge their errors and only undertake assignments they are qualified for.
The NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers is an aspirational code.