Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

(Established pursuant to Section 18(1)(h) of the Engineering, Geological and Geophysical Professions Act)

Preamble

Professional engineers, geologists and geophysicists shall recognize that professional ethics is founded upon integrity, competence and devotion to service and to the advancement of human welfare. This concept shall guide their conduct at all times. In this way, each professional's actions will enhance the dignity and status of the professions.

Professional engineers, geologists and geophysicists, through their practice, are charged with extending public understanding of the professions and should serve in public affairs when their professional knowledge may be of benefit to the public.

Professional engineers, geologists and geophysicists will build their reputations on the basis of merit of the services performed or offered and shall not compete unfairly with others or compete primarily on the basis of fees without due consideration for other factors.

Professional engineers, geologists and geophysicists will maintain a special obligation to demonstrate understanding, professionalism and technical expertise to members-in-training under their supervision.

Rules of Conduct

Rule 1

Professional engineers, geologists and geophysicists shall have proper regard in all their work for the safety and welfare of all persons and for the physical environment affected by their work.

Rule 2

Professional engineers, geologists and geophysicists shall undertake only work that they are competent to perform by virtue of training and experience and shall express opinions on engineering, geological or geophysical matters only on the basis of adequate knowledge and honest conviction.

Rule 3

Professional engineers, geologists and geophysicists shall sign and seal only reports, plans or documents that they have prepared or that have been prepared under their direct supervision.

Rule 4

Professional engineers, geologists and geophysicists shall act for their clients or employers as faithful agents or trustees, always acting independently and with fairness and justice to all parties.

Rule 5

Professional engineers, geologists and geophysicists shall not engage in activities or accept remuneration for services rendered that may create a conflict of interest with their clients or employers, without knowledge and consent of their clients or employers.

Rule 6

Professional engineers, geologists and geophysicists shall not disclose confidential information without consent of their clients or employers, unless the withholding of the information is considered contrary to the safety of the public.

Rule 7

Professional engineers, geologists and geophysicists shall present clearly to their clients or employers the consequences to be expected if their professional judgement is overruled by other authorities in matters pertaining to work for which they are professionally responsible.

Rule 8

Professional engineers, geologists and geophysicists shall not offer or accept covert payment for the purpose of securing an engineering, geological or geophysical assignment.

Rule 9

Professional engineers, geologists and geophysicists shall represent their qualifications and competence, or advertise professional services offered, only through factual representation without exaggeration.

Rule 10

Professional engineers, geologists and geophysicists shall conduct themselves toward other professional engineers, geologists and geophysicists, and toward employees and others with fairness and good faith.

Rule 11

Professional engineers, geologists and geophysicists shall advise the Registrar of any practice by a member of the Association that they believe to be contrary to this Code of Ethics.

Under section 43 of the Act, a contravention of this Code of Ethics may constitute unprofessional conduct or unskilled practice which is subject to disciplinary action.