Engineering Ethics : Code of Ethics

[LESSON-4] CODE OF ETHICS FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND CANONS BASED ON ENGINEERING

ETHICAL CODES OF INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTES, NSPE, IEEE, ASCE, ASME, etc.
Engineering is an important, learned and responsible profession. Engineers recognize that their work has
a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people. Engineers provided services with honesty,
impartiality, fairness and equity, and dedicated to the protection of the public health, safety and
welfare. In the practice of their profession, engineers perform under a standard of professional behavior
which requires adherence to the highest principles of ethical conduct on behalf of the public, clients,
employers and the profession. Engineer’s work-affect the quality of all in our society. It is vital that
engineers conduct their work in ethical manner. Code of ethics represents such a standard of
professional conduct in the discharge of their professional activities in ethical and responsible manner.

The Fundamental Principles:

Engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor and dignity of the engineering profession by:

i. Using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare.
ii. Being honest and impartial, and serving with fidelity the public, their employers and clients;
iii. Striving to increase the competence and prestige of the engineering profession; and
iv. Supporting the professional and technical societies of their disciplines;

The Fundamental Canons

i. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the
performance of their professional duties.
ii. Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their competence.
iii. Engineers shall issue public statements only in objective and truthful manner.
iv. Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or
trustees and shall avoid conflicts of interest.
v. Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts in the solicitation of professional employment.
vi. Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their services and shall
not compete unfairly with others.
vii. Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor, integrity and
dignity of the profession.
viii. Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers and shall
provide opportunities for the professional development of those engineers under their
supervision.

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GUIDELINES FOR USE WITH THE FUNDAMENTAL CANONS OF ETHICS

1 Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, Health and welfare of the public in the performance of their
professional duties.

a. Engineers shall recognize that the lives, safety, health and welfare of the general public are
dependent upon engineering judgment, decisions and practices incorporated into structures,
machines, products, processes and devices.

b. Engineers shall not approve nor seal plans and/or specifications that are not of a design safe to
public health and welfare and in conformity with accepted engineering standards.

c. Should the Engineer’s professional judgment be overruled under circumstances where the safety,
health, and welfare of the public are endangered, the Engineers shall inform their clients or
employers of the possible consequences and notify other proper authority of the situation, as may
be appropriate.

i. Engineers shall do whatever possible to provide published standards, test codes and quality control
procedures that will enable the public to understand the degree of safety or life expectancy
associated with the use of the design, products and systems for which they are responsible.

ii. Engineers will conduct reviews of the safety and reliability of the design, products or systems for
which they are responsible before giving their approval to the plans for the design.

iii. Should Engineers observe conditions which they believe will endanger public safety or health, they
shall inform the proper authority of the situation.

d. Should Engineers have knowledge or reason to believe that another person or firm may be in
violation of any of the provisions of these Guidelines, they shall present such information to the
proper authority in writing and shall cooperate with the proper authority in furnishing such further
information or assistance as may be required.

i. They shall advise proper authority if an adequate review of the safety and reliability of the
products or systems has not been made or when the design imposes hazards to the public
through its use.

ii. They shall withhold approval of products or systems when changes or modifications are made
which would affect adversely its performance insofar as safety and reliability are concerned.

e. Engineers should seek opportunities to be of constructive service in civic affairs and work for the
advancement of the safety, health and well-being of their communities.

f. Engineers should be committed to improving the environment to enhance the quality of life.

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

a. Engineers shall undertake to perform engineering assignments only when qualified by education
or experience in the specific technical field of engineering involved.

b. Engineers may accept an assignment requiring education or experiences outside of their own
fields of competence, but only to the extent that their services are restricted to those phases of
the project in which they are qualified associates, consultants, or employees.

c. Engineer shall not affix their signatures and/or seals to any engineering plan or document
dealing with subject matter in which they lack competence by virtue of education or experience,
nor to any such plan or document not prepared under their direct supervisory.

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

a. Engineers shall endeavor to extend public knowledge, and to prevent misunderstandings of the
achievements of engineering.

b. Engineers shall be completely objective and truthful in all professional reports, statements, or
testimony. They shall include all relevant and pertinent information in such reports, statements,
or testimony.

c. Engineers, when serving as expert or technical witnesses before any court, commission, or other
tribunal, shall express as engineering opinion only when it is founded upon adequate knowledge
of the facts in issues, upon a background of technical competence in the subject matter, and
upon honest conviction of the accuracy and propriety of the testimony.

d. Engineers shall issue no statements, criticism, nor arguments on engineering matters which are
inspired or paid for by an interested party, or parties, unless they have prefaced their comments
by explicitly identifying themselves, by disclosing the identities of the party or parties, on whose
behalf they speaking, and revealing the existence of any pecuniary interest they may have in the
instant matters.

e. Engineers shall be dignified and modest in explaining their work and merit, and will avoid any
act tending to promote their own interest at the expense of the integrity, honor and dignity of
the profession.

4 Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees, and
shall avoid conflicts of interest.

a. Engineers shall avoid all known conflicts of interest with their employers or clients and shall
promptly inform their employers or clients of any business association, interest, or circumstances
that could influence their judgment or the quality of their services.

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b. Engineers shall not knowing undertake any assignments which would knowing create a potential
conflict of interest between themselves and their clients or their employers.

c. Engineers shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for
services on the same project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed to, and agreed to, by all
interested parties.

d. Engineers shall not solicit nor accept financial or other valuable considerations, including free
engineering designs, from material or equipment suppliers for specifying their products.

e. Engineers shall not solicit nor accept gratuities, directly or indirectly, from contractors, their agents,
or other parties dealing with their clients or employers in connection with work for which they are
responsible.

f. When in public service as members, advisors, or employees of a governmental body or department,

Engineers shall not participate in considerations or actions with respect to services provided by
them or their organization in private or product engineering practice.

g. Engineers shall not solicit nor accept an engineering contact from a governmental body on which a
principal, officer or employer of their organization serves as a member.

h. When, as a result of their studies, Engineers believe a project will not be successful, they shall so
advise their employer or client.

i. Engineers shall treat information coming to them in the course of their assignments as confidential,
and shall not use such information as a means of making personal profit if such action is adverse to
the interests of their clients, their employers or the public.

i. They will not disclose confidential information concerning the business affairs or technical
processes of any present or former employer or client or bidder under evaluation, without his
consent.

ii. They shall not reveal confidential information nor finding of any commission or board of which
they are members.

iii. When they use designs supplied to them by clients, these designs shall not be duplicated by the
Engineers for others without express permission.

iv. While in the employ of others, Engineers will not enter promotional efforts or negotiations for
work or make arrangements for other employment as principles or to practice in connection
with specific projects for which they have gained particular and specialized knowledge without
the consent of all interested parties.

j. The Engineer shall act with fairness and justice to all parties when administering a construction (or
other) contract.

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k. Before undertaking work for others in which Engineers may make improvements, plans, design,
inventions, or other records which may justify copyrights or parents, they shall enter into a positive
agreement regarding ownership.

l. Engineers shall admit and accept their own errors when proven wrong and refrain from distorting or
altering the facts to justify their decisions.

m. Engineers shall not accept professional employment outside of their regular work or interest
without the knowledge of their employers.

n. Engineers shall not attempt to attract an employee from another employer by false or misleading
representations.

o. Engineers shall not review the work of other Engineers except with the knowledge of such
Engineers, or unless the assignments/ or contractual agreements for the work have been
terminated.

i. Engineers in governmental, industrial or educational employment are entitled to review and

evaluate the work of other engineers when so required by their duties.

ii. Engineers in sales or industrial employment are entitled to make engineering comparisons of
their products with products of their suppliers.

iii. Engineers in sales employment shall not offer nor give engineering consultation or designs or
advice other than specifically applying to equipment, materials or systems being sold or offered
for sale by them

5 Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their services and shall not compete
unfairly with others.

a. Engineers shall not pay nor offer to pay, either directly or indirectly, any commission, political
contribution, or a gift, or other consideration in order to secure work, exclusive of securing salaried
positions through employment agencies.

b. Engineers should negotiate contracts for professional services fairly and only on the basis of
demonstration competence and qualifications for the type of professional service required.

c. Engineers should negotiate a method and rate of compensation commensurate with the agreed
upon scope of services. A meeting of the minds of the parties to the contract is essential to mutual
confidence. The public interest requires that the cost of engineering services be fair and reasonable,
but not the controlling consideration in selection of individuals or firms to provide these services.

i. These principles shall be applied by Engineers in obtaining the services of other professionals.

d. Engineers shall not attempt to supplant other Engineers in a particular employment after becoming
aware that definite steps have been taken toward the others employments of after they have been
employed.

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i. They shall not solicit employment from clients who already have Engineers under contract for
the same work.

ii. They shall not accept employment from clients who already have Engineers for the same work
not yet completed or not yet paid for unless the performance or payment requirements in the
contract are being litigated or the contracted Engineer’s services have been terminated in
writing by either party.

iii. In case of termination of litigation, the prospective Engineers before accepting the assignments
shall advise the Engineers being terminated or involved in litigation.

e. Engineers shall not request, propose nor accept professional commissions on a contingent basis
under circumstances under which their professional judgment may be compromised, or when a
contingency provision is used as a device for promoting or securing a professional commission.

f. Engineers shall not falsify nor permit misrepresentation of their or their associates, academic or
professional qualifications. They shall not misrepresent nor exaggerate their degree of responsibility
in or for the subject matter of prior assignments. Brochures or other presentations incident to the
solicitation of employment shall not misrepresent pertinent facts concerning employers, employees,
associates, joint ventures, or their past accomplishments with the intent and purpose of enhancing
their qualifications and work.

g. Engineers may advertise professional services only as a means of identification and limited to the
following:

i. Professional cards and listings in recognized and dignified publications provided they are
consistent in size and are in a section of the publication regularly devoted to such professional
cards and listings. The information displayed must be restricted to firm name, address,
telephone number, appropriate symbol, names of principal participants and the fields of
practice in which the firm is qualified.

ii. Signs on equipment, offices and at the site of the projects for which they render services, limited
to firm name, address, telephone number and type of services, as appropriate.

iii. Brochures, business cards, letterheads and other factual representations of experiences,
facilities, personnel and capacity to render service, providing the same are not misleading
relative to the extent of participation in the projects cited and are not indiscriminately
distributed.

iv. Listing in the classified section of telephone directories, limited to name, address, telephone
number and specialties in which the firm is qualified without resorting to special or bold type.

h. Engineers may use display advertising in recognized dignified business and professional publications,
providing it is factual and relates only to engineering, is free from ostentation, contains no laudatory
expressions or implication, is not misleading with respect to the Engineers extent of participation in
the services of projects described.

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 Engineering Ethics : Code of Ethics

i. Engineers may prepare articles for the lay or technical press which are factual, dignified and free
from ostentations or laudatory implications. Such articles shall not imply other than their direct
participation in the work describe unless credit is given to others for their share of the work.

j. Engineers may extend permission for their names to be used in commercial advertisements, such as
may be published by manufacturers, contractors, material suppliers, etc., only by means of a modest
dignified notation acknowledging their participation and the scope thereof in the project or product
described. Such permission shall not include public endorsement of proprietary products.

k. Engineers may advertise for recruitment of personnel in appropriate publications or by special

distribution. The information presented must be displayed in a dignified manner, restricted to firm
name, address, telephone number, appropriate symbol, names of principal participants, the fields of
practice in which the firm is qualified and factual descriptions of positions available, qualifications
required and benefits available.

l. Engineers shall not enter competitions for designs for the purpose of obtaining commissions for
specific projects, unless provision is made for reasonable compensation for all designs submitted.

m. Engineers shall not maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, injure the professional reputation,
prospects, practices or employment of another engineer, nor shall they indiscriminately criticize
another’s work.

n. Engineers shall not undertake nor agree to perform any engineering service on a free basis, except
professional services which are advisory in nature for civic, charitable, religious or non-profit
organizations. When serving as members of such organizations, engineers are entitled to utilize their
personal engineering knowledge in the service of these organizations.

o. Engineers shall not use equipment, supplies, and laboratory nor office facilities of their employers to
carry on outside private practices without consent.

p. In case of tax-free or tax-aided facilities, engineers should not use student services at less than rates
of other employees of comparable competence, including fringe benefits.

6 Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor, integrity and dignity of the
profession.

a. Engineers shall not knowingly associate with nor permit the use of their names nor firm names
in business ventures by any person or firm which they know, or have reason to believe, are
engaging in business or professional practices of a fraudulent or dishonest nature.

b. Engineers shall not use association with non-engineers, corporations, nor partnerships as
‘cloaks’ for unethical acts.

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7 Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers, and shall provide
opportunities for the professional development of those engineers under their supervision.

a. Engineers shall encourage their engineering employees to further their education.

b. Engineers should encourage their engineering employees to become registered at the earliest
possible date.

c. Engineers should encourage engineering employees to attend and present papers at professional
and technical society meetings.

d. Engineers should support the professional and technical societies of their disciplines.

e. Engineers shall give proper credit for engineering work to those to whom credit is due, and
recognize the proprietary interests of others. Whenever possible, they shall name the person or
persons who may be responsible designs, inventions, writings or other accomplishments.

f. Engineers shall endeavor to extend the public knowledge of engineering, and shall not participate
in the dissemination of untrue, unfair or exaggerated statements regarding engineering.

g. Engineers shall upload the principle of appropriate and adequate compensation for those
engaged in engineering work.

h. Engineers should assign professional engineers duties of a nature which will utilize their full
training and experience insofar as possible, and delegate lesser functions to sub professionals or
to technicians.

i. Engineers shall provide prospective engineering employees with complete information on

working conditions and their proposed status of employment and after employment shall keep
them informed of any changes.

RULES OF PRACTICE

1 Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of their
professional duties.

a. Engineers shall at all times recognize that their primary obligation is to protect the safety, health,
poverty and welfare of the public. If their professional judgment is overruled under circumstances
where the safety, health, property or welfare of the public are endangered, they shall notify their
employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate.

b. Engineers shall approve only those documents which are safe for public health, property and
welfare in conformity with accepted standards.

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c. Engineers shall not reveal facts, data or information obtained in a professional capacity without the
prior consent of the client or employer except as authorized or required by law or this code.

d. Engineers shall not permit the use of their name or firm name nor associate in business ventures
with any person or firm which they have reason to believe is engaging in fraudulent or dishonest
business or professional practices.

e. Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code shall co-operate with the proper
authorities in furnishing such information or assistance as may be required.

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

a. Engineers shall undertake assignments only when qualified by education or experience in the
specific technical fields involved.

b. Engineers shall not affix their signatures to any plans or documents dealing with subject matter in
which they lack competence, nor to any plan or document not prepared under their direction or
control.

c. Engineers may accept assignment and assume responsibility for coordination of an entire project
and sign and seal the engineering documents for the entire project, provided that each technical
segment is signed and sealed only by the qualified engineers who prepared the segment.

3 Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
a. Engineers shall be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements or testimony. They
shall include all relevant and pertinent information in such reports, statements or testimony.

b. Engineers may express publicly a professional opinion on technical subjects only when that
opinion is founded upon adequate knowledge of the facts and competence in the subject matter.

c. Engineers shall issue no statements, criticisms or arguments on technical matters which are
inspired or paid for by interested parties, unless they have prefaced their comments by explicitly
identifying the interested parties on whose behalf they are speaking and by revealing the
existence of any interest the engineers may have in the matters.

4 Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustee.
a. Engineers shall disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest to their employers or clients by
promptly informing them of any business association, interest, or other circumstances which
could influence or appear to influence their judgment or the quality of their services.

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b. Engineers shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for
services on the same project, or for services pertaining to the same project, unless the
circumstance are fully disclosed to and agreed to by, all interested parties.

c. Engineers shall not solicit or accept financial or other valuable consideration, directly or indirectly,
from contractors, their agents, or other parties in connection with work for employers or clients
for which they are responsible.

d. Engineers in public service as members, advisors or employees of a governmental body or

department shall not participate in decisions with respect to professional services solicited or
provided by them or their organizations in private or public engineering practice.

e. Engineers shall not solicit or accept a professional contract from a governmental body on which a
principal or officer of their organization serves as a member.

5 Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts in the solicitation of professional employment.

a. Engineers shall not falsify or permit misrepresentation of their or their associates, academic or
professional qualifications. They shall not misrepresent or exaggerate their degree of responsibility
in or for the subject matter of prior assignments. Brochures or other presentations incident to the
solicitation of employment shall not misrepresent pertinent facts concerning employers,
employees, associates, joint ventures or past accomplishments with the intent and purpose of
enhancing their qualifications and their work.

b. Engineers shall not offer, give solicit or receive, either directly or indirectly, any political
contribution in an amount intended to influence the award of a contract by public authority, or
which be reasonably construed by the public of having the effect or intent to influence the award
of a contract. They shall not offer any gift, or other valuable consideration in order to secure work.
They shall not pay a commission, percentage or brokerage fee in order to secure work except to a
bona fide employee or bona fide established commercial or marketing agencies retained by them.

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 Engineering Ethics : Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics for Computing Professionals (ACM CODE) and Software Engineering code By I
EEE-CS

ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

 1. GENERAL ETHICAL PRINCIPLES.
 1.1 Contribute to society and to human well-being, acknowledging that all people are
stakeholders in computing.
 1.2 Avoid harm.
 1.3 Be honest and trustworthy.
 1.4 Be fair and take action not to discriminate.
 1.5 Respect the work required to produce new ideas, inventions, creative works, and
computing artifacts.
 1.6 Respect privacy.
 1.7 Honor confidentiality.
 2. PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES.
 2.1 Strive to achieve high quality in both the processes and products of professional
work.
 2.2 Maintain high standards of professional competence, conduct, and ethical
practice.
 2.3 Know and respect existing rules pertaining to professional work.
 2.4 Accept and provide appropriate professional review.
 2.5 Give comprehensive and thorough evaluations of computer systems and their
impacts, including analysis of possible risks.
 2.6 Perform work only in areas of competence.
 2.7 Foster public awareness and understanding of computing, related technologies,
and their consequences.
 2.8 Access computing and communication resources only when authorized or when
compelled by the public good.
 2.9 Design and implement systems that are robustly and usably secure.
 3. PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES.
 3.1 Ensure that the public good is the central concern during all professional
computing work.
 3.2 Articulate, encourage acceptance of, and evaluate fulfillment of social
responsibilities by members of the organization or group.
 3.3 Manage personnel and resources to enhance the quality of working life.
 3.4 Articulate, apply, and support policies and processes that reflect the principles of
the Code.
 3.5 Create opportunities for members of the organization or group to grow as
professionals.
 3.6 Use care when modifying or retiring systems.
 3.7 Recognize and take special care of systems that become integrated into the
infrastructure of society.
 4. COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE.
 4.1 Uphold, promote, and respect the principles of the Code.
 4.2 Treat violations of the Code as inconsistent with membership in the ACM.

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The Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice

Software engineers shall commit themselves to making the analysis, specification, design,
development, testing and maintenance of software a beneficial and respected profession. In
accordance with their commitment to the health, safety and welfare of the public, software
engineers shall adhere to the following Eight Principles:
1. PUBLIC – Software engineers shall act consistently with the public interest.
2. CLIENT AND EMPLOYER – Software engineers shall act in a manner that is in the best interests of their
client and employer consistent with the public interest.
3. PRODUCT – Software engineers shall ensure that their products and related modifications meet the
highest professional standards possible.
4. JUDGMENT – Software engineers shall maintain integrity and independence in their professional
judgment.
5. MANAGEMENT – Software engineering managers and leaders shall subscribe to and promote an
ethical approach to the management of software development and maintenance.
6. PROFESSION – Software engineers shall advance the integrity and reputation of the profession
consistent with the public interest.
7. COLLEAGUES – Software engineers shall be fair to and supportive of their colleagues.
8. SELF – Software engineers shall participate in lifelong learning regarding the practice of their
profession and shall promote an ethical approach to the practice of the profession.

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PROFESSIONAL OBLIGATIONS

1 Engineers shall be guided in all their professional relations by the highest standards of integrity.
a. Engineers shall admit and accept their own errors when proven wrong and refrain from distorting or
altering the facts in an attempt to justify their decisions.

b. Engineers shall advise their clients or employers when they believe a project will not be successful.

c. Engineers shall not accept outside employment to the detriment of their regular work or interest.
Before accepting any outside employment, they will notify their employers.

d. Engineers shall not attempt to attract an engineer from another employer by false or misleading
pretenses.

e. Engineers shall not actively participate in strikes, picket lines, or other collective action.

f. Engineers shall avoid any act tending to promote their own interest at the expense of the dignity
and integrity of the profession.

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

a. Engineers shall seek opportunities to be of constructive service in civic affairs and work for the
advancement of the safety, health and well-being of their community.

b. Engineers shall not complete, sign or seal plans and/or specifications that are not of a design safe to
the public health and welfare and in conformity with accepted engineering standards. If the client or
employer insists on such unprofessional conduct, they shall notify the proper authorities and
withdraw from further service on the project.

c. Engineers shall endeavor to extend public knowledge and appreciation of engineering and its
achievements and to protect the engineering profession from misrepresentation and
misunderstanding.

3 Engineers shall avoid all conduct or practice which is likely to discredit the profession or device the
public.

a. Engineers shall avoid the use of statements containing a material misrepresentation of fact or
omitting a material fact necessary to keep statements from being misleading or intended or likely to
create an unjustified expectation; statements containing prediction of future success; statements
containing an opinion as to the quality of the Engineer’s services; or statements intended or likely to
attract clients by the use of showmanship, puffery, or self-laudation, including the use of slogans,
jingles, or sensational language or format.

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b. Consistent with the foregoing, Engineers may advertise for recruitment of personnel.

c. Consistent with the foregoing, Engineers may prepare articles for the lay or technical press, but such
articles shall not imply credit to the author for work performed by others.

4 Engineers shall not disclose confidential information concerning the business affairs or technical
processes of any present or former client or employer without his consent.

a. Engineers in the employ of others shall not without the consent of all interested parties enter
promotional efforts or negotiations for work or make arrangements for other employment as a
principal or to practice in connection with a specific project for which the Engineer has gained
particular specialized knowledge.

b. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested parties, participate in or represent an
adversary interest in connection with a specific project or proceeding in which the Engineer has
gained particular specialized knowledge on behalf of a former client of employer.

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

a. Engineers shall not accept financial or other considerations, including free engineering designs, from
material or equipment suppliers for specifying their product.

b. Engineers shall not accept commissions or allowance, directly or indirectly, from contractors or
other parties dealing with clients or employers of the Engineer in connection with work for which
the Engineer is responsible.

6 Engineers shall uphold the principle of appropriate and adequate compensation for those engaged in
engineering work.

a. Engineers shall not accept remuneration from either an employee or employment agency for giving
employment.

b. Engineers, when employing other engineers, shall offer a salary according to professional
qualifications.

7 Engineers shall not attempt to obtain employment or advancement or professional engagements by

untruthfully criticizing other engineers, or by other improper or questionable method.

a. Engineers shall not request, propose or accept a professional commission on a contingent basis
under circumstances in which their professional judgment may be compromised.

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b. Engineers in salaried positions shall accept part-time engineering work only to the extent consistent
with policies of the employer and in accordance with ethical consideration.

c. Engineers shall not use equipment, supplies, laboratory, or office facilities of an employer to carry
on outside private practice without consent.

8 Engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional
reputation, prospects, practice or employment of other engineers, nor untruthfully criticize other
engineers work. Engineers who believe others are guilty of unethical or illegal practice shall present
such information to the proper authority for action.

a. Engineers in private practice shall not review the work of another engineer for the same client,
except with the knowledge of such engineer, or unless the connection of such engineer with the
work has been terminated.

b. Engineers in governmental, industrial or educational employ are entitled to review and evaluate the
work of other engineers when so required by their employment duties.

c. Engineers in sales or industrial employ are entitled to make engineering comparisons of represented
products with products of other suppliers.

9 Engineers shall accept responsibility for their professional activities; provided, however, that Engineers
may seek indemnification for professional services arising out of their practice for other than gross
negligence, where the Engineer’s interests cannot otherwise be protected.

a. Engineers shall confirm with state registration laws in the practice of engineering.

b. Engineering shall not use association with a non-engineer, a corporation, or partnership as a ‘cloak’
for unethical acts, but must accept personal responsibility for all professional acts.

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

a. Engineers shall, whenever possible, name the person or persons who may be individually
responsible for designs, inventions, writings, or other accomplishments.

b. Engineers using designs supplied by a client recognize that the designs remain the property of the
client and may not be duplicated by the Engineer for others without express permission.

c. Engineers, before undertaking work for others in connection with which the Engineer may make
improvements, plans, designs, inventions, or other records which may justify copyrights or patents,
should enter into a positive agreement regarding ownership.

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d. Engineers’ designs, data, records, and notes referring exclusively to an employer’s work are the
employer’s property.

11 Engineers shall cooperate in extending the effectiveness of the profession by interchanging information
and experience with other engineers and students, and will endeavor to provide opportunity for the
professional development and advancement of engineers under their supervision.

a. Engineers shall encourage engineering employees’ efforts to improve their education.

b. Engineers shall encourage engineering employees to attend and present papers at professional and
technical society meetings.

c. Engineers shall urge engineering employees to become registered at the earliest possible date.

d. Engineers shall assign professional engineer duties of a nature to utilize full training and experience,
insofar as possible, and delegate lesser functions to sub-professionals or to technicians.

e. Engineers shall provide a prospective engineering employee with complete information on working
conditions and proposed status of employment and after employment will keep employees
informed of any changes.

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Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics

The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics were created in 1992 by the Washington,
D.C. based Computer Ethics Institute. The commandments were introduced in the paper "In Pursuit of a
'Ten Commandments' for Computer Ethics" by Ramon C. Barquin as a means to create "a set of
standards to guide and instruct people in the ethical use of computers." They follow the Internet Advisory
Board's memo on ethics from 1987. The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics copies the archaic
style of the Ten Commandments from the King James Bible.
The commandments have been widely quoted in computer ethics literature but also have been criticized
by both the hacker community and some in academia. For instance, Dr. Ben Fairweather of the "Centre
for Computing and Social Responsibility" has described them as "simplistic" and overly restrictive.

The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics

1. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.- Do not use the computer in ways that may harm other
people.
2. Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.- Do not use computer technology to cause
interference in other users' work.
3. Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.- Do not spy on another person's computer
data.
4. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.- Do not use computer technology to steal information.
5. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.- Do not contribute to the spread of misinformation
using computer technology.
6. Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid (without permission).- Refrain
from copying software or buying pirated copies. Pay for software unless it is free.
7. Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.- Do
not use someone else's computer resources unless authorized to.
8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output .- It is wrong to claim ownership on a work
which is the output of someone else's intellect.
9. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are
designing.- Before developing a software, think about the social impact it can have.
10. Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for other humans.- In
using computers for communication, be respectful and courteous with the fellow members.

Exegesis

 Commandment 1: Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.

Explanation: This commandment says that it is unethical to use a computer to harm another
user. It is not limited to physical injury. It includes harming or corrupting other users' data or
files. The commandment states that it is wrong to use a computer to steal someone's personal
information. Manipulating or destroying files of other users is ethically wrong. It is unethical to
write programs, which on execution lead to stealing, copying or gaining unauthorized access to
other users' data. Being involved in practices like hacking, spamming, phishing or cyber bullying
does not conform to computer ethics.
 Commandment 2: Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.
Explanation: Computer software can be used in ways that disturb other users or disrupt their
work. Viruses, for example, are programs meant to harm useful computer programs or interfere
with the normal functioning of a computer. Malicious software can disrupt the functioning of
computers in more ways than one. It may overload computer memory through excessive
consumption of computer resources, thus slowing its functioning. It may cause a computer to

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function wrongly or even stop working. Using malicious software to attack a computer is
unethical.
 Commandment 3: Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.
Explanation: We know it is wrong to read someone's personal letters. On the same lines, it is
wrong to read someone else's email messages or files. Obtaining data from another person's
private files is nothing less than breaking into someone's room. Snooping around in another
person's files or reading someone else's personal messages is the invasion of his privacy. There
are exceptions to this. For example, spying is necessary and cannot be called unethical when it is
done against illegitimate use of computers. For example, intelligence agencies working on
cybercrime cases need to spy on the internet activity of suspects.
 Commandment 4: Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
Explanation: Stealing sensitive information or leaking confidential information is as good as
robbery. It is wrong to acquire personal information of employees from an employee database
or patient history from a hospital database or other such information that is meant to be
confidential. Similarly, breaking into a bank account to collect information about the account or
account holder is wrong. Illegal electronic transfer of funds is a type of fraud. With the use of
technology, stealing of information is much easier. Computers can be used to store stolen
information.
 Commandment 5: Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
Explanation: Spread of information has become viral today, because of the Internet. This also
means that false news or rumors can spread speedily through social networking sites or emails.
Being involved in the circulation of incorrect information is unethical. Mails and pop-ups are
commonly used to spread the wrong information or give false alerts with the only intent of
selling products. Mails from untrusted sources advertising certain products or spreading some
hard-to-believe information, are not uncommon. Direct or indirect involvement in the
circulation of false information is ethically wrong. Giving wrong information can hurt other
parties or organizations that are affected by that particular theme.
 Commandment 6: Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid
(without permission).
Explanation: Like any other artistic or literary work, software is copyrighted. A piece of code is
the original work of the individual who created it. It is copyrighted in his/her name. In case of a
developer writing software for the organization she works for, the organization holds the
copyright for it. Copyright holds true unless its creators announce it is not. Obtaining illegal
copies of copyrighted software is unethical and also encourages others to make copies illegally.
 Commandment 7: Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or
proper compensation.
Explanation: Multi-user systems have user specific passwords. Breaking into some other user's
password, thus intruding his/her private space is unethical. It is not ethical to hack passwords
for gaining unauthorized access to a password-protected computer system. Accessing data that
you are not authorized to access or gaining access to another user's computer without her
permission is not ethical.
 Commandment 8: Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.
Explanation: Programs developed by a software developer are her property. If he is working
with an organization, they are the organization's property. Copying them and propagating them

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in one's own name is unethical. This applies to any creative work, program or design.
Establishing ownership on a work which is not yours is ethically wrong.
 Commandment 9: Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are
writing or the system you are designing.
Explanation: Looking at the social consequences that a program can have, describes a broader
perspective of looking at technology. A computer software on release, reaches millions. Software
like video games and animations or educational software can have a social impact on their users.
When working on animation films or designing video games, for example, it is the programmer's
responsibility to understand his target audience/users and the effect it may have on them. For
example, a computer game for kids should not have content that can influence them negatively.
Similarly, writing malicious software is ethically wrong. A software developer/development
firm should consider the influence their code can have on the society at large.
 Commandment 10: Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and
respect for other humans.
Explanation: The communication etiquette we follow in the real world applies to communication
over computers as well. While communicating over the Internet, one should treat others with
respect. One should not intrude others' private space, use abusive language, make false
statements or pass irresponsible remarks about others. One should be courteous while
communicating over the web and should respect others' time and resources. Also, one should be
considerate with a novice computer user.

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10 (TEN) FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE ELECTRICAL DESIGN AND INSTALLATIONS

1. Planning and Design:

Proper planning, design, estimating, drawing and layout, and for this purpose an Assessment of
General Characteristics, Nature of Supplies, Maximum Demand, Feeder and branch circuit and
their arrangements, over current protection and earthing system, allowable voltage drop,
environmental impact, constructions of buildings, ambient temperature, humidity, lightning, risk
of fire and compatibility etc.

2. Selection and use of Standards Materials and good Workmanship: Selection and use of proper,
standard and established materials, equipment’s, protective devices and switches, methods and
procedures and tools etc., and good workmanship are essential for safe design and installation.

3. Selection & erection of equipment’s and conductors etc:

a. All equipment shall be constructed, installed and protected and shall be capable of being
maintained, inspected and tested, so as to prevent danger so far as is reasonably practicable
and have compatibility not to impair the safety.
b. All equipment shall be suitable for the maximum power demanded by the current-using
equipment when it is in use.
c. All electrical conductors shall be of sufficient size and current-carrying capacity for the
purposes for which they are intended.
d. All conductors shall either.
i. be so insulated and where necessary further effectively protected, or
ii. be so placed and safeguarded as to prevent danger, so far as is reasonably
practicable.
e. Every electrical joint and connection shall be of proper constructions as regards
conductance, insulation, mechanical strength and protection.

4. Over current Protective Devices:

a. Where necessary to prevent danger, every installation and every circuit thereof shall be
protected against over current devices which.
i. will operate automatically at values of current which are suitable related to the safe
current rating to the circuit, and
ii. are of adequate breaking capacity and where appropriate, making capacity, and
iii. are suitable located and are constructed so as to prevent danger from overheating,
arcing or the scattering of hot particles when they come into operation and to
permit ready restoration of the supply without danger.

5. Precautions against Earth Leakage and Earth Faults Currents:

a. Where metalwork of electrical equipment, other than current-carrying conductors, may
become charged with electricity in such a manner as to cause danger.
i. the metalwork shall be connected with earth in such a manner as will cause
discharge of electrical energy without danger. Or
ii. other equally effective precautions shall be taken to prevent danger.
b. Every circuit shall be arranged so as to prevent the persistence of dangerous earth leakage
currents.

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 Engineering Ethics : Code of Ethics

c. Where metalwork is connected with earth in accordance with 5(a) the circuits concerned
shall be protected against the persistence of an earth fault current by:
i. the over current protective devices required by 4 (a). or
ii. a residual current device or equally effective device.
iii. The method described in item (ii) above shall be used whenever the prospective
earth fault current is insufficient to cause prompt operation of the over current
protective devisees.
d. Where metalwork of electrical equipment is connected with earth in accordance with 5a (i)
and is accessible simultaneously with substantial exposed metal parts of other services the
letter shall be effectively connected to the main earthing terminal of the installation.
e. BNBC, NEC and I.E.E Regulations (UK) etc., require that the resistance of all the earth
continuity conductors in an installation should together be not more than 1 ohm and this
value should not be exceeded at any time.

6. Isolation and Switching:

a. Effective means, suitably placed for ready operation, shall be provided so that all voltage
may be cut off from every installation, from every circuit thereof and from all equipment , as
may be necessary to prevent or remove danger.
b. Every fixed electric motor shall be provided with an efficient means of switching off, readily
accessible, easily operated and so placed as to prevent danger.

7. Accessibility and Equipment and allowance of maintenance:

a. Every piece of equipment, which requires operation or attention by a person, shall be so
installed that adequate and safe means of access and working space are afforded for such
operation or attention and proper maintenance.

8. Precautions in Adverse Conditions:

a. All equipment likely to be exposed to weather, corrosive atmosphere or other adverse
conditions shall be so constructed or protected as may be necessary to prevent danger
arising from such exposure.
b. All equipment in surrounding susceptible to risk of fire or explosion shall be so constructed
or protected and such other special precautions shall be taken, as may be necessary to
prevent danger.

9. Additions and Alterations to an Installation:

a. No addition or alteration, temporary or permanent, shall be made to an existing
installation, unless it has been ascertained that the rating and the condition of any existing
equipment , including that of the supplier, which will have to carry any additional load is
adequate.

10. Inspection and Testing

a. On completion of an installation or an extension or alteration of and installation appropriate
tests and inspection shall be made, to verify so far as is reasonably practicable that the
requirements of codes have been met. The person carrying out the test and the inspection,
or a person acting on his behalf shall inform the person ordering the work of the
recommendations for Periodic Inspection and Testing described in the code.

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