Refusing to Sign/Seal Construction Documents (adapted from NSPE Cases No. 96-3)

Engineer Anthony left firm A, at which he was an employee, to work for a competitor, firm B. A project on which he was in charge while at firm A was virtually completed before he left, but he did not sign or seal the construction documents before leaving. Bernard, a priciple in the first firm, requests Anthony to sign and seal the drawing.

Can Anthony refuse to sign or seal the construction documents?

Can Anthony ask firm A to pay him for signing the documents?

What are Anthony's obligations with respect to the work he left behind?

--adapted from NSPE Cases No. 96-3

NSPE Code of Ethics An earlier version may have been used in this case.

Return to Professional Ethics in Engineering Practice: Discussion Cases Based on NSPE BER Cases