Competence to Certify Arms Storage Rooms (adapted from NSPE Case No. 98-8)

Parent Collection
Professional Ethics in Engineering Practice: Discussion Cases Based on NSPE BER Cases
Authoring Institution
Online Ethics Center
Publisher
Online Ethics Center
Year
1999
Rights
Use of Materials on the OEC
Discipline(s)
Engineering
Topics
Lab and Workplace Safety
Engineer/Client Relationships
Employer/Employee Relationships
Workplace Ethics
Case Study / Scenario
Description

An Engineer with no expertise in arms storage is asked by his superior in the army to certify such a room.

Body

Adam, a professional engineer with expertise in civil engineering, works at a U.S. Army installation, serving as division chief of the Civilian Building and Grounds Division. An Army official requests that Adam certify that certain arms storage rooms and arms storage satisfy lengthy and detailed Army regulations.

Adams has no significant training or knowledge in this area. He asks if he can take a comprehensive training program that covers this type of work but he is told that there are no training funds available.

Should Adam fulfill the Army official's request?

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

Notes

See the original NSPE case at: Competence to Certify Arms Storage Rooms - Case No. 98-8.

Citation
. . Competence to Certify Arms Storage Rooms (adapted from NSPE Case No. 98-8). Online Ethics Center. DOI:. https://onlineethics.org/cases/professional-ethics-engineering-practice-discussion-cases-based-nspe-ber-cases/competence.