Ethics AIChE Code

Figure 23.1 AIChE Code of Ethics (Reprinted with permission of AIChE)... 

In addition to the AIChE code of ethics, two other codes are frequently used in chemical engineering. One... 

The third common code of ethics is that of the National Society for Professional Engineers (Figure 23.21. This code is more detailed and more specific than is the AIChE Code of Ethics. It not only includes the canons and principles that are the total of the AIChE Code, but it also prescribes rather specific actions to take in specific circumstances. The NSPE code applies to those who join the organization and to those licensed to practice engineering in states where this code is included in the professional engineers code. However, it is instructive for any chemical engineer to read the NSPE code periodically, as a reminder of some of the ethical problems that arise in the profession... 

When a chemical engineer notices behavior that is possibly or potentially unethical, the question is. What action should he or she take As noted in the AIChE code of ethics and in the NSPE code of ethics, there are specific avenues for action in the form of heuristics. For exanple, the AIChE code requires members to formally advise their employers or clients (and consider further disclosure, if warranted) if they perceive that a consequence of their duties will adversely affect the present or future health or safety of their colleagues or the public. The code also requires chemical engineers to offer objective criticism of the work of others. The code states that chemical engineers shall issue statements or present information only in an objective and truthful manner. It is clear that one has the responsibility to tell those who engage one s professional services when there is a problem or potential problem. It is clear that one should be truthful. What is not so clear is what a chemical engineer should do if, after such disclosure, the situation persists. 

Reread the relevant codes of ethics. What are Lee s obligations according to the AIChE code of ethics According to the NSPE code of ethics Are there conflicting obligations ... 

In consideration for enployment, a chemical engineer (or any enployee) accepts what are called fiduciary responsibilities. This means that trust has been placed in the engineer to act faithfully for the good of the firm This is a general legal principle and is covered in the AIChE code of ethics. 

See, for example, the codes of ethics of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). Other engineering society codes espouse essentially the same idea in different words. 

Specific examples of these obligations are given in individual codes of ethics adopted by the various engineering societies (e.g., AIChE, ASCE, ASME, and IEEE) and by the NSPE. The following is the Code of Ethics adopted by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) ... 

AlChe Code of Ethics, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, http // www.aiche.org/ About/Code.aspx. 

The most important technical society code for US. chemical engineers is the Code of Ethics of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Similar codes have been adopted by other engineering societies. When you sign your application for membership in AIChE, you agree to abide by this code tFigure 23.11. 

AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers), 820-823. 856 ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), 12 NSPE (National Society for Professional Engineers), 823. 824-825. 831 whistle-blowing AIChE guidelines, 823 definition, 826 example, 827-828 heuristics, 823 key questions, 827 protective laws, 826 Ethics, codes of conduct... 

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