‘Inconsistencies/Deviation from Ethical Standards/Code Compliances of Engineering Practices’ by interviewing a Professional Engineer.
Parves Ahmed
Mechanical Engineer || Helping Professionals Grow Through Soft Skills Insights || HVAC & Mechanical Design Enthusiast || CSWA || Skilled in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Boiler Operation & Maintenance || IMechE—ASHRAE—ASME—NFPA
Introduction: In the realm of engineering, adherence to ethical standards and code compliances is paramount to ensuring the safety, reliability, and integrity of projects. However, instances of inconsistencies or deviations from these standards can pose significant risks to both the profession and society at large. To delve deeper into this issue, an interview was conducted with a seasoned Professional Engineer (PE) Engr. Al Emran Hossain, President of Green Building Academy to shed light on the challenges, root causes, and potential solutions surrounding such discrepancies. This report aims to analyze the insights gleaned from the interview and offer recommendations for fostering a culture of ethical conduct and compliance within the engineering community.
Problem statement: Our Professional Engineer (PE) Engr. Al Emran Hossain said that unethical practices happen in almost all sectors in our country. In this regard, our engineering sector is not behind. There are also many unethical practices here. The first and most serious unethical practices of any project are in design and drawing. So, our problem is Design & Drawing. This matter was discussed with him. Which is detailed below.
Explanation of the problem: Experience is very important for professional design and drawing. Basically, the design and drawing sections are divided into five parts. Defined the five parts and mentioned working experience standards in Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC), described below.
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1. Architectural Design: The process of planning and creating the layout, form, and aesthetics of building or structures, considering both functionality and aesthetics.
Architect:
? Up to 2 stories building, not applicable.
? Up to 5 stories building, not required to experience.
? Up to 10 stories building, need at least 2 year's experience.
? 11 to any height building, need at least 8 year's experience.
Civil Engineer:
? Up to 2 stories building, not applicable.
? Up to 5 stories building, not required to experience.
? Up to 10 stories building, not eligible.
? 11 to any height building, not eligible.
Diploma (Architect):
? Up to 2 stories building, not applicable.
? Up to 5 stories building, need at least 5 year's experience.
? Up to 10 stories building, not eligible.
? 11 to any height building, not eligible.
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2. Structural Design: The discipline of designing the framework, load-bearing elements, and support systems of buildings or structures to ensure stability, strength, and safety.
Civil Engineer with Experience:
? Up to 2 stories building, not applicable.
? Up to 5 stories building, need at least 2 year's experience.
? Up to 10 stories building, need at least 4 year's experience.
? 11 to any height building, need at least 8 year's experience.
Civil Engineer with M.S:
? Up to 2 stories building, not applicable.
? Up to 5 stories building, need at least 1 year experience.
? Up to 10 stories building, need at least 3 year's experience.
? 11 to any height building, need at least 8 year's experience.
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3. Mechanical (HVAC/Vertical Transportation) Design: The design of mechanical systems such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), as well as vertical transportation systems like elevators and escalators, to maintain comfort, safety, and functionality within buildings.
Mechanical Engineer:
? Up to 2 stories building, not applicable.
? Up to 5 stories building, need at least 2 year's experience.
? Up to 10 stories building, need at least 4 year's experience.
? 11 to any height building, need at least 8 year's experience.
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4. Electrical Design: The planning and design of electrical systems within buildings, encompassing lighting, power distribution, communication, and safety systems, to provide reliable and efficient electricity supply for various needs.
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Electrical Engineer:
? Up to 2 stories building, not applicable.
? Up to 5 stories building, need at least 2 year's experience.
? Up to 10 stories building, need at least 4 year's experience.
? 11 to any height building, need at least 8 year's experience.
Diploma Engineer (Electrical):
? Up to 2 stories building, not applicable.
? Up to 5 stories building, need at least 3 year's experience.
? Up to 10 stories building, not eligible.
? 11 to any height building, not eligible.
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5. Plumbing Design: The planning and layout of plumbing systems within buildings, including water supply, drainage, and fixtures, to ensure efficient and safe distribution of water and disposal of waste.
Plumbing Engineer:
? Up to 2 stories building, not applicable.
? Up to 5 stories building, not required to experience.
? Up to 10 stories building, need at least 4 year's experience.
? 11 to any height building, need at least 8 year's experience.
Architect:
? Up to 2 stories building, not applicable.
? Up to 5 stories building, not required to experience.
? Up to 10 stories building, not eligible.
Diploma Engineer (Civil):
? Up to 2 stories building, not applicable.
? Up to 5 stories building, need at least 3 year's experience.
? Up to 10 stories building, not eligible.
? 11 to any height building, not eligible.
We have seen the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) standards and realized that standards are not followed in our country for professional drawing and design. We mostly work with unqualified people who are not suitable for the job. Rather, we work with him, who has a rough understanding of the work. Which is completely unethical.
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Possible solutions: We can point out the possible solution to the above problem in a few points.
? BNBC standards should be promoted among the public. And also promoting the benefits of the BNBC standards.
? Regular monitoring should be done to ensure that the general public is following the BNBC standards. If necessary, the authorities should appoint sufficient manpower.
? Special attention should be given to increase the suitable and skilled manpower in the country.
? Also, eligible person should ensure ethical education.
? To enhance accountability and timely execution of justice as per law.
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Conclusions: In the conclusions, we can say that the report underscores the prevalent unethical practices within the engineering sector, particularly in design and drawing phases, as highlighted by the interview with Professional Engineer Engr. Al Emran Hossain. The identified problem stems from deviations from the experience standards outlined in BNBC regulations and the employment of unqualified individuals lacking suitable expertise for the job. To address these challenges, the report proposes a set of solutions, including promoting BNBC standards, implementing regular monitoring, enhancing skilled manpower, providing ethical education, and reinforcing accountability and justice within the engineering community. These recommendations aim to cultivate a culture of ethical conduct and compliance, thereby safeguarding the safety, reliability, and integrity of engineering projects for the benefit of society.
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References:
? Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) Books, Chapter-2, Table 2.3.3
? Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) books, Chapter-2, Table 2.3.4