ENGR 127
BP Refinery Ethics Case Study
Instructions:
1. Review the nature of this accident and its causes. Review the following resources on the case
• The short CSB video shown in slides
• The New York Times article from Oct. 30, 2009 on OSHA fines
• “What went wrong”, Popular Mechanics article
Links available on course website.
2. Review the NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers and determine which exact sub-sections might apply
to BP engineering designers or managers (you should assume that all processes in this chemical
plant are designed and managed by engineers, and that errors by operators point to problems in
supervision and training also done by engineers). Use the attached table to indicate which
provisions of the Code of Ethics might apply. Mark any section that applies with an “x” in the
corresponding box. You are not trying to determine if a violation has actually occurred, you are only
trying to determine which the primary code sections might apply. Be sure and consider all lettered
subsections not just the numbered main items (you must read the code to know what these
subsections are).
3. For each box that has an “x” in the table, write a brief explanation of why you think the particular
ethics issue is present in the case. Use a list format. For example, if you checked the boxes that
correspond to item 5.a of section II, and to item 1.b of section III, then your explanations should
start with:
II. 5. a. Explanation
III. 1. b. Explanation
Deliverables:
1. Completed Code Table.
2. A typed list of explanations neatly presented in a memo document.
Deliverable Due Sunday in PDF format to Brightspace.
Category
Memo Format
Table
Descriptions
Expectation
Met?
Document is formatted with a complete memo header
/1
Consistent formatting throughout document
/1
All assignment instructions are followed
/1
Assignment indicates thoughtful, realistic application of the code of ethics
/1
Relevant NSPE Code Fundamental Canons clearly marked
/2
Relevant NSPE Code subsections clearly marked
/2
Evidence of thoughtful analysis present
/3
Explanation of why each selected subsection or Canon applies included
/3
Explanations are descriptive and show critical-thinking
/3
Explanations are well-written in complete sentences
/3
Total
/20
Table 1. Sections of the NSPE Code of Ethics
II. Rules of Practice
1. Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public
2. Perform services only in the areas of their competence
3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner
4. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees
5. Avoid deceptive acts
a
x
x
x
b
x
c
d
e
x
III. Professional Obligations
1. Be guided in all their relations by the highest standards of honesty and integrity
2. At all times strive to serve the public interest
3. Avoid all conduct or practice which deceives the public
4. Not disclose, without consent, confidential information concerning the business affairs or technical process of
any present or former client or employer, or public body on which they serve.
5. Not be influenced in their professional duties by conflicting interests
6. Not attempt to obtain employment or advancement or professional engagements by untruthfully criticizing
other engineers, or by other improper or questionable methods
7. Not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects,
practice or employment of other engineers. Engineers who believe others are guilty of unethical or illegal
practice shall present such information to the proper authority for action.
8 Accept personal responsibility for their professional activities; provided however, that Engineers may seek
indemnification for services arising out their practice for other than gross negligence, where the Engineer’s
interest cannot otherwise be protected
9. Give credit for engineering work to those whom credit is due, and will recognize the proprietary interests of
others
a
x
b
c
d
e
x
x
x
x
x
f
x