Ethics Liability

• Advise colleagues if reviewing their work in line with IPENZ Code of Ethics.
• If possible, original designers best placed to review/evaluate a building.
• Try not to second guess or countermand colleagues decisions — give them a call to discuss.
  

• Ideally have clear signed engagement with limitation of liability. Clearly state scope of work, and what you are and are not doing.
• We have a social responsibility to do domestic scale work — someone has to.
• This includes pre-purchase inspections. Even greater need to be clear in scope and outputs.
• Structural assessments should be carried out by Structural Engineers and geotechnical assessments by Geotechnical Engineers. Be very careful if delegating this work.
• Consenting and other legal issues. Do not expect that future issues will not arise — they will.
  Keep clear notes, phone records, council names etc where work is proceeding in an exempt or partially exempt manner.
• Structural reports on publics buildings to be provided to various councils.
• Ensure all staff know their limitations — don’t be afraid to ask for help or a second opinion.