What must engineering designs adhere to according to the PEO?

Engineering designs must adhere to applicable codes, standards, and regulations because these frameworks are established to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance within the engineering profession. Codes and standards provide a systematic approach to design, ensuring that parameters such as structural integrity, safety, and environmental impact are considered and upheld. Regulations are typically enforced by governmental or professional bodies and ensure that public health and safety are prioritized.

Adhering to applicable codes, standards, and regulations is essential for professional engineering practice as it protects the engineer from liability and helps maintain the integrity of the engineering profession. This adherence also fosters trust in engineering solutions from clients, stakeholders, and the community, which is fundamental in creating designs that not only meet functional requirements but also conform to legal and ethical standards.

In contrast, relying solely on best practices and traditions, company policies, or personal philosophies may not ensure compliance with the mandatory requirements in the engineering field. While these can play a role in guiding engineers, they do not provide the necessary legal framework to ensure that designs are safe and up to the standards set by governing bodies.