A. In order to safeguard the public health and well-being and to maintain integrity and high standards of skills, practice and conduct in the occupation of welding inspection, the certified welding inspector shall be cognizant of the principles provided in this section and the scope to which they apply with the understanding that any unauthorized practice is subject to the Committee's review and may result in suspension or revocation of certification.

B. The welding inspector shall act with complete integrity in professional matters and be forthright and candid to the representatives on matters pertaining to this act.

C. The welding inspector shall preserve the health and well-being of the public by performing the duties required of welding inspectors in a conscientious and impartial manner to the full extent of his moral and civic responsibilities and qualifications. Accordingly, the welding inspector shall:

1. Undertake and perform assignments only when qualified by training, experience and capability; and

2. Be completely objective, thorough and factual in any written report, statement or testimony of the work and include all relevant or pertinent information in such communiques or testimonials.

D. With regard to public statements, the welding inspector shall:

1. Issue no statements, criticisms or arguments on weld inspection matters connected with public policy which are inspired or paid for by one or more interested parties without first identifying the party and speaker, and disclosing any possible pecuniary interest; and

2. Publicly express no opinion on a weld inspection subject unless it is founded upon an adequate knowledge of the facts in issue, upon a background of technical competence pertinent to the subject, and upon honest conviction of the accuracy and propriety of the statement.

E. With regard to conflicts of interest, the welding inspector shall:

1. Conscientiously avoid conflict of interest with his client and shall disclose any business association, interests or circumstances that might be so considered;

2. Not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for services on the same project, or for services pertaining to the same project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed to by all interested parties or their authorized agents;

3. Not solicit or accept gratuities, directly or indirectly, from one or more parties dealing with the client or employer in connection with the welding inspector's work; and

4. Neither inspect, review nor approve any work on behalf of one or more parties, while serving in the capacity of an elected, retained or employed public official.

F. With regard to solicitation of employment, the welding inspector shall:

1. Neither pay, solicit nor offer, directly or indirectly, any bribe or commission for professional employment with the exception of the usual commission or fees required; and

2. Neither falsify, exaggerate nor indulge in the misrepresentation of personal academic and professional qualifications, past assignments, accomplishments and responsibilities, or those of his associates.

Laws 1978, c. 104, § 7, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.