Facts of the case:

Panetta was a professional engineer that holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in
electrical engineering. Panetta owned a couple of rental unit properties in Brampton Ontario.
The fire service in Brampton did a routine inspection on Panetta’s properties. During the
inspection, the fire department found that some windows in the property were 3 meters from a
fire escape, and not protected as required by Ontario regulations. The fire department ordered
Panetta to install approved protection. Panetta choose to go with an alternative solution as it
may be applicable only with the approval of the chief fire before construction and must be
sealed and signed by a professional engineer. Panetta installed sprinklers near the windows as
an alternative without the approval of the chief fire official, and nothing signed or sealed was
provided to the fire department. On November 21, 2017, there was another inspection on
Panetta’s property, and the inspectors found out about the sprinkles. The fire department
required Panetta to submit a valid document. The fire department rejected the documents as
the work was incomplete. Panetta was charged with an offense because he failed to comply
with the fire inspection. Panetta undertook to install a fire shutter, and the shutters were not
approved by the fire department. It took Panetta several months to install the fire shutter that
meet the requirements of the fire department. Panetta pleaded guilty because of professional
misconduct.
This case was considered professional misconduct. What subsections of section 77 (Code of
Ethics) are also applicable?
Based on section 77 (6) “A practitioner must co-operate in working with other
professionals engaged on a project.” Panetta should have cooperated with the fire
service at the beginning and provide them with the documents needed to get the
approval.
In your own words, explain what penalties were imposed on the member of PEO
and why?
The penalties that were imposed on the member of PEO were a fine of $2500, Panetta
was reprimanded for one year, successfully completing the professional practice exam
within 18 months of the decision, and his Licence will be suspended until he passes the
PPE. These penalties were imposed on Panetta because he did not act as a
professional engineer, and he did not follow the engineering regulation. Panetta
installed the sprinklers without the approval of the fire chief and without the sign of
another professional engineer.
From this case, what did you learn about performing engineering in an ethical manner?
I learned a lot about performing engineering in an ethical manner from this case. I learned that I
should always follow the engineering regulation, and never perform any work without getting
the approval or signage needed for the work. Also, I learned to always perform my work with
honesty to avoid facing any problems or danger to myself or the community.