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The Code Of Ethics In Engineering In Canada

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Engineering is the application of science and mathematics which the properties of matter and the sources of energy in nature are made useful to people (Engineering, n.d). The key concept in this definition is the basis of humanity is the underlining tone throughout engineering. The entire purpose of the profession is to drive innovation in the scientific community and create a more peaceful coexistence with nature and technology. The code of ethics here in Canada holds emphasis on the overall safety of the people and environment. However, even with the collaboration of the world’s greatest minds there is a margin of error. The error comes from a fault in mechanical or human negligence. The lines of truth become blurred and it is difficult to …show more content…

A train derailed six kilometers south of the city; killing 101 people and severely injuring 88 others. During the derailment, cars 2 through 6 were essentially tossed from the tracks and caused the collapse of a bridge. The high-speed ICE (Intercity-Express) train cost more than the average train ride. It was most commonly for efficient travel between major Germany cities (LexisNexis® Academic, 1998). The train was on a regular route from Munich to Hamburg which was called “Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen”. After the last stop before Hamburg and their final destination, the steel tire on a wheel of the first car broke. The steel tire physically peeled off the wheel and punctured the bottom lining of the coach. A passenger noticed the tire had punctured through an armrest and went to inform the conductor. Through company guidelines, the conductor was obligated to examine the damage before pulling the emergency brake. By the time he had reached the seat and examined the puncture the crash had occurred (Seismic Seconds, …show more content…

A majority of the design process relied on prior knowledge and theory which was ultimately not suited for the purpose. For this type of rubber-spring wheel there was no UIC-guideline (International Union of Railways) that existed (Esslinger, V and Kieselbach, R. 2004). The wheels proved reliability up until the accident and had not caused major problems. Üstra, the company that operates Hanover’s tram network a year prior to the accident had reported fatigue cracks in their wheels. They had been changing out the wheels far prior to the factorial specs for safety concerns and even reported their findings to company’s using similar technology. Deutsche Bahn would fall under this knowledge, but reported that there were no problems in their engineered system (Seismic Seconds,

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