Are engineering codes mandatory for whistleblowing on a firm you do not work for?

The correct answer is that engineering codes are not mandatory for whistleblowing on a firm you do not work for. Engineering codes of ethics typically provide guidelines for professionals within a specific organization or profession, focusing on ensuring safe practices, diligence, and integrity among practitioners. However, when it comes to whistleblowing, the ethical obligation to report wrongdoing may not be strictly governed by these codes if the individual is not employed by the organization in question.

Whistleblowing often involves the need to make ethical and moral decisions based on the knowledge of potential harm or illegal activities, and it is guided more by the individual's values and judgment than a mandate from a professional code. Furthermore, individuals who blow the whistle on other firms may rely on different legal protections and frameworks established by legislation, which can provide varying levels of support and protection for whistleblowers.

The other options, while they may seem plausible in some contexts, do not accurately reflect the nature of engineering codes and their applicability to whistleblowing situations involving firms outside of one's employment. This underscores the importance of personal and legal responsibilities rather than relying solely on professional ethics codes in these scenarios.