The IHMM Code of Ethics sets forth the ethical principles to be observed by IHMM Certificants. IHMM Certificants shall, in their professional activities, sustain and advance the integrity and honor of the practice of hazardous materials, dangerous goods, environment, health, and safety by adherence to this Code of Ethics. IHMM Certificants who violate any provision of the Code of Ethics will be subject to disciplinary action by a peer review panel, which may result in suspension or revocation of the credential.

1. An IHMM Certificant shall practice in a manner consistent with all applicable laws and regulations; shall demonstrate integrity, honesty, and fairness in all activities; and shall strive for excellence in all matters of ethical conduct. The designations held by the certificant may not be used by anyone for any purpose that is untruthful, misleading, or in violation of any law or government regulation. An IHMM Certificant must approach other individuals with the requisite professional balance of knowledge, skill, experience, and professionalism in the conduct of all professional activities, and in a manner free of bias concerning religion, ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, or disability.

The statement serves as a guiding principle for IHMM certificants, emphasizing the importance of legal compliance, ethical behavior, and a commitment to excellence. It not only protects public health, safety, and the environment but also reinforces the professional reputation of certificants and the IHMM organization.

Practice in a manner consistent with all applicable laws and regulations

  • Meaning: Certificants are required to comply with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations in their professional and personal activities. This includes adhering to:
    • Environmental laws
    • Workplace safety regulations
    • Industry standards
  • Purpose: This ensures the certificant operates legally and avoids activities that could harm individuals, organizations, or the environment.
2. An IHMM Certificant may not be used by anyone for any purpose that is untruthful, misleading, or in violation of any law or competent authority’s regulation.  An IHMM Certificant must approach other individuals with the requisite professional balance of knowledge, skill, experience, and professionalism in the conduct of all professional activities, and in a manner free of bias concerning religion, ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, or disability.

This statement highlights the ethical obligation of IHMM certificants to:

  1. Protect their professional reputation and avoid misuse of their credentials.
  2. Conduct professional activities with competence, fairness, and respect.
  3. Ensure inclusivity and equality in all interactions, promoting a culture free of discrimination and bias.

It underscores the commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior in hazardous materials management.

3. An IHMM Certificant’s primary responsibility is to protect the public, property, and the environment.  All actions taken on behalf of a client or employer must be consistent with this primary responsibility.  The interests of individual clients and employers must be secondary to protecting public health and safety, property, and the environment.

This principle reinforces the IHMM certificant’s role as a steward of public safety and environmental protection. It ensures:

  1. Ethical decision-making is rooted in the greater good, not influenced solely by private or organizational interests.
  2. Certificants have the authority and obligation to resist directives or actions from clients/employers that could endanger the public, property, or the environment.
  3. The profession maintains its credibility, integrity, and public trust by emphasizing safety, sustainability, and accountability over profit or convenience.

This approach ensures that IHMM certificants consistently act as responsible and ethical professionals in hazardous materials management.

4. An IHMM Certificant shall act with integrity in all professional relationships. An IHMM Certificant must disclose fully to an affected employer, client, competent authority, or other dangerous goods professional any conflicts of interest resulting from business affiliations or personal interests, and to maintain the security and confidentiality of an employer’s or client’s confidential information.

This statement emphasizes three critical ethical principles for IHMM certificants:

  1. Integrity: Certificants must act ethically and truthfully in all professional dealings.
  2. Transparency: They must openly disclose any potential conflicts of interest to avoid compromising professional objectivity.
  3. Confidentiality: They are responsible for protecting the sensitive information of their employers or clients, ensuring it is not misused or improperly disclosed.

By adhering to these principles, certificants uphold the credibility of their profession, foster trust, and ensure fair and ethical conduct in hazardous materials management.

5. An IHMM Certificant shall represent his or her qualifications honestly and shall function only within his or her area and level of competence.  An IHMM Certificant is expected to judge objectively his or her level of competence and to function within that level of personal confidence and professional expertise. When an IHMM Certificant is expected by a client or employer to function outside of his or her area or level of competence, the IHMM Certificant must seek appropriate expertise or suggest that the client or employer find a qualified person.

This statement highlights the ethical responsibility of IHMM certificants to:

  1. Honesty in Qualifications: Ensure their claims of competence and expertise are truthful and verifiable.
  2. Professional Self-Awareness: Objectively assess their own skills and confidence to stay within their capabilities.
  3. Seek Expertise When Needed: Recognize when additional knowledge or support is required and take steps to address gaps.

By adhering to these principles, certificants uphold professional integrity, ensure safe and effective work, and maintain public trust in hazardous materials management practices.

6. An IHMM Certificant shall behave with professional decorum and restraint and shall not exhibit conduct that brings discredit to the IHMM Certificant Program. The IHMM Certificant is a professional and must conduct himself or herself accordingly.

This statement highlights the ethical and behavioral expectations for IHMM certificants, focusing on professionalism, self-discipline, and responsibility. It ensures:

  1. Certificants maintain a high standard of conduct that fosters trust and respect.
  2. The reputation of the IHMM certification program and the environmental, health, and safety professions is safeguarded.
  3. Certificants consistently act in ways that reflect their role as credible, ethical, and professional experts in their field.

By adhering to these principles, certificants contribute positively to the professional community and reinforce the credibility and value of the IHMM certification.

7.  An IHMM Certificant shall comply with and uphold all policies, procedures, guidelines, and requirements of IHMM; shall use their designations only as authorized by IHMM; shall acknowledge that the certificate and marks are the property of IHMM; and shall return the certificate and discontinue use of the designation and marks when required to do so by IHMM.

This statement emphasizes the certificant’s responsibility to:

  1. Comply with IHMM standards: Ensuring alignment with the organization’s rules and ethical principles.
  2. Respect certification guidelines: Using credentials appropriately and avoiding misrepresentation.
  3. Acknowledge ownership: Recognizing IHMM’s authority over the certification and its associated marks.
  4. Cease use upon termination: Returning materials and discontinuing designation use if certification is no longer valid.

By following these guidelines, certificants maintain the integrity of their credential, protect IHMM’s intellectual property, and uphold the trust and professionalism associated with the certification program.

8. An IHMM Certificant shall accept responsibility for maintaining their credentials through recertification, remain current in the field, and continuously uphold the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

This statement emphasizes the long-term professional responsibilities of IHMM certificants, focusing on three key areas:

  1. Maintaining Certification: Taking proactive steps to meet recertification requirements and keep credentials valid.
  2. Staying Current: Continuously updating knowledge and skills to remain effective and competent in the field.
  3. Ethical Commitment: Consistently upholding the ethical standards of IHMM throughout their professional life.

By meeting these obligations, certificants demonstrate dedication to excellence, ensure ongoing professional competence, and uphold the integrity and value of the IHMM certification program.

9. Reporting a Violation of the IHMM Code of Ethics. Please use this form, which contains the process of adjudicating alleged violations of the code of ethics. .Use this form:  https://ihmm.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ethicsviolationform-2009_003-rev.-2024.pdf

This statement ensures that stakeholders (such as clients, employers, or colleagues) can report suspected ethical violations in a structured and transparent manner. By using the provided form, IHMM can:

  1. Address potential breaches of ethical standards.
  2. Maintain the integrity of its certification programs.
  3. Reinforce trust in the professionalism of its certificants.

It also underscores IHMM’s commitment to ethical accountability and its willingness to investigate and act on concerns raised by the professional community.

10. An IHMM Certificant shall voluntarily and immediately report any felony convictions or other legal or disciplinary dispositions that would constitute violations of this Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct that have not already been disclosed to IHMM, regardless of when they occur.

This statement emphasizes a certificant’s responsibility to:

  1. Maintain transparency: Proactively disclose legal or disciplinary matters that could conflict with the ethical standards of IHMM.
  2. Demonstrate accountability: Accept the professional consequences of any past or present actions that violate ethical guidelines.
  3. Protect the integrity of the profession: Ensure IHMM certification remains a mark of ethical and professional excellence.

By fulfilling this obligation, certificants contribute to the credibility of the IHMM certification program and reinforce the trust placed in them by employers, clients, and the public.

11. An IHMM certificant is required to inform the certification body of matters that affect his/her capability to continue to fulfill the certification requirements.

This requirement emphasizes the certificant’s responsibility to:

  1. Maintain transparency: Notify IHMM of any developments that could compromise their ability to meet certification standards.
  2. Protect the integrity of the certification: Allow IHMM to take appropriate actions (e.g., review, monitoring, or disciplinary measures) to ensure the program’s credibility.
  3. Ensure professional competence: Align with IHMM’s mission to uphold high standards in hazardous materials management.

By proactively disclosing such matters, certificants contribute to the trust and reliability associated with IHMM certification.