Professional Conduct, Integrity and Safety at Work
Professional Conduct, Integrity and Safety at Work
This domain tests the examiner as a public-facing official: impartial, honest, confidential and safe. Technical knowledge does not compensate for a compromised result.
Integrity and conduct
- Decide on evidence, not on who owns the vehicle, who is waiting, or who has applied pressure. The same defect must produce the same result for a fleet vehicle and a private car.
- Do not accept gifts, favours, hospitality or money that could influence an examination. The Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201) applies to public officials and to dealings with them.
- Declare conflicts of interest: a relative's vehicle, a vehicle you have repaired, or a business relationship with the owner. Refer the case to a supervisor.
- Keep vehicle and owner data confidential. Do not discuss results with unrelated parties or post vehicle details on social media.
- If asked to falsify a result, refuse, record the request and report it through the proper channel.
Safety at work
- The Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance (Cap. 509) and workplace risk assessments apply. Use the required PPE: safety footwear, gloves, eye protection and hearing protection where noise or impact risks exist.
- Control vehicle movement: chock wheels, use the approved lift or jack with stands, never work under a vehicle held only by a jack, and keep the test lane clear.
- Manage exhaust fumes, hot surfaces, rotating parts, electrical systems and stored energy such as springs, hydraulics and air.
- Report near misses and equipment defects; do not improvise a repair to a brake tester or lift.
Worked example
A friend's car fails on a dangerous brake pipe. The friend offers HK$2,000 to put it through. Reasoning: accepting the money would be bribery and would release an unsafe vehicle. The examiner must refuse, complete the defect notice, and report the offer. The examination result stays. A lenient re-test without repair would also be a false result.
Traps that cost marks
- Accepting a small gift as just courtesy; the test is whether it could influence or appear to influence.
- Letting a supervisor's verbal instruction override a safety finding without a documented technical reason.
- Skipping PPE because the test is short.
- Working under a vehicle supported only by a trolley jack.
- Discussing an owner's failed result with another customer.