Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
"A-D"
Lewis' Dictionary of Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health
Edited by Jeffrey W. Vincoli
Boca Raton: CRC Press LLC, 2000
AAS
A See atomic absorption spectroscopy.
ABIH
See American Board of Industrial Hygiene.
A1 carcinogen
A confirmed human carcinogen as classified abs
by the ACGIH TLV Committee. Substances Absolute.
associated with industrial processes, recog- A-scale sound pressure level
nized to have carcinogenic potential. A measurement of sound approximating the
A2 carcinogen sensitivity of the human ear, used to note the
A suspected human carcinogen as classified intensity or annoyance of sounds.
by the ACGIH TLV Committee. Chemical A-shift
substances, or substances associated with in- See first shift.
dustrial processes, which are suspect of in-
A-weighted network
ducing cancer, based on either limited epide-
Weighing network that is present on sound
miological evidence or demonstration of car-
level meters and octave band analyzers which
cinogenesis on one or more animal species by
mimics the human ear's response to sound.
appropriate methods.
Represented as dB(A).
"A" basis allowables
abaft
The minimum mechanical strength values
A point beyond the midpoint of a ship's
guaranteed by the material producers or sup-
length.
pliers such that at least 99 percent of the ma-
terial they produce or supply will meet or ex- abandon
ceed the specified values with a 95 percent Law. To desert, surrender, forsake, or cede.
confidence level. To relinquish or give up with intent of never
resuming one's right or interest. To cease to
AAEE
use. To give up absolutely; to forsake en-
American Academy of Environmental Engi-
tirely; to renounce utterly; to relinquish all
neers.
connection with or concern in; to desert. It
AAI includes the intention, and also the external
See arrival aircraft interval. act by which it is carried into effect.
AAIH abandoned property
See American Academy of Industrial Hy- Law. Property over which the owner has
giene. given up dominion and control with no inten-
AALACS tion of recovering it. See also abandonment.
See ambient aquatic life advisory concentra- abandoned runway
tions. An airstrip that is intact but not maintained or
AAOHN intended for use as a runway.
See American Association of Occupational abandoned well
Health Nurses. A well whose use has been permanently dis-
AAOO continued or which is in a state of disrepair
American Academy of Ophthalmology and such that it cannot be used for its intended
Otolaryngology. purpose.
AAP abandonee
See acoustical assurance period. Law. A party to whom a right or property is
abandoned or relinquished by another. Term
AAQS is applied to the insurers of vessels and car-
Ambient air quality standards. goes.
AAR
See airport acceptance rate.
airstart ALARA
The starting of an aircraft engine while the See as low as reasonably achievable.
aircraft is airborne, preceded by engine shut- alarm
down during training flights or by actual en- An indicator that some condition exists which
gine failure. may or will require human action to correct in
albumin Aldicarb
A member of a class of water-soluble proteins An insecticide sold under the trade name
that are found in the juices and tissues of ani- Temik. It is made from ethyl isocyanate.
mals, in the white or clear part of eggs, and in alert notice
vegetables, and that contain sulfur, oxygen, Aviation. A request originated by a Flight
hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen. Service Station (FSS) or an air route traffic
albuminuria control center (ARTCC) for an extensive
Presence of serum albumin in the urine. communication search for overdue, unre-
ported, or missing aircraft. Also known as al-
alcohol not.
An organic compound synthesized from pe-
troleum or natural products or derived from a alerting service
fermentation process. Widely used as a sol- Aviation. A service provided to notify appro-
vent and for chemical syntheses. priate organizations regarding aircraft in need
of search and rescue aid, and assist such orga-
alcohol concentration (AC) nizations as required.
The concentration of alcohol in a person's
blood or breath. When expressed as a percent- Aleutian low
age it means grams of alcohol per 100 milli- The subpolar low-pressure area that is cen-
liters of blood or grams of alcohol per 210 li- tered near the Aleutian Islands on charts that
ters of breath. show mean sea-level pressure.
alveoli ambidextrous
Plural of alveolus. (1) Numerous small, ter- Having the faculty of using both hands with
minal air sacs in the lungs where pulmonary equal ease and facility.
capillary blood is in close juxtaposition to the ambient
alveolar gas, permitting the rapid exchange of The surroundings or the area encircled.
carbon dioxide and oxygen in the lungs. ambient air
There are approximately 300 million alveoli (1) Any unconfined portion of the atmosphere
situated at the ends of small air passageways (open air, surrounding air). (2) The sur-
in the lungs. Alveoli are the main deposition rounding air or atmosphere in a given area
site of respirable dust particles (1-10 microns under normal conditions. (3) The part of the
in diameter) or respirable fibers (e.g., asbes- atmosphere that is external to structures and to
tos) that can result in various respiratory dis- which the public has access.
eases such as silicosis and asbestosis. (2) The
angle of incidence
That angle from the perpendicular to the sur- anhydride
face of an object at which a light ray or other A chemical compound derived by the elimi-
entity strikes the surface of that object. nation of water.
angle of repose anhydrous
The maximum angle that the inclined surface A compound that does not contain water.
of a loosely divided material can make with animal
the horizontal. All vertebrate and invertebrate species, in-
angle of resolution cluding but not limited to man and other
See minimum resolution angle. mammals, birds, fish, and shellfish.
angle-torque curve animal feed
Any graphical relationship in which the Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
maximum isometric force exerted at a given Act: An article which is intended for use as
angle is plotted against that angle for the food for animals other than man and which is
range of motion. intended for use as a substantial source of nu-
angstrom trients in the diet of the animal, and is not
A unit of length used chiefly in expressing limited to a mixture intended to be the sole
short wavelengths. It is equal to 10-10 meter ration of the animal.
or 10-8 centimeter. It is typically represented animal starch
in formula or by reference with the symbol Å. See glycogen.
α)
angular acceleration (α anion
The rate of change of angular velocity with A negatively charged ion that migrates to the
time. Also referred to as rotational accelera- anode when an electrical potential is applied
tion. Represented by the formula: to a solution.
anionic polymer
dω
α = A polyelectrolyte with a net negative electri-
dt cal charge.
angular deviation anisomelia
That angle between the incident and trans- Inequality of length, as of a limb.
mitted light rays in a prism. anistropic
angular displacement Having physical properties which vary in dif-
A vector representing the change in angle by ferent spatial directions.
rotation about some origin. ankle
angular frequency The joint formed by the junction of the distal
The oscillation frequency in an oscillating ends of the fibula and the tibia with the talus,
system multiplied by 2. including all the surrounding soft tissues.
ankle bone
See talus.
antipole apathy
A point on the skull opposite to the point of Reactive absence of emotions.
impact in an accident. APCA
antiscalant Air Pollution Control Association.
An additive that prevents the formation of apepsia
inorganic scale. Cessation or failure of digestive function.
antiseptic APF
Chemical compounds that are capable of re- See assigned protection factor.
ducing the number of microorganisms on
APHA
body surfaces. Used primarily on humans and
American Public Health Association.
animals, in contrast to disinfectants, which are
used primarily on non-living surfaces as a
CAI calcaneus
See computer-aided instruction. The heel bone.
caisson calcareous
Watertight structure used for underwater Composed of or containing calcium com-
work. pounds, particularly calcium carbonate.
carbonemia cardia
An excess of carbon dioxide in the blood. That region of the superior stomach which
contains the esophageal sphincter.
carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO)
cardiac
Hemoglobin in which the iron is associated
Relating to the heart.
with carbon monoxide (CO).
cardiac arrhythmia
carboy
An abnormality of the heart rhythm. Also
A large container used to store or transport
commonly referred to as arrhythmia and heart
liquid chemicals or water samples. arrhythmia.
carburetor cardiac index
A fuel delivery device for producing a proper The cardiac output per square meter of body
mixture of gasoline vapor and air, and deliv- surface area.
cation cause
A positively charged ion that migrates to the (1) General (verb). To be the cause or occa-
cathode when an electrical potential is applied sion of; to effect as an agent; to bring about;
to a solution. to bring into existence; to make to induce; to
compel. (2) Safety (noun). An event, situa-
cationic detergent tion, or condition which results, or could re-
Any of a group of detergents having a quater- sult (potential cause), directly or indirectly, in
nary ammonium salt cation with a hydrocar- an accident or incident. Each separate ante-
bon chain. cedent of an event. Something that proceeds
cationic polymer and brings about an effect or result. (3) Law
A polyelectrolyte with a net positive electrical (noun). A suit, litigation, or action. Any
charge. question, civil or criminal, litigated or con-
tested before a court of justice.
cauliflower ear
A thickened and deformed ear caused by the cause-effect diagram
accumulation of fluid and blood clots in the A graphic display of the causes linked to an
tissue following repeated injury. It is most effect.
commonly seen in boxers, for whom it is al- cause in fact
most considered an occupational hazard. A That particular cause which produces an event
cauliflower ear will not recover its normal and without which the event would not have
shape but it can be restored to normal by occurred. Courts express this form of a rule
means of plastic surgery. commonly referred to as the "but for" rule:
causal association the injury to an individual would not have
Having a demonstrable connection between happened but for the conduct of the wrong-
the occurrence of some factor and an incident, doer. See also proximate cause.
where the presence of that factor will increase cause of action
the probability and the absence of that factor The claim or theory invoked by a plaintiff in a
will decrease the probability of that incident. court case.
causal factors cause of injury
A combination of simultaneous or sequential That which actually produces it.
circumstances which contribute directly or in-
directly to an accident, occupational disease, causeway
or other effect. A raised roadbed through low lands or across
wet ground or water.
causalgia
Persistent, diffuse, and burning pain associ- caustic
ated with tropic skin changes in the hand or (1) Any substance that strongly irritates,
foot following injury of the part. The syn- burns, corrodes, or destroys living tissue. (2)
containerized cargo
(1) Cargo shipped or stored in containers. (2) contaminated sharps
Cargo which is practical to transport in a Any contaminated objects that can penetrate
container, and results in a more economical the skin including, but not limited to, needles,
shipment than could be affected by shipping scalpels, broken glass, broken capillary tubes,
the cargo in some other form of unitization. and exposed ends of dental wire. In this con-
containership text, the "contaminant" is normally considered
A cargo vessel designed and constructed to to be blood, blood byproducts, or other infec-
transport, within specifically designed cells, tious materials.
portable tanks and freight containers which are contamination
lifted on and off with their contents intact. The degradation of natural water, air, or soil
There are two types of containerships: full and quality resulting from human activity.
partial. Full containerships are equipped with contempt
permanent container cells with little or no space (1) A willful or intentional disregard or
for other types of cargo. Partial containerships disobedience of a public authority. (2) The
are considered multi-purpose container vessels, stage in civil litigation where it is alleged that
where one or more but not all compartments are a party has violated an injunction, with the
fitted with permanent container cells, and the consequences that the court can order an
remaining compartments are used for other appropriate remedy to cure the contempt.
types of cargo. This category also includes Also, in any court proceeding, civil or criminal,
container/car carriers, container/rail car carriers, where a person before the court engages in
and container/roll-on/roll-off vessels. disrespectful or disruptive behavior.
containment contempt of Congress
(1) A process, structure, or system within a Deliberate interference with the duties and the
specified area or volume for preventing an powers of Congress. Both houses of Congress
entity from spreading and/or interacting with may cite an individual for such contempt.
other materials or another environment. (2)
Control of the expansion or propagation of
continent
One of the large, unbroken masses of land continual improvement
into which the Earth's surface is divided. Under ISO 14000, the process of enhancing
the environmental management system to
continental drift achieve improvements in overall environ-
See plate tectonics. mental performance in line with the organiza-
contingency tion's environmental policy.
A possible situation or event, usually referring continuance
to an undesirable or abnormal situation or The adjournment or postponement of a ses-
occurrence. sion, hearing, trial, or other proceeding to a
contingency allowance subsequent day or time; usually on the request
A small time allowance included within the or motion of one of the parties.
standard time to cover for legitimate, continuing damages
expected additional work and delays. Usually Those that accrue from the same injury, or
not measured precisely because of its from the repetition of similar acts, between
infrequent occurrence. two specified periods of time.
contingency analysis continuous air monitor (CAM)
An analysis performed to identify what An instrument which is typically located in a
abnormal situations, errors, or malfunctions a potentially contaminated location to detect a
system may develop or encounter to improve specific contaminant, such as flammable or
system performance or establish what special toxic gas or vapor, and which will alarm if a
human responses may be required under those preset concentration is exceeded. It can be a
circumstances. passive type sampler or an active type sample.
contingency plan continuous discharge capacity
(1) A written plan describing in detail the Measured as percent of rated energy capacity.
actions that will be taken in the event certain Energy delivered in a constant power dis-
contributory event
As pertains to fault tree analysis (FTA) and/or
the management oversight and risk tree
(MORT), an event that significantly influ-
ences the outcome of the top or primary
event. Represented graphically as a rectangle
and may also be referred to as a main event or
secondary event.
contributory negligence
The act or omission amounting to want of
ordinary care on the part of the complaining
Contrails created by a high-performance jet aircraft party which, occurring with the defendant's
negligence, is a proximate cause of the injury.
contralateral
The proving of contributory negligence can
Located on or pertaining to the opposite side
significantly decrease or possibly eliminate
of the body.
any subsequent recovery on the part of the
contrast plaintiff(s).
See chromatic contrast and luminous con-
control
trast.
(1) Epidemiology/Toxicology. The nature,
contrast attenuation number, and reproducibility of the controls
A decrease in the amount of contrast over a (unexposed or unaffected) to determine the
space or time. accuracy and significance of the conclusions
from the experimental (exposed) cohort re-
sults. A most important factor in any study of
convective instability
Instability arising in the atmosphere when a convergent phoria
column of air exhibits warm, moist, nearly A tendency for an observer to fixate in front
saturated air near the surface and cold, dry air of a stationary target.
aloft. When the lower part of the layer is conversion
lifted and saturation occurs, it becomes unsta- (1) The act of changing into something of
ble. different form or properties. (2) The trans-
conventional anthropometry formation of emotions into physical manifes-
See classical anthropometry. tations.
conventional cab conversion factor
A cab design in which the engine is located A number that translates units of one system
ahead, or mostly ahead, of the cowl. into corresponding values of another system.
Conversion factors can be used to translate
conventional memory
physical units of measure for various fuels
Computing. The base RAM on a computer,
into British Thermal Unit (BTU) equivalents.
typically the first 640 kilobytes. Conven-
See also British Thermal Unit.
tional memory is the only kind of RAM that
MS-DOS-based applications can use, unless converter dolly
an expanded memory manager (EMM) is A motor vehicle consisting of a chassis
used. See also extended memory and ex- equipped with one or more axles, a fifth
panded memory. wheel and/or equivalent mechanism, and
drawbar, the attachment of which converts a
semitrailer to a full trailer.
coordinates copter
The intersection of lines of reference, usually See helicopter.
expressed in degrees/minutes/seconds of lati- copy
tude and longitude, used to determine position A computer operation system function which
or location. duplicates a file or segment in another loca-
tion while leaving the original file or segment
intact.
coordination fix
The fix in relation to which facilities will copyright
handoff, transfer control of an aircraft, or co- The right of literary property as recognized
ordinate flight progress data. For terminal fa- and sanctioned by positive law. An intangi-
cilities, it may also serve as a clearance for ar- ble, incorporeal right granted by statute to the
riving aircraft. author or originator of certain literary or ar-
tistic productions, whereby he/she is invested,
co-partnership incentive plan for a specified period, with the sole and ex-
An incentive plan in which workers have the clusive privilege of multiplying copies of the
opportunity to own a share of the business same and publishing and selling them.
enterprise, thus obtaining some portion of the
profits resulting from that ownership. cordelle
A hawser; a towline such as those used to pull
coping keelboats in the French-speaking parts of
The top or covering of an exterior masonry North America.
wall.
core
copolymer The heart of the nuclear reactor where the
A long-chain molecule resulting from the re- nuclei of the fuel undergo fission (spilt) and
action of more than one monomer species release energy. The core is usually sur-
with another.
cortical bone
The compact bone tissue next to the surface of cosmic ray
a bone. See cosmic radiation.
corticospinal system cost
See pyramidal system. Those expenses incurred in producing a prod-
corticosteroid uct, delivering goods, or providing a service,
Any of the hormones elaborated by the cortex whether financial, human, or metabolic.
of the adrenal gland. cost-benefit analysis
corundum (1) General. The determination or estimation
Natural aluminum oxide material that may and evaluation of the weighted relative finan-
contain traces of iron, magnesium, and silica. cial, social, and/or other costs to the same or
other categories of rewards or compensation.
coryza It should be performed prior to undertaking
An acute inflammation of the nasal mucous the endeavor being considered. (2) System
membrane, with profuse discharge. Safety. A system safety analytical technique
used to evaluate various possible courses of
ectocanthus eczema
The junction of the most lateral parts of the Generalized term for an inflammatory process
upper and lower eyelids, with the eyelids open involving the epidermis and marked by itch-
normally. May also be referred to as the ex- ing, weeping, and crusting.
ternal canthus or lateral canthus. ED
ectocanthus to back of head See effective dose.
The horizontal linear distance from ectocan- ED10
thus to the back of the head. Measured with Ten percent effective dose. Estimated dose
the individual standing or sitting erect and associated with a 10% increase in response
looking straight ahead, and the facial muscu- over control groups. For Hazard Ranking
lature relaxed. Equivalent to ectocanthus to System purposes, the response considered is
wall. cancer. It is measured as milligrams of toxi-
ectocanthus to otobasion cant per kilogram body weight per day
The horizontal linear distance from ectocan- (mg/kg-day).
thus to otobasion superior. Measured with the ED50
individual sitting or standing erect, with the Dose in which a given effect (e.g., death, in-
facial musculature relaxed. coordination) is observed in 50 percent of ex-
ectocanthus to top of head posed organisms. The effective dose for 50
The vertical linear distance from ectocanthus percent of the exposed organisms is usually
to the vertex level of the head. Measured with reported along with the duration of exposure
the individual standing or sitting erect, with (e.g., 80 hours ED50).
the facial musculature relaxed. EDB
See ethylene dibromide.
enterocolitis entrapment
Inflammation of the small intestine and colon. (1) Law. The act of officers or agents of the
government in inducing a person to commit a
enteromegaly crime not contemplated by him/her, for the
Enlargement of the intestines. purpose of instituting a criminal prosecution
enterotoxin against him/her. (2) Vehicle Safety. Refers
(1) A toxin specific for the cells of the intes- to persons being partially or completely in the
tinal mucosa. (2) A toxin arising in the intes- vehicle and mechanically restrained by a
erythroblastemia ESP
The presence in the peripheral blood of ab- See electrostatic precipitator.
normally large numbers of nucleated red cells. ESR
erythrocyte Electrical skin resistance. See skin resistance
A red blood cell which contains hemoglobin response.
and transports oxygen to body tissues. EST
erythromycin See ex-ship's tackle.
An antibiotic obtained from Streptomyces establishment
erythreus. It is effective against a wide vari- (1) According to OSHA: a) A single physical
ety of organisms, including gram-negative location where business is conducted or where
and gram-positive bacteria and many rick- services or industrial operations are per-
ettsial and viral infectious agents. It may be formed. Examples include a factory, mill,
administered orally or parenterally. store, hotel, restaurant, movie theater, farm,
escalator clause ranch, bank, sales office, warehouse, or cen-
(1) In union contracts, a provision that wages tral administrative office. When distinctly
will rise or fall depending on some standard separate activities are performed at a single
like the cost of living index. (2) In a lease, a physical location (such as contract construc-
provision that rent may be increased to reflect tion activities operated from the same physi-
an increase in real estate taxes, operating cal location as a lumbar yard, each activity
costs, and even increases in Consumer Price shall be treated as a separate establishment.
Index. (3) In construction contracts, a clause b) For firms engaged in activities such as ag-
authorizing a contractor to increase his/her riculture, construction, transportation, com-
contract price should costs of labor or materi- munications, and electric, gas, and sanitary
als increase. services, which may be physically dispersed,
records may be maintained at a place to which
escape clause
employees report each day. c) Records of
A provision in a contract, insurance policy, or
personnel who do not primarily report or
other legal document permitting a party or
work at a single establishment, and who are
parties to avoid liability or performance under
generally not supervised in their daily work,
certain conditions.
such as traveling sales personnel, technicians,
eschar and engineers, shall be maintained at the lo-
Damage created to the skin and underlying cation from which they are paid or the base
tissue from a burn or as a result of contact from which personnel operate to carry our
with a corrosive material. their activities. (2) According to FRA: A sin-
gle physical location where business is con-
esophagus
ducted or where services or industrial opera-
That portion of the digestive system com-
tions are performed. Examples of railroad
posed of the passageway extending from the
establishments include, but are not limited to
eyecup
A small vessel for the application of cleansing
or medical solution to the exposed area of the
eyeball.
eyeflush
The process of rinsing fluid over the conjunc-
tiva and anterior eyeball with water or eye-
wash.
eyeground
The fundus of the eye.
eyelash
A short, curved hair embedded in the free
edges of the eyelids, usually in two or three
separate rows.
eyelid
A thin, soft, movable structure which overlies
the anterior portion of the eyeball, is capable
of closure to protect the eyeball from certain
stimuli, is lined on its posterior surface by the
conjunctiva, and contains various glands, a
muscle, and the eyelashes.
eyepiece
The lens or system of lenses of a microscope
nearest the eye of the observer when the in-
strument is in use.
eyestrain
A visuo-motor fatigue resulting from a pro-
longed period of muscle tension to focus to
overcome glare or any other vision-interfering
conditions. Also referred to as visual strain.
eyewash
A solution for flushing the eyes.
eyewash fountain
A device used to irrigate and flush the eyes in
the event of eye contact with a hazardous sub-
stance. Generally speaking, water deluge
from the fountain must be capable of provid-
ing a continuous flow for a period of not less
than 15 minutes.
eyewear
Any type of eye covering, whether for eye
protection or for improving vision. See also
eye protector.
flaw fleeting
An imperfection or unintentional discontinu- Storing of barges (loaded or unloaded) until
ity that is detectable by nondestructive exami- they can be moved to the unloading area or
nation. until the owner can pick them up.
fleet flex
The vehicles in a transit system. Usually, To move adjacent body segments connected
"fleet" refers to highway vehicles and "rolling by a common joint so that the angle formed
stock" to rail vehicles. by the joint and the two segments is de-
creased.
fleet management center (FMC)
A formally approved element of the Inter- flexibility
agency Fleet Management System (IFMS) re- (1) The capability for adjusting to varying
sponsible for the administrative control of In- conditions. (2) A measure of the mobility of a
teragency Fleet Management System (IFMS) joint or a series of joints. Quantified as the
vehicles in a specified geographic area as de- range of motion, reach.
fined in the determination that is approved by flexibility of closure
the Administrator of General Services. The ability to discover a known pattern
fleet management subcenter masked by the background material.
A formally approved element of the Inter- flexible work schedule
agency Fleet Management System (IFMS) the See flextime.
Fleet Management Center is physically de- flexion
tached from the central or main Fleet Man- Movement in which the angle between two
agement Center. bones connecting to a common joint is re-
fleet management system (FMS) duced.
The automated inventory and control system flexor
used by the Interagency Fleet Management Any muscle which causes joint flexion.
System (IFMS) to track vehicle assignments,
vehicle utilization, and provide direct input to flexor muscles
the Finance Division to bill customer agencies Muscles which when contracted, decrease the
for the use of IFMS vehicles. angle between limb segments.
fleet policy insurance flexor retinaculum
Type of blanket insurance covering a number The ligament which forms the carpal tunnel in
of vehicles of the same insured (e.g., covers the wrist through which the finger flexor ten-
pool or fleet vehicles owned by a business). dons and the median nerve pass.
See also insurance. flextime
fleet vehicles A work schedule in which an employee has
(1) Private fleet vehicles: ideally, a vehicle the freedom within certain limits to choose his
could be classified as a member of a fleet if it work starting and stopping times, but which
is operated in mass by a corporation or insti- usually includes a period of time within a
tution, operated under unified control, or used given shift during which the employee must
for non-personal activities; however, the defi- be present. Also referred to as flextime and
nition of a fleet is not consistent throughout flexible work schedule.
the fleet industry. Some companies make a flicker
distinction between cars that were bought in A perceptible temporal variation of brightness
bulk rather than singularly, or whether they or movements occurring several times per
are operated in bulk, as well as the minimum
foreseeability formaldehyde
A concept in which an individual may be held A colorless, pungent, irritating gas (CH2O)
liable for actions resulting in injury or damage used chiefly as a disinfectant and preservative
only if he/she could be reasonably expected to and in synthesizing other compounds and
foresee the risk or danger. resins.
ganglion GAO
(1) A mass of human or animal tissue- See General Accounting Office.
containing nerve cells (neurons). (2) A knot gap
or knot-like mass; used in anatomic nomen- Low point or opening between hills or moun-
clature as a general term to designate a group tains or in a ridge or mountain range.
of nerve cell bodies located outside the central gaps analysis
nervous system. (3) A form of cystic tumor An assessment of an organization's current
occurring on an aponeurosis or tendon, as in management methods, techniques, and sys-
the wrist. tems to determine its conformance to stan-
gangrene dards and other requirements, such as ISO
(1) An infection caused by an anaerobic bac- 14000.
teria resulting in the destruction of body tis- garage
sue. (2) The death and putrefaction of body A space large enough to accommodate a car,
tissue, caused by the stoppage of circulation with a door opening at least six feet wide and
to an area, often caused by infection or injury. seven feet high. "Attached" means it is under
There are three types of gangrene: moist, dry, part or all of the house or it shares part of a
and gas gangrene. Moist and dry gangrene re- wall in common with the house. Not included
sult from loss of blood circulation due to vari- are carports, barns, or buildings (not con-
ous causes; gas gangrene occurs in wounds nected to the house) or storage space for golf
infected by species of Clostridium that break carts or motorcycles.
down tissue by gas production and by toxins.
garbage
gangway See food waste.
Any ramp-like or stair-like means of access
provided to enable personnel to board or leave garbage and trash collection
a vessel, including accommodation ladders, Establishments that are primarily engaged in
gangplanks, and brows. collecting and transporting garbage, trash, and
refuse, within a city, town, or other local area,
gantry including adjoining towns and suburban areas.
A frame structure raised on side supports so
as to span over or around something. garbage in/garbage out (GIGO)
Computing. A phrase indicating that if errors
gantry crane are made in computer input, errors will be
A crane-hoisting machine mounted on a frame present in the output, even if the programming
or structure spanning an intervening space. and logic are correct.
Used primarily in modern container-handling
ports. garment
Any piece of clothing intended for wear over
one or more body parts.
glove glutamine
An article of clothing which has separate ap- A nitrogen compound occurring in body tis-
pendages for covering the digits and the re- sues and having a part in the production of
mainder of the hand, as well as possibly cov- ammonia by the kidney.
ering the wrist and some portion of the distal glutaraldehyde
forearm. Although there are some social uses A compound used as a disinfectant and as a
that are nothing more than cosmetic, the gen- tissue fixative for light and electron micros-
eral intent is to protect tissue from some un- copy because of its preservation of fine
desirable or hazardous environment. structural detail and localization of enzyme
activity.
gluteal arc
That portion of the posterior body surface
represented primarily by the curvature of the
buttock.
gluteal arc length
The surface distance over the buttock from the
gluteal furrow to the posterior waist level.
Measured with the individual standing erect
and the back/hip/leg muscles relaxed except
as necessary to maintain posture.
gluteal furrow
Gloves, as hand protection, are available in a variety of materi- The crease at the inferior junction of the but-
als to ensure protection against skin exposure to virtually any tock and superior portion of the posterior
type of chemical or physical substance
thigh.
glove box laboratory hood gluteal furrow height
An enclosed, six-sided hood with arm-length The vertical distance from the floor or other
gloves provided at the front or side of the reference surface to the gluteal furrow.
hood for access. An air-lock pass-through Measured with the individual standing erect
port is often provided to insert and remove and the back/hip/leg muscles relaxed except
materials from the hood. as necessary to maintain posture.
glove controller glycemic index
A lightweight glove-like device which is A measure of the speed at which a carbohy-
equipped with transducers and can transmit drate is assimilated. The rapidness of assimi-
information about arm, hand, and finger posi- lation is determined by the structure of the
tion to a computer for controlling another de- carbohydrate as well as its fiber content.
vice.
Left
Atrium
Right
Atrium
Left
Right
Ventricle
Ventricle
hemoglobinuria HEP
Excretion of hemoglobin in the urine. See human error probability.
hemolysis HEPA
Breakdown of red blood cells or erythrocytes See high-efficiency particulate air filter.
with the release of hemoglobin into the blood Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
plasma. This results in hemoglobinuria. A virus that causes inflammation of the liver.
hemophilia Can also occasionally be caused by toxic
A condition characterized by impaired co- agents other than viral.
agulation capability of the blood, and a strong hepatotoxic
tendency to bleed. The classic disease is he- Refers to an agent that produces damage to
reditary, and limited to males, being trans- the liver.
mitted always through the female to the sec-
ond generation, but many similar conditions
heroin hexadecimal
Narcotic drug which is a derivative of opium Pertaining to a numbering system based on
and whose technical name is diacetyl- 16, using the alphanumerics zero through nine
morphine. It is classified as a Class A sub- and A through F.
stance for criminal purposes and the penalty
hypotension hypothyroidism
Diminished tension; lowered blood pressure. Deficiency of thyroid gland activity, with un-
A consistently low blood pressure with a derproduction of thyroxine, or the condition
systolic pressure less than 100 mm of mercury resulting from it.
is no cause for concern. In fact, low blood hypotonia
pressure is associated with long life and an A condition involving decreased muscle tone.
old age free of illness. An extremely low hypotonic
blood pressure is occasionally a symptom of a (1) Having an abnormally reduced tonicity or
serious condition. Hypotension may be asso- tension. (2) Having an osmotic pressure
ciated with Addison's disease and inadequate lower than that of the solution with which it is
thyroid function, but in both cases the primary compared.
disease produces so many other symptoms
that the hypotension is considered compara- hypoventilation
tively unimportant. Decrease of air in the lungs below the normal
amount.
hypotensive
Condition in which there is a lack of oxygen hypoxemia
supply to the tissues. Deficient oxygenation of the blood.
hypothalamus hypoxia
The portion of the brain that controls body A condition experienced by humans when the
temperature and produces hormones that af- brain does not receive sufficient oxygen.
fect the pituitary gland. Anemic hypoxia is the reduction of the oxy-
gen-carrying capacity of the blood as a result
hypothenar of a decrease in the total hemoglobin or as the
Pertaining to the fleshy mass on the me- result of an alteration of the hemoglobin con-
dial/ulnar side of the palm. stituents.
hypothenar eminence hypsokinesis
The fleshy protrusion on the medial ulnar side A backward swaying or falling in erect pos-
of the palm. ture, seen in paralysis agitans and other neu-
hypothermia rologic disorders.
Loss of body heat and decreased temperature hysteresis
due to extensive exposure to cold. The maximum difference in output for any
hypothesis given input when the value is approached first
An assumption which may be accepted or with increasing input signal then with de-
rejected, based on experimental findings, such creasing input signal. The nonuniqueness in
as by statistical tests of significance. the relationship between two variables as a
parameter increase or decrease.
hypothesis testing
The conducting of a properly controlled ex- hysteresis error
periment, including any supporting statistical The difference in response output when in-
analyses, to determine the likelihood of a hy- creasing a variable as opposed to decreasing
pothesis being true. that variable.
in bulk inaccessible
The transportation, as cargo, of property, ex- Incapable of being reached or entered by a
cept Class A and B explosives and poison human, a human body part, a remotely oper-
gases, in containment systems with capacities ated system, or a tool for retrieval or repair of
in excess of 3,500 water gallons. a system or subsystem.
inland waterways on national territory traffic inland waterways transport (IWT) vessel
Any movement of an inland waterways trans- A floating craft designed for the carriage of
port (IWT) vessel within a national territory goods or public transport of passengers by
irrespective of the country in which the vessel navigable inland waterways.
is registered. inland zone
inland waterways passenger The environment inland of the coastal zone
Any person who makes a journey on board of excluding the Great Lakes, Lake Champlain,
an inland waterways transport (IWT) vessel. and specified ports and harbors on inland riv-
Service staff assigned to IWT vessels are not ers. The term inland zone delineates an area
regarded as passengers. of federal responsibilities for response ac-
tions. Precise boundaries are determined by
inland waterways passenger-kilometer agreements between the Environmental Pro-
Unit of measure representing the transport of tection Agency (EPA) and the United States
one passenger by inland waterway over one Coast Guard (USCG) and are identified in
kilometer. Federal Regional Contingency Plans.
ion pair IQ
Two particles of opposite charge. One See intelligence quotient.
method by which ionizing radiation gives up IR
its energy is by the production of ion pairs. Infrared.
See also ionization.
iridescent
ionization Pertaining to the optical interference effects in
The separation of a normally electrically neu- thin films or of reflected diffracted light from
tral atom or molecule into electrically charged ribbed surfaces.
components. The term may also be used to
iridescent clouds
describe the degree or extent to which this
Clouds that exhibit brilliant spots or borders
separation occurs. Ionization is the removal
of colors, most often red and green. Observed
of a negatively charged electron from the
up to about 30° from the sun.
atom or molecule (either directly or indi-
jog
An intermediate gait between walking and Types of anatomical joints
running, or an alternating combination of
walking and running which is used as a form joint action
of exercise. An action brought by two or more as plaintiffs
or against two or more as defendants.
johnboat
A flat-bottomed skiff type boat with a square joint and several contracts
bow and stern. Contracts in which the parties bind them-
selves both individually and as a unit (jointly).
joint
(1) Articulation between two bones that may joint and several liability
permit motion and flexibility in one or more A legal doctrine holding the parties involved
planes. They may become sites of concern equally responsible, each of which is 100% li-
with certain cumulative trauma disorders. able. Imposed in cases where the harm
Some joints are actually immovable, such as caused is indivisible (i.e., where individual or
certain fixed joints where segments of bone joint parties are potentially responsible for the
are fused together in the skull. Other joints, harm but it cannot be determined with any
such as those between the vertebrae, have ex- degree of certainty which parties or defen-
tremely limited motion. However, most joints dants are responsible for which aspect of the
allow considerable motion. Many joints have damage). Parties can be held responsible in-
an extremely complex internal structure. dependently or mutually.
They are not only composed of the ends of joint capsule
bones but also of ligaments (tough whitish fi- The connective tissue and membrane sur-
bers binding the bones together); cartilage rounding a synovial joint cavity.
(connective tissue covering and cushioning
the bone ends); the articulating capsule (a fi-
keratin kerogen
Tough, fibrous protein containing sulfur and The organic component of oil shale.
forming the outer layer of epidermal struc- kerosene
tures, such as hair, nails, etc. A petroleum distillate that boils at a tempera-
keratitis ture between 300 and 550 degrees Fahrenheit,
Inflammation of the cornea. Keratitis may be that has a flash point higher than 100 degrees
deep, when the infection causing it is carried Fahrenheit by ASTM Method D 56, that has a
in the blood or spreads to the cornea from gravity range from 40 to 46 degrees API, and
other parts of the eye, or superficial, caused that has a burning point in the range of 150
by bacteria or virus infection or by allergic re- degrees to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Kerosene
action. Microorganisms causing the inflam- is used in space heaters, cook stoves, and wa-
mation can be introduced into the cornea ter heaters and is suitable for use as an illumi-
during the removal of foreign bodies from the nate when burned in wick lamps. See also
eye. All infections of the eye are potentially fuel and gasoline.
serious because opaque fibrous tissue or scar kerosene-type jet fuel
tissue may form on the cornea during the A quality kerosene product with an average
healing process and cause partial or total loss gravity of 40.7 degrees API, and a 10 percent
of vision. There are several kinds of keratitis. distillation temperature of 400 degrees Fahr-
Dendritic keratitis is a viral form caused by enheit. It is covered by American Society of
the herpes simplex virus; it usually affects Testing Materials (ASTM) Specification
where: knee
m = mass The junction of the femur, tibia, fibula, and
v = velocity patella, including all surrounding tissues. The
knee is a complex hinge joint, one of the larg-
kinetic friction est in the body, and one that sustains great
That friction between two surfaces in contact pressure.
where there is relative motion between them.
knee breadth
kinetic rate coefficient The horizontal linear distance between the
A number that describes the rate at which a most medial and lateral projections of the
water constituent, such as a biochemical oxy- femoral epicondyles. Measured using firm
gen demand or dissolved oxygen, increases or pressure with the individual standing erect
decreases. and with no excessive leg muscle tension.
kinetics Also referred to as femoral breadth.
The study or use of the effects of mechanical knee cap
forces and moments on material objects or to See patella.
produce motion, especially of the human
body. knee circumference, fully bent
The distance around the maximum knee
kinetosphere prominence and through the crease behind the
A reach envelope for the hand/arm combina- knee. Measured with the individual in a
tion or the leg/foot combination in which only squatting position with the knee joint maxi-
translational motion of the limb is permitted, mally flexed.
with the terminal segment (hand or foot) held
in a constant position. knee circumference, sitting
The maximum surface distance around the
kingdom knee, under the popliteal area and over the
One of the three major categories into which kneecap at an angle of 45° to the floor.
natural objects are usually classified: the
Measured with the individual sitting erect, the
animal (including all animals), the plant (in-
upper leg horizontal, the lower leg vertical,
cluding all plants) and the mineral (including
and the foot flat on the floor.
all substances and objects without life).
lawyer LC
A person learned in the law; as an attorney, (1) Lethal concentration. (2) Liquid chroma-
counsel, or solicitor; a person licensed to tography.
practice law. LC50
laxative A standard measure of acute toxicity, nor-
A medicine that loosens the bowel contents mally applied to inhalation hazards but may
and encourages evacuation. A laxative with a also be applied in some cases to concentra-
mild or gentle effect on the bowels is also tions in water (or solution), designating the
median lethal concentration of a chemical
lymphoma lysoenzyme
(1) A primary tumor of lymphoid tissue. (2) A crystalline, basic protein, which is present
Any one of various conditions of unknown in saliva, tears, egg white, and many animal
etiology chiefly affecting lymph nodes, con- fluids and which functions as an antibacterial
sidered to be neoplastic. (3) Various abnor- enzyme.
mally proliferative diseases of the lymphoid lysosome
tissue of the lymphatic system. A tumor of A minute body occurring in a cell and con-
lymphoid tissue.Also called malignant lym- taining various enzymes, mainly hydrolytic.
phoma. lysotype
lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) (1) The type of microorganism as determined
A hallucinogenic compound chemically related by its reactions to specific bacteriophages. (2)
to ergot, having consciousness-expanding ef- A taxonomic subdivision of bacteria based on
fects and capable of producing a state of mind their reactions to specific bacteriophages, or a
in which there is false sense perception (hal- formula expressing the reactions on which
lucination). The perceptual changes brought such a subdivision is based.
about by LSD in normal persons are ex-
tremely variable and depend on factors such
as age, personality, education, physical make-
up, and state of health. The danger of the
drug lies in the fact that it loosens control
over impulsive behavior and may lead to a
full-blown psychosis or less serious mental
disorder in persons with latent mental illness.
LSD was first developed in 1938 and was be-
lieved to be potentially useful in the treatment
of mental illness. This theory was based on
the belief that the drug could produce a
schizophrenic syndrome and that psychiatrists
and other persons concerned with mental ill-
ness could observe the manifestations of a
psychosis under controlled conditions. How-
ever, competent investigators have shown that
the effect of LSD is more closely related to a
toxic psychosis such as that produced by fe-
ver, stress, or drugs of many kinds and is of
doubtful use in understanding the mechanism
of true psychosis resulting from severe mental
disorder.
lysin
A substance that causes lysis; an antibody that
causes dissolution of cells or other material.
may MCV
If a discretionary right, privilege, or power is (1) See mean corpuscular volume. (2) See
abridged or if an obligation to abstain from mean clinical value.
acting is imposed, the word "may" is used MDA
with a restrictive "no," "not," or "only" (for See minimum descent altitude.
example, no employer may…; an employer
MDC
may not…; only qualified persons may…).
Mild detonating cord.
May Day
MDF
The international radiotelephony distress sig-
Mild detonating fuse.
nal. When repeated three times, it indicates
MDL
See maximum detection limit.
milliroentgen mini-Gym
One-thousandth of a roentgen. See also See MK-1, II.
roentgen. mini landbridge
Minamata disease Transportation. An intermodal system for
A neurological disorder caused by alkyl mer- transporting containers first by ocean and then
cury poisoning, typically characterized by pe- by rail or motor to a port for additional trans-
ripheral and circumoral parasthesia, ataxia, port over water.
dysarthria, and loss of peripheral vision and mini service
leading to permanent neurological and mental Service station attendants pump vehicle fuel
disability or death. but do not provide other services, such as
Mine Safety and Health Administration checking oil and tire pressure or washing
(MSHA) windshields.
A United States federal agency which regu- miniature railway
lates matters pertaining to health and safety Small-scale railway used for amusement.
issues regarding mining operations and the minibridge
mineral industry. It carries out inspections, A joint water, rail, or truck container move on
investigations, enforces regulations, provides a single Bill of Lading for a through route
technical support, develops relevant training from a foreign port to a U.S. port destination
programs, and assesses penalties for viola- through an intermediate U.S. port or the re-
tions of regulations. verse. See also intermodal and landbridge.
mineral minimal passageway
A naturally occurring inorganic homogeneous That minimal height and width of a corridor
substance. There are 19 or more minerals which allows an individual clothed for speci-
forming the mineral composition of the hu- fied working conditions to pass without con-
man body, at least 13 are essential to health. flict with boundaries or other persons.
mineral-insulated (MI) metal-sheathed cable minimal perceptible erythema
Type MI metal-sheathed cable is a factory See erythemal threshold.
assembly of one or more conductors insulated
with a highly compressed refractory mineral minimal weight
insulation and enclosed in a liquid-tight and The least amount a person can weigh without
gas-tight continuous copper sheath. endangering lean body mass and essential fat
storage.
nano- narcotic
Prefix indicating one-billionth or 10-9 of the Compound that produces stupor. Many
basic unit. opium derivatives are examples of strong nar-
cotics. Narcotics can affect the central nerv-
nanogram ous system (CNS) and the gastrointestinal
One billionth of a gram. tract. The CNS effects include analgesia,
nanometer euphoria, sedation, respiratory depression, and
The billionth part of a meter. antitussive action. Chronic use of narcotics
NANPCA develops tolerance to the compounds and
Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention physical dependence. Medically, the term
and Control Act of 1990 (Federal). narcotic includes any drug that has this effect.
By legal definition, however, the term refers
nap to habit-forming drugs, for example, opiates
(1) A brief period of sleep. (2) The short, such as morphine and heroine and synthetic
small fibers on a fabric surface. drugs such as mepredine (Demerol). Narcot-
nape ics can be legally obtained only with a doc-
The back of the neck. Technically referred to tor's prescription. The sale or possession of
as the nucha. narcotics for other than medical purposes is
napestrap strictly prohibited by federal, state, and local
A strap-like device extending from a piece of laws.
headgear over the nape of the neck to assist in naris
headgear retention. (1) The passage at either the anterior or poste-
naphtha rior nasal cavity. (2) An opening into the na-
A generic term applied to a petroleum fraction sal cavity on the exterior of the body (anterior
with an approximate boiling range between or external naris) or into the nasopharynx
122 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. (posterior naris).
naphtha-type jet fuel narrative evidence
American Petroleum Institute (API). A fuel in Testimony from a witness which he/she is
the heavy naphtha boiling range with an aver- permitted to give without the customary
age gravity of 52.8 degrees and 20 to 90 per- questions and answers (e.g., when a witness
cent distillation temperatures of 290 degrees explains in detail what happened without in-
to 470 degrees Fahrenheit, meeting Military terruption).
Specification MIL-T-5624L (Grade JP-4). narrow band
JP-4 is used for turbojet and turboprop aircraft Pertaining to a frequency band consisting of a
engines, primarily by the military. Excludes few hertz on either side of a center frequency.
ram-jet and petroleum rocket fuels.
narrow band analysis
napier A type of frequency analysis in which sound
See néper. intensity level measurements are restricted to
narcoanalysis a few hertz on either side of a center fre-
Process whereby a subject is put to sleep, or quency.
into a semisomnolent state by means of
narrow channel
chemical injections and then interrogated A channel with very little room to spare.
while in this dreamlike state.
narrow railway gauge
narcolepsy
Distance between the rails of a track less than
A disorder in which an individual experiences
4 ft 8.5 inches.
numerous severe occasions of sleepiness
during the day.
nose height
The linear vertical distance from subnasale to
sellion.
nose height – breadth index
The percentage value of the ratio between the
nose height and the nasal breadth.
nose length
The linear distance from sellion to pronasale.
Measured parallel to the ridge of the nose.
nose protrusion
The linear horizontal distance from subnasale
to pronasale. Measured with the individual
The nose not only allows us to breath cleaned and warmed air, it standing or sitting erect, with the facial mus-
also provides us with the ability to sense an infinite number of
differing odors. cles relaxed.
nose breadth nosebleed
The maximum horizontal linear distance Bleeding from the nose for any number of
across the nose, at whatever level it occurs. reasons (e.g., injury, irritation, etc.). Also
Measured with the facial muscles relaxed and called epistaxis.
without compressing tissue. nose'er in
nose clip Maritime Navigation (slang). To land by
Any spring device which pinches off the nos- putting the bow of the boat into the bank.
trils to prevent entry of water or air. nosocomial disease
nose dive A disease with its source in a hospital and
Transit (slang). Trailer tipped forward on its which is contracted as a result of being there.
nose. nostril
See external naris.
o.d. off-line
Outside diameter. Pertaining to a terminal or other hardware not
ready for access to a computer or network.
OD
See optical density. off peak period
See base period.
ODC
(1) Other direct costs. (2) Ozone depleting off-road vehicular area
chemical. See ozone level depleting sub- An area for the testing of, or use by, vehicles
stances (OLDS). that are designed to travel across the terrain.
OLF omission
A perceived air quality term which attempts to Neglecting to perform what the law requires.
quantify the level of odorous pollutants in The intentional or unintentional failure to act
OLFs. which may or may not impose criminal liabil-
ity depending upon the existence of a duty to
olfaction act under the circumstances.
The sense of smell.
omphalion height
olfactometer The linear vertical distance from the floor or
Any device for measuring the sensitivity of other reference surface to omphalion. Meas-
smell. ured with the individual standing erect, with
olfactory his/her body weight equally distributed on
Pertaining to the sense of smell. both feet.
olfactory fatigue on course
Condition in which the sense of smell has Aviation. (1) Used to indicate that an aircraft
been diminished to the extent that an odor is established on the route centerline. (2)
cannot be detected. Used by Air Traffic Control (ATC) to advise
a pilot making a radar approach that his air-
olfactory nerve
craft is lined up on the final approach course.
The first cranial nerve, which conveys sensory
See also off-course and on-course indication.
information regarding smell to the brain.
on-course indication
oligotrophic lakes
An indication on an instrument, which pro-
Deep clear lakes with low nutrient supplies.
vides the pilot a visual means of determining
They contain little organic matter and have a
that the aircraft is located on the centerline of
high dissolved-oxygen level.
a given navigational track, or an indication on
OM a radar scope that an aircraft is on a given
See outer marker. track. See also off course and on course.
OMB on-demand
Office of Management and Budget. Supplied as a result of a user-initiated re-
ombudsman sponse.
An individual with whom an employee or on-flight passenger trip length
agent can discuss confidential, work-related Aviation. The average length of a passenger
concerns and receive a quick, neutral re- trip, calculated by dividing the number of
sponse. The employee or agent may also re- revenue passenger-miles in scheduled service
port violations of law or corporate policies to by the number of revenue passenger enplane-
this individual without fear of retribution. ments in scheduled service.
The ombudsman is usually trusted and re-
philtrum phlegm
The vertical depression which extends from Stringy, thick mucus secreted by the respira-
the base of the nasal septum to the superior tory mucosa.
margin of the upper lip. phon
philtrum length Unit of loudness level. A unit of subjective
The vertical linear distance from the superior loudness that is based on decibel scale.
margin of the upper lip to the base of the nasal phonation
septum. Measured with the facial muscles The production of speech sounds using the
relaxed. vocal cords to interrupt air flow from the
PHL lungs.
See preliminary hazard list. phoneme
phlebitis The smallest unit or sound of speech which
Inflammation of a vein. It is relatively com- can have meaning or result in a change of
mon, especially in the veins of the lower meaning in a word.
limbs. Phlebitis is not serious when the in-
flammation is located in a superficial vein
pistol grip
That structure on a tool or other device which pits
resembles the grasping structure on a pistol, is Floor drains which may be used to discharge
used for holding the tool/device during car- hazardous wastes; also called trenches.
rying or operation, and may have a trigger- pituitary gland
like mechanism for operation. The master gland of the endocrine system, so
pitch called because it controls hormone production
(1) Acoustics. The attribute of auditory sen- of other endocrine glands. This pea-sized
sation in terms of which sounds may be or- gland lies in a small recess (the sella turcica)
dered on a scale extending from low to high. at the base of the brain and is connected to the
Pitch depends primarily on the frequency of hypothalamus by the hypophyseal (pituitary)
the sound stimulus, but also on the sound stalk. The hypothalamus controls many of the
pressure and wave form of the sound. (2) secretory functions of the pituitary hormones.
Ladders. The included angle between the Information concerned with the well-being of
horizontal and the ladder, measured on the an individual and gathered by the nervous
opposite side of the ladder from the climbing system is transmitted to the hypothalamus
side. which then regulates the secretion of pituitary
hormones. The activities of the nervous sys-
pitch and bark pocket tem and the endocrine system are thereby cor-
An opening extending parallel to the annual related.
growth rings in a tree containing, or that has
contained, pitch, either solid or liquid. A bark pivot joint
pocket is an opening between annual growth A joint in which motion is limited to rotation
rings that contains bark. about an axis perpendicular to the contact sur-
face.
pitch discrimination
The ability to distinguish frequency differ- pivot point
ences in pure sounds. An approximation of the center of rotation for
various types of hinge joints.
pitch setting
The propeller blade setting as determined by pixels
the blade angle measured in a manner, and at The dots that form the picture on a CRT
a radius specified by the instruction manual screen.
for the propeller. placarded car
pitot traverse A rail car which is placarded in accordance
A series of measurements at predetermined with the requirements of 49 CFR 172 except
positions across a section of ductwork or those cars displaying only the FUMIGATION
piping, employing a pitot tube for determining placards as required by 49 CFR 172.510.
total, static, and velocity pressures for subse- placards
quent use in determining air velocity in the With regard to vehicles transporting
duct/pipe and the amount of air passing the hazardous materials: DOT-required signs that
point at which the pitot traverse was made. are affixed to the front, rear, and sides of all
pitot tube vehicles transporting hazardous materials and
A device used to measure pressures in an air- hazardous wastes. These signs must meet
stream or ventilation system. It consists of DOT specifications for size, color and
two concentric tubes arranged such that one location on the vehicle and must be used
according to predesigned hazard classification
pneumatic PNOC
Operated by air pressure. Particulates not otherwise classified.
pneumoconiosis PNS
Inflammation often leading to fibrosis of the See peripheral nervous system.
lungs and caused by the inhalation of dust as- pocket dosimeter
sociated with various occupations (e.g., min- A direct reading portable unit, usually shaped
ing). The disease is characterized by perma- like a pen with a pocket clip, generally used to
nent deposition of substantial amounts of par- measure exposures to gamma- and x-
ticulate matter in the lungs, usually of occu- radiation.
pational or environmental origin, and by tis- podiatrist
sue reaction to its presence. It may be a rela- A specialist in treating the feet for minor ail-
tively harmless form, such as siderosis, to a ments, such as corns, bunions, calluses, and
serious form, such as silicosis. Symptoms can fungal infections. Podiatrists are not graduate
include chest pains, cough, cyanosis, and fa- physicians, and their treatments should be
tigue. confined to minor foot conditions. Such
pneumoconiosis-producing dust treatments may include minor surgical proce-
Dust which, when inhaled, deposited, and dures and prescriptions of corrective shoes or
retained in the lungs, produces signs, symp- special exercises.
toms, and findings of pulmonary disease. point
pneumonia (1) To move a cursor on a display to a certain
Acute inflammation or infection of the lung. item using a direct manipulation computer in-
Pneumonia once was a common cause of put device. (2) A measure of type size (1
death and killed one out of four victims. It is point is 1/72 in.). (3) An output measure in
still a serious disease, especially in infants and the Bedaux system consisting of that produc-
the elderly, who are most vulnerable. Infec- tion by one standard operator in one minute's
tious pneumonia may be caused by either time. (4) To extend a finger (usually the in-
bacteria or viruses. It may be primary or sec- dex finger) at an object to draw attention to
ondary (a complication of another disease) that object.
and may involve one or both lungs. It is most point and click
frequently caused by the pneumococcus. The A method of operation with a graphical user
microorganisms that give rise to pneumonia interface in which a mouse or other computer
are always present in the upper respiratory
polarography
An analytical method, based on the electroly-
sis of a sample solution, for determining the
amount of specific contaminants, which are
electro-reducible or electro-oxidizable.
pole trailer
A motor vehicle without motive power de-
signed to be drawn by another motor vehicle
and attached to the towing vehicle by means
of a reach or pole, or by being boomed or oth-
erwise secured to the towing vehicle, for Pollen is released as part of the natural life cycle of most plants
transporting long or irregularly shaped loads pollutant
such as poles, pipes, or structural members (1) Generally, any substance introduced into
capable generally of sustaining themselves as the environment that adversely affects the
beams between the supporting connections. usefulness of a resource. (2) Any element,
police power substance, compound, or mixture, including
The legal authority of the states to enact leg- disease-causing agents, which after release
islation and implement programs to protect into the environment and upon exposure, in-
the public health, safety, welfare, and morals. gestion, inhalation, or assimilation into any
The police power is a reserved power of the organism, either directly from the environ-
states not given to the federal government in ment or indirectly by ingestion through food
the Constitution. The analogous authority of chains, will or may reasonably be anticipated
the federal government (with a very different to cause death, disease, behavioral abnormali-
legal foundation) is commerce power to ties, cancer, genetic mutation, physiological
regulate interstate commerce and prevent the malfunctions (including malfunctions in re-
states putting undue burdens on interstate production) or physical deformations, in such
commerce. organisms or their offspring.
policy allowance pollutant standard index (PSI)
A non-bonus time allowance added to the Measure of adverse health effects of air pol-
standard time to maintain or provide a satis- lution levels in major cities.
factory earning level under unusual circum- pollution
stances. Generally, the presence of matter or energy
poliomyelitis whose nature, location, or quantity produces
A contagious viral disease that attacks the undesirable effects. Under the Clean Water
central nervous system, injuring or destroying Act, for example, the term is defined as the
the nerve cells that control the muscles and manmade or man-induced alteration of the
sometimes causing paralysis. Paralysis most physical, biological, and radiological integrity
often affects the legs but can involve any of water.
muscles, including those that control breath- polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)
ing and swallowing. Since development and A group of highly toxic, persistent chemicals
use of vaccines against poliomyelitis, the dis- used in transformers and capacitors for insu-
print
To put text, graphics, or other form of com- private motor carrier (of property)
puter output into a form for display, especially A person who provides transportation of
for hardcopy. property by motor vehicle, and is not a for-
hire motor carrier.
psychology psychophysics
The study of human behavior and its percep- That area of experimental psychology which
tual/cognitive bases. attempts to quantify relationships between
stimuli and their psychological or psychobi-
psychometric function ological responses.
A mathematical or graphical function showing
the relationship between a set of stimuli psychosocial
varying quantitatively along a given dimen- Pertaining to any combination or the interac-
sion and the relative frequency with which an tion of psychological and sociological vari-
ables, conditions, or effects.
observer will give a certain category of re-
sponse regarding some property of the stimu- psychosocial factors
lus. Psychological, organizational, and personal
stressors that could produce symptoms similar
psychometrics
The measurement of psychological processes to poor indoor air quality.
using experimental design and statistical psychosomatic
techniques. Pertaining to mind and body interrelation-
ships.
psychomotor
Pertaining to both motor and mental processes psychosomatic medicine
or activity. That medical field dealing with health and
psychomotor performance disease involving both the mental/emotional
A measure of the achievement level displayed and physical components and their interac-
by an individual in executing a psychomotor tions.
task.
refraction register
(1) Illumination. The bending of light as it A fixture through which air is returned to a
passes from one medium to another. (2) ventilation system. Also referred to as a re-
Acoustics. The bending of a sound wave from turn air register.
its original path due to its passing from one register breadth
medium to another, or due to a temperature or Maritime. The breadth of a vessel at its wid-
wind gradient. (3) Anatomy. Determination est part measured from the outer side of the
of the refractive errors of the eye and their planking or plating on one side to the corre-
correction by glasses. sponding point on the opposite side.
refractory period register depth
See cellular refractory period. Maritime. The depth of a vessel measured
refrigerant from the underside of the tonnage deck, amid-
A substance that will absorb heat while va- ship, to the bottom of the hold. The depth is
porizing and whose boiling point and other not the draft of a vessel.
properties make it useful as a medium for re- registered active general aviation aircraft
frigeration. A civil aircraft registered with the FAA that
refueling track has been flown one or more hours during the
Aviation. Airspace designated for conducting previous calendar year. Excluded are aircraft
aerial refueling. owned and operated in regularly scheduled,
non-scheduled, or charter service by commer-
refuse cial air carriers and aircraft in excess of
See solid waste. 12,500 pounds maximum gross takeoff
refuse reclamation weight, and owned and operated by a com-
Conversion of solid waste into useful prod- mercial operator certificated by the FAA to
ucts, e.g., composting organic wastes to make engage in intrastate common carriage.
SEM semiconductor
See scanning electron microscope. See also Any of various solid crystalline substances,
standard error of the mean. such as silicon, having electrical conductivity
greater than insulators but less than metals.
semaphore
An apparatus for making signals, as with semiconductor sensor
movable arms, disks, flags, or lanterns. Com- A sensor that responds to a contaminant that
mon to rail operations but may also be en- is present in the air as a result of its being ad-
countered in other modes of transportation sorbed on the surface of the semiconductor
such as marine. type sensor and producing a change in its
conductivity in proportion to the concentra-
semaphore arm tion of the contaminant present in the sampled
The part of a semaphore signal displaying an air.
aspect. It consists of a blade fastened to a
spectacle. semiconfined aquifer
An aquifer that is partially confined by a soil
semaphore arm spectacle layer (or layers) of low permeability through
That part of a semaphore arm which holds the which recharge and discharge can occur.
roundels and to which the blade is fastened.
semi-interquartile range (Q)
semaphore blade That range represented by one-half the range
The extended part of a semaphore arm which from the first quartile to the third quartile.
shows the position of the arm.
Q3 – Q1
Q =
2
siphon sitting
(1) Designed to convey water by gravitational Pertaining to a posture in which the torso is
force over, or under, an obstruction. (2) a approximately vertical, the hips are flexed
bent tube with arms of unequal length, for about 90°, and the knees are flexed between
drawing liquid from one receptacle to another. approximately 45° and maximum flexion.
(3) To draw liquid from one receptacle to
another by means of a siphon. sitting height
The vertical linear distance from the sitting
site surface to the vertex plane. Measured with
Area(s) where a hazardous substance has been hair compression, the individual sitting erect,
deposited, stored, disposed, or placed, or has looking straight ahead, the knees flexed about
otherwise come to be located. Such areas 90º, and with a non-compressible seat at ap-
include multiple sources and may include the proximately the politeal height.
area between sources.
sitting height, relaxed
site characterization
The vertical distance from the sitting surface
Under the Federal Nuclear Waste Policy of
to the vertex plane. Measured with the indi-
1982: Siting research activities with respect
vidual sitting relaxed, looking straight ahead
to a test and evaluation facility at a candidate
with a non-compressible seat at approxi-
site. Also activities, whether in the laboratory
mately the politeal height, and the knees
or in the field, undertaken to establish the
flexed about 90°.
geologic condition and the ranges of the
parameters of a candidate site relevant to the
location of a repository, including borings,
Sky divers must understand the risks and safety measures re-
quired to ensure a safe and successful jump
slag
The fused and vitrified matter separated dur-
The human skull ing the conversion of an ore to the metal
product.
sky diving slag wool
The practice of voluntarily jumping out of an Fibrous material made from the slag residue
undamaged and still flying aircraft for the of the steel-making process. Similar to rock
purpose of personal enjoyment or professional wool.
occupation (i.e., not for the purpose of
evacuation). Sky diving requires extensive
training and jumpers must receive specific
sliding
Uncontrolled sideway movement of vessel. slipped disk
sliding caliper The popular name for rupture of an interver-
A caliper which has a vernier mechanism in tebral disk. The condition occurs most com-
which one portion slides with respect to an- monly in the lower back, occasionally in the
other, fixed portion to provide the measure- neck, and rarely in the upper portion of the
ment desired. spine. Pads of cartilage and fiber enclosing a
rubbery tissue known as the nucleus pulposus
slight care lie between the vertebrae. They act as cush-
Law. Care such as persons of ordinary pru- ions between the vertebrae, absorbing ordi-
dence usually exercise about their own affairs nary shocks and strains and shifting positions
of slight importance. Or, it is that degree of to accommodate the various movements of
care which a person exercises about his/her the spine. Excessive strain may weaken the
own concerns, though he/she may be a person cartilage to the extent that the nucleus pulpo-
of less than common prudence or of careless sus protrudes through it and forms a bulge.
and inattentive disposition. See also care and This bulge may push against the nerve roots
reasonable care. in the spinal canal, causing pain. Rupture or
slimicide herniation of the disks may be caused by in-
A product used for the prevention or inhibi- jury or by sudden straining with the spine in
tion of the formation of biological slimes in an unnatural position (as in improper lifting).
industrial water-cooling systems and other The condition can also come on gradually as a
applications. result of a progressive deterioration of the
disks. Symptoms depend on the location and
sling the extent to which the disk material has been
A lifting assembly and associated hardware pushed out. Most cases involve the disks
used between the load and the hoisting device between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae
hook. or between the fifth lumbar vertebrae and the
sling psychrometer sacrum. There is severe pain in the lower
A device used to determine the properties of back and difficulty in walking. The sciatic
moist air by measuring the dry and wet bulb nerve, which originates in the lower part of
temperatures on thermometers fitted to a han- the spinal cord, is affected, with resulting pain
dle that enables their rapid rotation and the at the back of the thigh and lower leg. A
consequent evaporation of water from a wick cough, sneeze, or strain will send the pain
placed over the bulb of the wet bulb ther- along the course of the sciatic nerve to the calf
mometer. The resulting temperatures (dry and or ankle. When the disks of the cervical ver-
wet bulb) are aligned on a psychrometric chart tebrae are affected, severe pain in the back of
to determine the properties of the air. the neck radiates down the arms to the fingers.
Neck movements are restricted. Any neck
slip line
motion, coughing, sneezing, or straining will
A line around timberhead so arranged that one
accentuate the pain. See also herniated disk.
end may be released while boat is backing
away from dock. SLM
Sound level meter.
sterile stethoscope
(1) Free from microorganisms. (2) Unable to An instrument used to hear and amplify the
produce offspring. sounds produced by the heart, lungs, and
other internal organs. As first introduced by
sterilize the 19th century French physician, Rene
To reduce living microbial life forms to below Laennec, the stethoscope was a simple
some specified quantity or to render them in- wooden tube with a bell-shaped opening at
capable of reproduction. one end. The modern stethoscope is binaural,
sterilization with two ear pieces and flexible rubber tubing
(1) General. The destruction of all microor- leading to them from the two-branched open-
ganisms in or on an object using heat, steam, ing of the bell or cone. In this way, sound
chemical agents, ultraviolet radiation, or a travels simultaneously through both of the
combination of these. (2) Pest Control. The branches to the ear piece.
use of radiation and chemicals to damage
body cells needed for reproduction.
sterilizer
One of three groups of anti-microbials regis-
tered by the EPA for public health uses. The
EPA considers an anti-microbial to be a ster-
ilizer when it destroys or eliminates all forms
of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their spores.
Because spores are considered the most diffi-
cult form of a microorganism to destroy, the
EPA considers the term sporicide to be syn-
onymous with sterilizer.
stern
The end of a vessel, opposite of bow.
stern line
A long quartering line.
stern line talk
Supposedly factual information about any- The modern stethoscope
thing, passed between river people, usually by
synovitis system
The reaction or series of reactions by which a (1) General. An organized set of principals or
complex compound is obtained from simpler ideas. (2) System Safety. A combination of
compounds or elements. people, procedures, facility, and/or equipment
synthesis all functioning within a given or specified
The reaction or series of reactions by which a working environment to accomplish a specific
complex compound is obtained from simpler task or set of tasks. (3) Transportation. Total
compounds or elements. operations of a carrier or carrier grouping in-
cluding both domestic and international op-
synthetic basic motion times
erations. (4) Medical. A set or series of in-
A set of standard times assigned to individual
terconnected or interdependent parts or enti-
motions and groups of such motions via syn-
ties (objects, organs, or organisms) that acts
thesis.
together in a common purpose or produces re-
synthetic data sults impossible by action of one alone.
Any value(s) obtained from established tables system anthropometry
or formulas, not empirically from the actual A representation of the human body in three-
situation(s) to which they are relevant. See dimensional coordinate space, describing all
also synthesis. body links and joint angles.
synthetic organic chemicals (SOCs) system critical
Manmade organic chemicals. Some SOCs are A single-point failure item or component in a
volatile, others tend to stay dissolved in water system the loss or failure of which would re-
rather than evaporate out of it. sult in a loss or failure of the entire system.
synthetic standard data system dynamics
Standard times obtained from synthetic data. The interactions within a functioning system.
synthetic vision system engineering
The use of millimeter radar waves to see The application of engineering principles to
through clouds, haze, or certain other non- concept formation, requirements and specifi-
visually transparent media to create images of cations development, hardware/software de-
what lies within or beyond that media. sign and development, testing, and verifica-
syringe tion of a system, including all supporting
An instrument for introducing fluids into the documentation for development and use.
body or a body cavity. A common example is System for Aiding Man-Machine Interaction
the hypodermic syringe which is used for the Evaluation (SAMMIE)
introduction of liquids through a hollow nee- An interactive, three-dimensional computer
dle into subcutaneous tissue. modeling software package for designing the
physical aspects of man and workplaces.
tondal
ton The unit of force which will accelerate a long
A unit of weight in the U.S. Customary Sys- ton 1 foot per sec2.
tem equal to 2,000 pounds. Also referred to tone
as a short ton. (1) Acoustics. A sound sensation having a
ton-deadweight pitch. (2) Colorimetric. A shade or variation
The carrying capacity of a ship in terms of the in shade or color. (3) Anatomy. Normal de-
weight in tons of the cargo, fuel, provisions, gree of vigor and tension; in muscle, the re-
and passengers which a vessel can carry. sistance to passive elongation or stretch. See
ton-displacement tonus.
The weight of the volume of water which the tone deaf
fully loaded ship displaces. The inability to discriminate between tones
ton-kilometer by inland waterways that are close together in pitch.
Unit of measure of goods transport which rep- tongue
resents the transport of one ton by inland wa- The muscular structure attached to the poste-
terways over one kilometer. rior floor of the mouth and which is involved
ton mile in mastication, speech, swallowing, and taste.
One ton (2,000 pounds) transported one stat- tonicity
ute mile (5,280). Ton miles are computed by The level of tension or contraction in a static
multiplying the aircraft miles flown on each muscle or group of muscles.
inter-airport hop by the number of tons carried tonne
on that hop. See also average length of haul. A mass in the metric system equal to 1,000
ton miles tax kilograms. Also referred to as a long ton.
A tax calculated by measuring the weight of tonus
each truck for each trip. The gross weight is That degree of tension in a static muscle.
assigned a tax rate which is multiplied by the More commonly referred to simply as tone or
miles of travel. muscle tone.
ton of refrigeration tool
The extraction of 12,000 Btu per hour or Any device, piece of instrumentation, or ma-
288,000 Btu per day of 24 hours. The latter is chine intended to perform an operation or aid
referred to as a ton-day of refrigeration. Also in the performance of an operation.
referred to as a ton of air conditioning.
tool allowance
ton offered kilometer A time allowance for a worker to adjust
Unit of measure representing the movement and/or maintain his/her tools.
of one ton available in a freight vessel when
performing the services for which it is pri-
marily intended over one kilometer.
waterproof waterspout
(1) Impermeable to water. (2) So constructed A column of rotating wind over water that has
or protected that exposure to the weather will characteristics of a dust devil or tornado.
not interfere with successful operation. Rain- watertight
proof, raintight, or watertight equipment can So constructed that moisture will not enter the
fulfill the requirements for weatherproof enclosure.
where varying weather conditions other than waterway
wetness, such as snow, ice, dust, or tempera- River, canal, lake, or other stretch of water
ture extremes, are not a factor. that by natural or manmade features is suit-
waters of the United States able for navigation.
(1) Navigable waters or waterways; waters of watt (W, w)
the U.S. including those subject to tidal action A unit of power in the SI/MKS system; equal
shoreward to the mean high water mark and to the production of energy at the rate of one
are presently used or may be used to transport joule per second.
interstate or foreign transport. (2) The
territorial seas; coastal and inland waters, watt-second
lakes, rivers, and streams that are navigable See joule.
waters of the United States, including adjacent wave
wetlands; tributaries to navigable waters of the (1) A disturbance propagated through a me-
United States, including adjacent wetlands dium such that the value of the disturbance is
manmade non-tidal drainage and irrigation a function of time and/or position. (2) A
ditches excavated on dry land are not con- gradual increase and subsidence, as a pro-
sidered to be tributaries); interstate waters and gressing disturbance on the surface of a liq-
their tributaries, including adjacent wetlands; uid, the rhythmic variation occurring in the
all other waters of the United States such as transmission of electromagnetic energy, or the
isolated wetlands and lakes, intermittent sensation of nausea.
streams, prairie potholes, and other waters that
are not part of a tributary system to interstate wave cyclone
waters or to navigable waters of the United An extratropical cyclone that forms and
States, the degradation or destruction of which moves along a front. The circulation of winds
could affect interstate commerce. The term
The occupational and environmental safety and health professions have been on merging paths for several
years now. Corporate "down-sizing" or "right-sizing" has resulted in a more streamlined approach to these
once very diverse and quite separate disciplines. Although they both may now be practiced in tandem,
often by the same individuals, each has evolved and developed as a separate area of study. As such, there
are literally thousands of words, terms, and phrases that have specific meanings within their respective
disciplines that may not always be clear and simple.
The practicing professional who has responsibilities in both occupational and environmental safety and
health must be familiar with the "language of the profession" to successfully maneuver through the maze
of compliance, regulatory, management, administrative, legal, technical, scientific, and even industry-
specific slang terminology that are encountered every working day.
The Lewis Dictionary of Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health is the most comprehensive
reference source of its kind available to today's diversified professional. Words, terms, and phrases from
the following specific areas have been included in this publication. In total, there are approximately
25,000 definitions from the various listed areas of study.
Occupational and environmental safety and health disciplines are, indeed, separate functions. However,
changes in the way corporate America does business has forced a continued divergence of the two profes-
sions. Those stuck in the middle, the practicing safety and environmental professionals, are forced to
contend with an increasing number of responsibilities in areas where they may only possess cursory
knowledge. This development has created a drastic need for new, quick-reference sources of knowledge
and information. The more complete and comprehensive the source, the more beneficial it will be to the
user.
This Lewis Dictionary of Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health is an attempt to fill this need
and provide the professional with the single-source of reference for defining the thousands of words,
terms, and phrases they are faced with literally every working day.
Jeffrey W. Vincoli
Editor
THE EDITOR
Mr. Vincoli has provided safety, health, and environmental training and management consulting services for
literally thousands of professionals across the United States and in more than 15 countries. He also specializes
in providing expert testimony on matters of fact pertaining to occupational safety, health, and the environment.
His consulting practice has extended across a wide range of industries including aerospace and aviation, mili-
tary, mass transit, nuclear, chemical, manufacturing, and many others. This experience has led to an apprecia-
tion for the specialized terminology that seems to be somewhat unique to the various industries. This apprecia-
tion has subsequently resulted in the compilation of the Lewis Dictionary of Occupational and Environmental
Safety and Health.
Prior to beginning his own consulting practice, Mr. Vincoli spent 14 years working in our nation's missile,
space, and strategic defense programs. With more than 10 years working for the former McDonnell Douglas
Corporation (now Boeing), he worked first as a Safety Engineer and then as Manager of occupational safety and
health, system safety engineering, industrial hygiene, hazardous waste management, and environmental compli-
ance programs. Mr. Vincoli has worked on such programs as the Space Shuttle, Space Station, unmanned
launch vehicle operations, Tomahawk Cruise Missile, and other specialized weapon systems for the United
States and allied governments. Mr. Vincoli also worked for companies such as EG&G, Inc., and United Tech-
nologies Corporation, always with a focus on ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for several thou-
sand employees.
Mr. Vincoli received his undergraduate degrees from the Florida Institute of Technology and completed his
Master of Science and Master of Business Administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a
Certified Safety Professional, a Certified Hazard Control Manager, and a Registered Environmental Profes-
sional.
Mr. Vincoli is a member of many recognized organizations, including the American Society of Safety Engi-
neers, the System Safety Society, the National Environmental Health Association, and the Veterans of Safety.
He has published more than two dozen articles in professional trade journals such as Professional Safety, Occu-
pational Health and Safety, Hazard Prevention, Green Cross (Hong Kong), and Notícias de Seguridad (Mex-
ico). The Lewis Dictionary of Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health, his second work for Lewis
Publishers, is his seventh published text in the field of safety, health, and the environment. He has served on the
Editorial Board for Occupational Hazards magazine (1995-1998) and on the Advisory Committee for the Bu-
reau of Business Practice (1995-1997).
Mr. Vincoli is an active member of the American Society of Safety Engineers. He has held office on the Chap-
ter level, including President, and has served on numerous Regional and National Committees and Special Task
Force assignments focusing on the Society's service to its members and to the safety profession. He has re-
ceived numerous awards from professional societies, including the System Safety Society's Manager of the
Year (1994) and the American Society of Safety Engineer's Regional Safety Professional of the Year (1987 and
1993). In 1998, he received the Charles V. Culbertson Outstanding Volunteer Service Award from the Ameri-
can Society of Safety Engineers for his contributions to the Society and its members.
Mr. Vincoli is a noted speaker, lecturer, trainer, and published author on subjects that extend across the broad
scope of the occupational safety, health, and environmental industries.
Acknowledgments
This work was developed with the help of a number of organizations, contributors, and specialists repre-
senting the various areas of study that are of interest to the practicing safety and environmental profes-
sional. Specifically, I am particularly grateful to the following individuals/organizations and/or quoted
sources for their contributions without which this publication would not have been possible:
Thomas M. Pankratz
James H. Stramler, Jr.
John Voorhees
Anton Cammarota
Bob Woellner
Benjamin F. Miller, M.D.
Claire Brackman Keane, R.N., B.S.
Finally, I would like to thank the many professionals at Lewis Publishers who have made the publication
of this text as painless as possible. Specifically, I am grateful to Kenneth P. McCombs, Bob Hauserman,
Suzanne Lassandro, and Mimi Williams for their efforts in making this publication a reality.
It is appropriate that I dedicate this "book of terms" to the two people who taught me the meaning of some of
the most important things in life long before I could even read.
To my mother, Carmela Vincoli,
whose courageous battle against cancer is an inspiration to all who know her.
To my father, Joseph Vincoli,
a lifelong example of dependability and support, always putting the interests of others before his own.