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C
D
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ABC
fire extinguisher
Fire extinguisher capable of extinguishing type A, B and C fires.
abatement
An
intensified termination of asbestos or lead.
abiogenesis
The spontaneous generation of non-living materials into living
things (theory).
abrasion
Wearing, grinding, rubbing, or blasting away by friction.
abrasive
A substance used to abrade or wear away a surface, such as in air,
CO2 and soda blasting.
absorbent
Having the capacity, tendency, or power to absorb liquids or gas.
absorption
The process of absorbing, or being absorbed.
acceleration
Rate of change of the velocity with the respect to time.
access hole
An opening created to allow inspection or mobility of equipment and
materials.
access panel
A door or panel, which allows easy access for inspection or mobility
of equipment and materials.
acetate
The salt or ester of acetic acid.
acetic acid
Colorless pungent liquid acid, C2 H4 O2 that is the basic acid of
vinegar.
acetoacetic acid
Unstable acid, C4 H6 O3, as found in abnormal urine.
acetone
A flammable liquid, C3 H6 O, as used as a solvent in paint removers
and thinners.
acetylene
Colorless hydrocarbon gas, HC=CH created through the action of water
on calcium, used in the welding, brazing and burning of metals
acid
A water-soluble substance that contains hydrogen molecules and ions,
that react with a base or substances electrons.
acidic
Acid forming, having a pH of 6 or less.
acidimeter
Apparatus used to measure the amount and strength of acid in a
liquid.
acoustical ceiling tile
A mineral fiber material formed within 12" x 12", 2' x 2', 2' x 4',
etc. panels, that offer sound control. Acoustical panels can be
mounted with adhesives, staples, or be suspended.
acoustics
The transmission and effect of sound waves.
actual cash value
The resulting value after the deduction for depreciation. Also
known as ACV. The ACV is based on the replacement cost, less the
components or contents expected value or life span.
acute exposure
Single exposure to a toxic substance, resulting in biological
illness or death.
acute toxicity
Substance or matter that is poisonous and capable of causing
biological illness or death.
acrylic
Clear, glossy thermoplastic resin, constructed from acrylic or
methacrylic acid, produced as sheet, corrugated goods and in
adhesives, caulking etc.
acrylic acid
Unsaturated liquid, C3 H4 O2 that is used in the plastics industry
due to its ease of polymerizing.
activated (carbon) charcoal
Used as an adsorbent for purifying.
ADA
Americans with Disability Act. A set of Government design and
construction standards for the accessibility and ease of movement
within buildings.
addition
To add or increase a properties square footage through construction.
additional living expense
ALE, monetary amount provided to insured to cover additional
expenses when their property is un-inhabitable.
additive
A substance added to another in small amounts to enhance or decrease
a properties capabilities.
adhesion
The molecule attraction exerted between two surfaces, be it liquid,
solid, or gas.
adjust
To determine the amount, settle, resolve an insurance claim.
adjuster
One who adjusts, can work directly for an insurance company, or an
independent representing the insurance company.
adsorption
The adhesion of a thin layer of molecules, as a gas or liquid to a
solid or liquid.
aerial
Antenna
aerosol
The suspension of liquid or solid particles in air.
affidavit
A sworn statement in writing.
affinity
The unity of two substances that enter into and remain in chemical
combination.
A-Frame
Structure consisting of three structural members erected in the
shape of an A.
agency
An operation where power of authority is exerted.
agent
One who acts for, or in place of another.
agents
Chemical or biological activity.
agitation
The process of irregular or rapid movement.
aggregate
An aggregated material used in cement, plaster and gypsum board, the
structural unit of soil.
air
Gaseous mixture of 79.0% nitrogen, 20.9% oxygen and 0.1% of carbon
dioxide, argon, ozone, helium, plus other gases from natural and
man-made substances.
air balancing
To adjust the flow and distribution of air within a structure as
produced from air conditioning and heat.
air compressor
A generator that produces compressed air within a chamber by
extracting air from the atmosphere, rated in CFM.
air conditioner
A mechanical system designed to control the temperature and humidity
within a structure.
air diffuser
Cover over the outlet of a ducted or non-ducted (return) system used
to regulate and/or direct airflow.
air exchange per hour
Total volume of air moved in one hour within a room or structure.
air filter
A porous device used to capture dirt, dust and gaseous particles as
air passes through it.
airmover
A fan designed to generate an exceptional amount of air volume, used
as drying equipment to force wicking.
air sampling
The collecting of air gases and particles for testing.
air scrubber
A portable or stationary machine that captures airborne particles
and gases.
aisleway
Open passageway between two areas permitting an access of flow.
alabaster
A fine granulated gypsum.
albarium
White lime.
alcohol
Any group of organic compounds that contains hydroxyl (OH).
alert
Caution.
algae
An organism that grows in water and sunlight.
algaecide
A chemical used to prevent the growth of algae.
allergen
An allergic state or reaction, caused by pollen, dust, mold and
fungus spores.
alkali
A water-soluble salt, consisting mainly of potassium, or sodium
carbonate.
alkaline
Relating to or having the properties of alkali, having a pH of 8 or
higher.
alligatering
The cracking of a painted or lacquered surface as applied to
structural wall/ceiling and furnishings.
allowable load, allowable stress
The maximum load or stress allowed on a structural component.
allowance
Monitory figure for hidden conditions, or for correcting a
condition.
alloy, alloy steel
A substance composed of two or more metals, to give a metal
strength, chemical stamina, or to reduce its cost.
alluvium
Sediments as carried by river waters and are 0.02 millimeters or
smaller.
alteration
The modification of a structure, or one of its components.
alternating current
An electrical current that will change directions based on its
cycle.
aluminum
A bluish silver-white metal with good electrical conductivity which
resists corrosion through the oxide film it produces.
ambient air
Outside air, or the air surrounding an object.
ACGIH
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, a
non-profit organization established to govern the threshold value
limits and set time weighted exposure limits of airborne substances,
for the health and welfare of workers.
American Wire Gauge
US standard for sizing and manufacturing wire and sheet metal.
ammonia
A colorless, pungent gaseous alkaline compound of nitrogen and
hydrogen NH3.
ampere
A measure of electrical current, electromotive force.
ampmeter
Instrument used to measure the flow rate of amperes through an
electrical circuit.
amphoteric
Capable of acting as an acid and a base in strong acids
anaerobic
Organism that does not require free oxygen to survive.
analog meter
A mechanical device, using a needle to move along a scale.
analysis
The identification or separation of ingredients of a substance.
aneometer
Instrument used to measure the force, or speed of an air system.
angle iron
L shaped metal classified by its thickness and leg lengths, used as
a structural member.
anion
Ion with a negative electrical charge.
anionic
The reaction of a negatively charged ion, an ion in an electrolyzed
solution will migrate to the anode.
annealing
The slow cooling of a heated metal to reduce stress and gain
strength.
annex
The secondary structure of a primary structure, generally located
next to or close by.
anode
The electrode where oxidation occurs at the electrolytic cell, or
the negative terminal of a battery.
antimicrobial
A compound used to destroy, or suppress the growth of
microorganisms.
antique
A relic or object from a period of time, generally 100 years or
older.
antistatic agent
A substance used to reduce static electricity on a carpet surface.
apartment
A combination of rooms within a single building that is used as a
dwelling.
apparatus
An electrical or mechanical system of activities intended for an
intended use.
appliance
An apparatus, piece of equipment used in the home; refrigerator,
washer, etc.
appraisal
The estimated value of an object or structure, based on the cost to
repair, or to develop market value or replacement costs.
approved equal
An approved material or construction method, having an equal value
of the specified or scoped material or construction method.
architect
A licensed and registered professional engaged in the designing and
specifications of building construction.
arbitration
A voluntary or predetermined resolution of disputes between parties,
arising out of construction, insurance coverage, etc., as a
substitute for litigation. Arbitration proceedings are not as
expensive and require less time than a formal legal proceedings.
asbestos
A mined mineral used in construction prior to the 1980's because of
its fire retarding capabilities. Asbestos is classified as a
carcinogenic and banned in new construction.
Found
as an insulating material on HVAC systems, structural steel, also
used in floor and ceiling tiles, plaster, etc.
ASCR
International
Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration. Association
devoted to the management, marketing, technical and educational
concerns of cleaning and restoration contractors and its divisions;
CUCI, MSHI, NIDR, NIRC and WLI.
awning
window
An operable window that is hinged at the top.
axial
fan
A centrifugal forced fan designed to force air in a straight line.
