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pack-out
Terminology used to describe the moving of contents out of a damaged
structure to access work areas or to restore the contents in-plant.
pad
(1) Concrete slab. (2) Carpet underlay, padding.
parapet
The part of a wall that extends past the roofline.
particle concentration meter and counter
An instrument used to detect and count air particles.
particles of incomplete combustion
PIC's,
the generated waste produced during a fire from ignited materials.
pathogen
Any disease producing organism.
permeance factor
The measurement of the flow of water through a material of specific
thickness; porous, semi-porous, non-porous.
permeate
The passing of a substance (liquid) through a material, saturate.
personal protection equipment
Safety equipment worn by technicians and craftsman.
pH
The hydrogen concentration in gram atoms, pH scale (0-6 acidity,
7-neutral, 8-14 alkalinity).
phosphate
An ester of phosphoric acid used in detergents as a softener.
pier
A short column designed to support a specific load.
pesticide
A chemical agent used to destroy (kill) pests.
pilaster
A column or pier built within a wall for additional support.
plaster
A lime water and sand mixture as applied over wood or metal lath,
plasterboard or over blue or brown board as a veneer to achieve a
ceiling or wall finish.
plastic fire
A fire containing plastic products that produce hydrogen chloride,
highly corrosive.
plate
As referring to the top plate or bottom plate of a framed wall or
partition.
plenum
A part of an HVAC system, the main air duct supply or return air,
open plenum as expressed when using the space above a ceiling or
below a floor as the air return.
plinth
A decorative piece of wood at the base of door casing, a block or
slab used to support a column.
polychlorinated biphenyl
PCB,
oil used prior to the 1970's in the production of transformers and
lighting ballasts due to its fire retarding capabilities, a
hazardous chemical.
polymer
A large molecule composed of two or more simpler molecules, such as;
nylon, cellulose, etc.
polymerization
The opposite of cracking, when two or more molecules are united
forming a complex physical property or chemical.
polyvinyl chloride
PVC, a synthetic resin made through polymerization which is used
extensively in the construction and consumer industry to manufacture
products, the decomposition of PVC produces hydrogen chloride gases
which turns into hydrochloric acid when mixed with water.
popcorn ceiling texture
A polystyrene aggregate as mixed with paints and applied using a
spray applicator; popcorn ceiling.
porous
Having or possessing small holes, permeable to liquids.
post-conditions
(1) Smoke, soot, gases, heat stress, etc., that effected structural
components and contents items after a fire or smoke loss.
(2) Mold, fungi, mildew or water absorption after a water loss.
potable
Water that is suitable for drinking.
pre-existing
conditions
Scratches, dents, normal wear and tear to a building component or
contents item, as it existed before the loss.
prefabricated building
A building constructed (assembled) on site of pre- engineered
components.
pressure (power) washing
The act of applying water and solutions to clean and remove dirt,
smoke and soot with a pressure-washing machine.
Pressure washing also neutralizes metal
surfaces when affected by hydrochloric acid (HCl).
pressurized smoke
Smoke and gases that have increased in size due to heat causing the
moving particles to penetrate confined areas.
protein
Amino acids that contain all or in part carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, phosphorous, iron, etc., living cells, nitrogenous
substances as found in animals and plants.
protein fire
The decomposition of animal fats, (beef, poultry, fish, etc.),
produces a clear fine mist with an obnoxious odor capable of
penetrating the smallest of areas.
psychrometer
See thermo-hygrometer.
psychrometric chart
A graph consisting of lines and curves used to chart the dew point,
specific humidity and vapor pressure within a water loss site, uses
the dry bulb temperature and relative humidity as its basis.
psychrometric drying principals
Structured principals relating to air pressure, humidity,
temperature and moisture grains, used in drying water losses.
public adjuster
PA, a state certified adjuster who represents the policyholder(s).
puff back
Terminology used to describe the discharge of a clogged or
malfunctioned furnace that deposited soot throughout a house.
punch list
A list of items to be performed and corrected by the contractor.
purlin
The horizontal member of a roof framing system used to support the
main rafters or joists
