Hazardous Materials Training Center
Founders Union Room 101
Shelby Campus
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
Phone: (502) 852-5658 or 800-334-8635, extension 5658
HazMat Glossary of Terms
a
b c d e
f g h i
j k l m
n o p q
r s t u
v w x y
z
A
Absorption-materials may be taken into the body (absorbed) through the skin or lungs.
Acid-any chemical with a low pH that can cause skin or tissue damage. (See also pH.)
Acute effect-a health effect which develops rapidly. Exposure to carbon monoxide may cause a person to pass out, an acute effect.
Additive effect-one in which the combined effect of two chemicals is equal to the sum of the agents acting alone.
Adiabatic Flame Temperature - The value is the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit of the flame when the material is burned under adiabatic conditions. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Administrative controls-policies and practices written before work begins to minimize exposure to chemical and physical hazards.
Adsorption-when a chemical becomes attached to another material, for example, soil.
Air-purifying respirator-protective mask which filters air and toxic materials through filters.
Alkali-any chemical with a high pH that in water solution is bitter and more or less irritating or caustic to the skin. Strong alkalies in solution are corrosive to the skin and mucous membranes. (See also pH.)
Alpha-positively charged radiation particle capable of traveling only a few inches in air.
Alveoli-the small air spaces deep in the lung where oxygen goes into the blood.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)-An organization of professional personnel in governmental agencies or educational institutions engaged in occupational safety and health programs. ACGIH develops and publishes recommended occupational exposure programs. ACGIH develops and publishes recommended occupational exposure limits (see TLV) for hundreds of chemical substances and physical agents.
Anhydrous-free from water.
Antagonism-the situation in which two chemicals, when introduced, interfere with each other's actions, or when one chemical interferes with the action of the other.
Aquatic Toxicity - The form of data presentation used by the Environmental Protection Agency's "Oil and Hazardous Material-Technical Assistance Data System (OHM-TADS)" is used here. Reading from left to right and separated by slashes (/) are the following data:
- Concentration in parts per million by weight (or milligrams per liter) at which the chemical was tested;
- Time of exposure in hours;
- Name of the aquatic species studied;
- Effect observed; LC50 means that approximately 50% of the fish will die under the conditions of concentrations and time given. TLm (Median Tolerance Limit) means that approximately 50% of the fish will show abnormal behavior (including death) under the conditions of concentrations and time given; the term EC50 (Effective Concentration50) is used sometimes instead of TLm;
- The kind of water used in the test (fresh or salt)
Some chemicals have been tested with many species of fish. Where the data were available, the data sheet cites one illustrative test in fresh water and one in salt water. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Asphyxiant-a vapor or gas which can cause unconsciousness or death by suffocation (lack of oxygen). Asphyxiation is one of the principal potential hazards of working in confined spaces.
B
Base-A liquid or solid which has a pH higher than 7. Beta-a negatively charged radiation particle. Boiling point-temperature at which a liquid changes to a vapor. Flammable materials with low boiling points generally present special fire hazards.
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) - Also called "biochemical oxygen demand," this is a standard way of describing how much oxygen dissolved in water is consumed by biological oxidation of the chemical during the stated period of time. The unit lb/lb indicates the pounds of oxygen consumed by each pound of chemical during the time stated. When given in percent, the values indicate the pounds of oxygen consumed by each 100 pounds of chemical during the time stated. If the percentage is followed by "(theor.)", it indicates the pounds of oxygen theoretically required to completely oxidize 100 pounds of the chemical. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Buddy system-a work practice in which workers team up in pairs during work activities.
Bung-the cap or plug that fits into the holes in a drum.
C
Carcinogen-a substance which can cause cancer.
CAS Number-a unique number assigned to a chemical by the Chemical Abstract Service.
Catalyst-a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction.
cc-cubic centimeter, a metric measurement about the size of a sugar cube.
Ceiling (C)-the maximum allowable exposure limit for an airborne substance, not to be exceeded during the shift.
Central Nervous System (CNS)-the part of the nervous system protected by the skull and the spinal column.
Chemical cartridge-a filtering device which is attached to an air-purifying respirator.
Chronic effect-a health effect which develops slowly over a long period of time.
Coast Guard Compatibility Classification - An entry is made when the chemical has been assigned to one of the 43 cargo groups listed in Code of Federal Regulations, Title 46, Part 150, "Compatibility of Cargoes." Appropriate parts of these regulations are included in this manual. Chemicals included in the regulation were assigned to a group by the Cargo and Hazardous Materials Standards Division, Coast Guard Headquarters. If the chemical is not a liquid carried in bulk in ships' tanks, this data item is "Not listed." (Source USCG CHRIS)
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)-authorized government money for clean-up of abandoned hazardous waste sites, clean-up and emergency response to transportation incidents involving chemical releases, payment to injured or diseased citizens, etc. It was amended in 1986.
Concentration-the amount of one material in another.
Confined space-any area which limits natural ventilation, making it easier for gases or vapors to accumulate.
Corrosive-a liquid or solid that eats away another material or substance with which it comes in contact.
Critical Pressure - The vapor pressure of a chemical at the critical temperature (see 9.5) is called the critical pressure. For example, the critical pressure of water is 218 atm. Values are given in pounds per square inch absolute, atmospheres, and meganewtons per square meter. The value can be used for estimating many property values that are not immediately available. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Critical Temperature - The maximum temperature at which a liquid can exist, no matter what the pressure on it, is called the critical temperature. For example, the critical temperature of water is 372° C (705°F). The value can be used to estimate many properties whose values are not immediately available. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
cu m (or m3)-cubic meter.
D
Decibels-a unit of measurement to detect noise levels.
Decomposition-the breakdown of a material (by heat, chemical reaction, decay, or other processes).
Decontamination-the chemical or physical process of reducing and preventing the spread of contamination from persons and equipment used at a hazardous materials incident.
Decontamination line-a line set up with stations for decontamination procedures between the Exclusion Zone and the Support Zone.
Degradation-method by which the protective properties of CPC are diminished.
Demand regulator-reduces tank pressure to provide air when the wearer inhales.
Department of Transportation (DOT)-Regulates shipments and transfer of hazardous materials.
Dermatitis-redness or irritation of the skin.
Dilution-method of reducing the concentration of a contaminant to a safe level.
Dose-the quantity of a chemical taken into the body.
Dose response-the relationship between the amount of the chemical and the amount of response in humans or animals.
Dose response curve-a graph that shows how much of the chemical dose causes an observed effect.
Drum grappler-a device designed to be attached to mechanical equipment for drum handling.
E
Emergency-an unexpected or unplanned event requiring remedial action.
Emergency response plan-written descriptions of planned actions and personnel responsibilities for emergency response actions.
Engineering control-substitution, isolation, and ventilation methods used to reduce the level of the contaminant at the source.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-federal agency concerned with environmental air, water, and land quality.
EPA AEGL – Acute Exposure Guideline information from the Environmental Protection Agency for the specific compound listed in the manual. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
EPA FWPCA List – A "Yes" or "No" entry depending upon whether the chemical is listed in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
EPA Reportable Quantity – The minimum quantity, in pounds, that must be reported to EPA in the event of a spill. This value is taken from "A List of Hazardous Substances and Reportable Quantities", Appendix A to Part 172.101, Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Evaporation rate-how fast a liquid enters the air when compared with a known material. The evaporation rate can be useful in evaluating the health and fire hazards of a material.
Exclusion zone (Hot Zone)-the area where the hazard is present-contaminated area.
Exposure-the concentration of a material in the air to which a worker can come into contact. Usually, exposure is measured near the nose of the worker.
F
Flame Temperature - The value is the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit of the flame produced by burning the compound under stoichiometric conditions without any rate controls. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Flammable-a liquid with a flash point below 100°F (37.8°C)-Class I A: those having flash points below 73° F and having a boiling point below 100°F; Class I B: those having flash points below 73°F and having a boiling point at or above 100°F; Class I C: those having flash points at or above 73°F and below 100°F.
Flash Point - This is defined as the lowest temperature at which vapors above a volatile combustible substance will ignite in air when exposed to a flame. Depending on the test method used, the values given are either Tag closed cup (C.C.) (ASTM D56) or Cleveland open cup (O.C.) (ASTM D93). The values, along with those in 6.2 and 6.7 below, give an indication of the relative flammability of the chemical. In general, the open cup value is about 10° to 15° F higher than the closed cup value. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Flashpoint means the minmum temperature at which a liquid gives off a vapor in sufficient concentration to ignite when tested as follows:
(i) Tagliabue Closed Tester (See American National Standard Method of Test for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Tester, Z11.7-1979 (ASTM D 93-79) for liquids with a viscosity equal to or greater than 45 SUS at 100° F (37.8° C), or that contain suspended solids, or that have a tendency to form a surface film under test; or
(ii) Pensky-Martens Closed Tester (see American national Standard Method of Test for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Tester, Z11.7-1979 (ASTM D 93-79) for liquids with a viscosity equal to or greater than 45 SUS at 100° F (37.8° C), or that contain suspended solids, or that have a tendency to form a surface film under test; or
(iii) Setaflash Closed Tester (see American National Standard Method of Test for Flash Point by Setaflash Closed Tester (ASTM D 3278-78).
Organic peroxides, which undergo autoaccelerating thermal decomposition, are excluded from any of the flashpoint determination methods specified above. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Freezing Point - The freezing point is the temperature at which a liquid changes to a solid. for example, liquid water changes to solid ice at 0° C (32° F). Some liquids solidify very slowly even when cooled below their freezing point. When liquids are not pure (for example, salt water) their freezing points are lowered slightly. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
G
Gram (gm)-a metric unit of weight. One U.S. ounce is about 28.4 grams.
GESAMP Hazard Profile – A composite list of hazard profiles evaluated by the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP). A summary of the legends used in the profile follows. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
| Bioaccumulation and Tainting | |
|
+ |
Bioaccumulated to significant extent and known to produce a hazard to aquatic life or human health. |
Z |
Bioaccumulated with attendant risk to aquatic organisms or human health, however, with short retention of the order of one week or less. |
|
T |
Liable to produce tainting of seafood. |
O |
No evidence to support one of the above ratings (+, Z, T) |
|
T |
Bioaccumulated to significant extent and known to produce a hazard to aquatic life or human health. |
| Damage to Living Resources | 96 hr LC 50 |
| 5 | Extremely toxic | less than 0.01 mg/l |
| 4 | Highly toxic | less than 1 mg/l |
| 3 | Moderately toxic | 1-10 mg/l |
| 2 | Slightly toxic | 10-100 mg/l |
| 1 | Practically nontoxic | 100-1000 mg/l |
| 0 | Non-hazardous | greater than 1000 mg/l |
| D | Substance likely to blanket the sea-bed | |
| BOD | Substance with oxygen demand |
| Hazard to Human Health by Oral Intake | LD 50 |
| 4 | Highly hazardous | less than 5 mg/kg |
| 3 | Moderately hazardous | 5-50 mg/kg |
| 2 | Slightly hazardous | 50-500 mg/kg |
| 1 | Practically non-hazardous | 500-5000 mg/kg |
| 0 | Non-hazardous | greater than 5000 mg/kg |
| Hazard to Human Health by Skin and Eye Contact or Inhalation |
| II | Hazardous (severe irritation, strong sensitizer, lung injury, percutaneous toxicity, carcinogenic, or other specific long-term adverse health effect. |
| I | Slightly hazardous (mild irritation, weak sensitizer) |
| 0 | Non-hazardous (non-irritant, not a sensitizer) |
| Reduction of Amenities |
| XXX | Highly objectionable because of persistency, smell or poisonous or irritant characteristics; as a result contaminated beaches liable to be closed; also used when there is clear evidence that the substance is a human carcinogen or that the substance has the potential to produce other serious specific long-term adverse health effects in humans. |
| XX | Moderately objectionable because of the above characteristics, but short-term effects leading only to temporary interference with use of beaches; also used when there is credible scientific evidence that the substance is an animal carcinogen but where there is no clear evidence to indicate that the material has caused cancer in humans, or when there is evidence from laboratory studies that the substance could have the potential to produce other serious specific long-term adverse health effects. |
| X | Slightly objectionable, non-interference with use of beaches. |
| 0 | No problem. |
Ratings in brackets, ( ), indicate insufficient data available to the GESAMP experts on specific substances, hence extrapolation was required.
N – Not applicable (e.g. if gases)
— Indicates data were not available to the GESAMP Working Group.
H
Hazardous material-to be considered hazardous, a waste must be on the list of specific hazardous waste streams or chemicals, or else it must exhibit one or more of certain specific characteristics including flammability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity. The definition excludes household waste, agricultural waste returned to the soil, and mining overburden returned to the mine site. It also excludes all wastewater returned directly or indirectly to surface waters. However, hazardous waste may physically be in the liquid state.
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)-OSHA standard which was developed to protect hazardous waste personnel and emergency response personnel.
Hazards-the inherent characteristics of a material that may cause incapacitation, injury or mortality by contact, inhalation, or ingestion.
HAZCOM (1910.1200)-OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. Heat exhaustion-prolonged exposure to intense heat exceeds the body's ability to cool down, causing excessive sweating and sodium deficiency.
Heat of Combustion - The value is the amount of heat liberated when the specified weight is burned in oxygen at 25°C. The products of combustion, including water, are assumed to remain as gases; the value given is usually referred to as the "lower heat value." The negative sign before the value indicates that heat is given off when the chemical burns. Units are the same as in 9.12. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Heat of Decomposition - The value is the amount of heat liberated when the specified weight decomposes to more stable substances. The value is given for very few chemicals, because most are stable and do not decompose under the conditions of temperature and pressure encountered during shipment. The negative sign before the value simply indicates that heat is given off during the decomposition. The value does not include heat given off when the chemical burns. Units are the same as in 9.12. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Heat of Solution - The value represents the heat liberated when the specified weight of chemical is dissolved in a relatively large amount of water at 25°C ("infinite dilution"). A negative sign before the value indicates that heat is given off, causing a rise in temperature. (A few chemicals absorb heat when they dissolve, causing the temperature to fall.) Units are the same as in 9.12. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
In those few cases where the chemical reacts with water and the reaction products dissolve, the heat given off during the reaction is included in the heat of solution. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Heat of Polymerization - The value is the heat liberated when the specified weight of the compound (usually called the monomer) polymerizes to form the polymer. In some cases the heat liberated is so great that the temperature rises significantly, and the material may burst its container or catch fire. The negative sign before the value indicates that heat is given off during the polymerization reaction. Units are the same as in 9.12. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Heat of Fusion - The value is the number of Btu needed to change one pound of solid to liquid with no change in temperature. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Heat stroke-a life-threatening condition during prolonged exposure to intense heat when the body is unable to sweat; extremely high body temperature and collapse may result.
Heavy metals-the major toxic metals.
Hematotoxin-toxic to the blood or organs where blood is made. Hepatotoxin-toxic to the liver.
I
Ideal Gas Heat Capacity - The value is the number of Btu needed to raise the temperature of one pound of gas by 1° Fahrenheit. The property can be used only when the pressure of the gas is less than about 10 atm. The ideal gas heat capacity is not a function of pressure (below about 10 atm), but it does increase with temperature, and a table is given to show the effect. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Ignition Temperature - This is the minimum temperature at which the material will ignite without a spark or flame being present. Along with the values in 6.1 and 6.2 above, it gives an indication of the relative flammability of the chemical. It is sometimes called the "autoignition temperature." The method of measurement is given in ASTM D-2155. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH)-any condition which may result in damage to health which cannot be repaired. IDLH situations include explosive and oxygen-deficient
environments and the presence of Class A poisons or substances which can be absorbed through the skin.
Incident Command System (ICS)-an organized system of personnel and delegation of responsibilities which controls the response to an emergency.
Incident Commander-person in charge of on-site management of all activities at a hazardous materials emergency.
Incompatible chemicals-chemicals which produce a negative reaction when mixed. Ingestion-taking a substance in through the mouth.
Inert Atmosphere - The terms used are "inerted," "padded," "ventilated (forced)," "ventilated (natural)," and "no requirement." They are given when found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 46, beginning in Part 151.05. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Inhalation-Breathing in through the mouth or nose a substance in the form of a gas, vapor, fume, mist, or dust.
Irritant-a substance which causes an inflammatory response when brought into contact with the eyes, skin, or respiratory system.
Isolation-method of decontamination in which contaminated equipment and materials are bagged or covered and set aside, usually for subsequent shipment to an approved landfill for disposal.
L
Latent Heat of Vaporization - The value is the heat that must be added to the specified weight of a liquid before it can change to vapor (gas). It varies with temperature; the value given is that at the boiling point at 1 atm (see 9.3). The units used are Btu per pound, calories per gram, and joules per kilogram. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
No value is given for chemicals with very high boiling points at 1 atm, because such substances are considered essentially nonvolatile. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Latency-the time interval between exposure to a substance and the development of a disease.
Leachate-liquid released into soil from a land disposal facility. Leachate is generated when water enters a landfill, migrates through it, picking up soluble materials, and seeps into the soil.
Liquid Heat Capacity - The value is the heat (in Btu) required to raise the temperature of one pound of the liquid one degree Fahrenheit at constant pressure. For example, it requires almost 1 Btu to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water from 68°F to 69°F. The value is useful in calculating the increase in temperature of a liquid when it is heated, as in a fire. The value increases slightly with an increase in temperature; the table shows this effect. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Liquid Surface Tension - This property is a measure of the tensile force at the surface of a liquid that tends to shape liquid fragments into spherical drops. Values are expressed in dynes per centimeter and newtons per meter. Liquids with high surface tensions show less tendency to spread. Water has a surface tension of about 73 dynes/cm; seawater has a slightly higher value. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Liquid Thermal Conductivity - The value is a measure of the ability of a liquid to conduct heat. It represents the number of Btu per hour that pass through an area of liquid one square foot in cross-section when the temperature gradient is 1° F per inch of depth. Higher values indicate that the liquid conducts heat more readily. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Liquid thermal conductivities decrease slightly with an increase in temperature. Where applicable, the table shows this effect. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
A basic law of heat conduction states that the energy flow per unit area per unit time is proportional to the gradient in temperature. The constant of proportionality is the liquid thermal conductivity. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Liquid Viscosity - The value (in centipoise) is a measure of the ability of a liquid to flow through a pipe or hole; higher values indicate that the liquid flows less readily under a fixed pressure head. For example, heavy oils have higher viscosities (i.e., are more viscous) than gasoline. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Liquid viscosities decrease rapidly with an increase in temperature. In some cases a table is given to show the effect. In other cases only a single data point was found in the literature. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
A basic law of fluid mechanics states that, for most fluids, the force per unit area needed to shear a fluid is proportional to the velocity gradient. The constant of proportionality is the viscosity. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Liquid-Water Interfacial Tension - The value is a measure of the tensile forces existing at the interface between a liquid and water. Approximately, it is the difference between the individual surface tension of the liquid and that of water. Low values of the interfacial tension indicate that the chemical spreads readily on a water surface. The units are the same as in 9.8. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Lock-out-a procedure to prevent use of any equipment which should not be used, generally tagged and locked closed or off.
Lower explosive limit-the lowest concentration (lowest percentage of the substance in air) that will produce a flash of fire when an ignition source (heat, arc, flame) is present.
M
M-meter; a metric unit of length equal to about 39 inches. Main-line valve-controls air flow to the regulator on supplied-air respirators.
Manifest form-required by the EPA to track hazardous wastes.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)-informational sheet which is sent with hazardous materials. Lists chemical properties, emergency response procedures, reactivity data, control measures, safe handling procedures, and manufacturer.
Melting point-the temperature at which a solid substance changes to a liquid state. For mixtures, a melting range may be given.
Metabolism-the chemical reactions that go on in the body to maintain life.
Milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3)-unit of measurement generally used to weigh fibers. One U.S. gram is about 1,000 milligrams.
Minimum Oxygen Concentration for Combustion (MOCC) – Information from NFPA-69 regarding the minimum percentage of oxygen required to support combustion of the subject compound. The results are reported for oxygen diluted with nitrogen (N2) and/or carbon dioxide (CO2). (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Molar Ratio (Reactant to Product) – The number of moles of products formed, assuming complete combustion of a single mole of the chemical reactant. These ratios were calculated assuming there was sufficient oxygen available and that combustion did, in fact, go to completion. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Monitoring-measuring concentrations of substances in the workplace.
Morbidity-non-fatal disease from an exposure.
Mortality-death from an exposure.
Mutagen-a substance which can change the genetic material (DNA) in a living cell.
N
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-produces many standards, including the four-color diamond used on labels to indicate hazard. Health, fire, and reactivity hazards are rated from 0 (none) to 4 (extreme). The Health rating is in the blue section, Fire in red, and Reactivity in yellow. The white section is reserved for Other Specific Hazards (for example, "radiation: do not use water" or "fire.")
National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)-a federal agency responsible for issues related to the environment.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-a federal research agency responsible for issues related to occupational safety and health.
Neurotoxin-a substance which is toxic to the brain and nerves.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission-responsible for community and worker protection from radiation hazards.
O
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-a federal unit responsible for creating and enforcing laws related to occupational safety and health.
Odor Threshold - This is the lowest concentration in air that most humans can detect by smell. The value cannot be relied on to prevent over-exposure, because human sensitivity to odors varies over wide limits, some chemicals cannot be smelled at toxic concentrations, odors can be masked by other odors, and some compounds rapidly deaden the sense of smell. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Olfactory-relating to the nose or sense of smell. Oral-taken into the body through the mouth.
Oral toxicity-adverse effects resulting from taking a substance into the body through the mouth.
Oxidation-a reaction in which a substance combines with oxygen, the oxygen being provided by an oxidizer or oxidizing agent.
Oxidizer-a substance that gives up oxygen readily to stimulate the combustion of organic matter.
Oxygen deficient-air which contains less than 19.5% oxygen.
Oxygen enriched-an atmosphere containing more than 22% oxygen.
P
Parts per million (ppm)-a unit used to measure particulates.
Penetration-the flow of a chemical through zippers, stitched seams, pores, or imperfections in the material.
Percutaneous absorption-absorption into the skin.
Permeation-process by which a chemical dissolves in or moves through a protective clothing material on a molecular level.
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)-the highest level of a substance to which a person can be exposed, set by OSHA.
pH-applies to liquids. A pH less than 7 is acid. A pH of 7 is neutral, and a pH greater than 7 is alkaline.
Physical agent-heat, noise, radiation, vibration.
Polymerization - A few chemicals can undergo rapid polymerization to form sticky, resinous materials, with the liberation of much heat. The containers may explode. For these chemicals the conditions under which the reaction can occur are given. See Section 12.16 for quantitative data. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Polymerization Inhibitor - The chemical names and concentrations of inhibitors added by the manufacturer to prevent polymerization are given.
(Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Pulmonary toxin-toxic to the lungs.
Q
Qualitative fit-test-measures effectiveness of a respirator by exposing wearer to a test atmosphere containing an irritating or smelly substance. Wearer should not be able to detect the substance.
Quantitative fit-test-measures effectiveness of a respirator in preventing substance from entering the facepiece while wearer is in a test chamber. Actual amount of concentration of substance is measured inside the facepiece of the respirator.
R
Rad-A measure of radiation energy absorbed by the body.
Ratio of Specific Heats of Vapor (Gas) - This property is the ratio of the specific heat at constant pressure (Cp) to the specific heat at constant volume (Cv); its value is always greater than one. In most cases it was calculated by use of the expression:
Cp / Cv = Cp / (Cp - R)
where R is the Universal Gas Constant.
The ratio varies slightly with temperature; the value given is at 20°C (68°F). The ratio is often of value in estimating temperature changes when gases are compressed or expanded. Higher values of the ratio lead to larger temperature changes for a given pressure change. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
RCRA Waste Number – The 4 character identification number assigned to this chemical, if it is a waste, under the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act. This waste number was reported if the chemical is specifically listed. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Reactivity-a description of the tendency of a substance to undergo chemical reaction with the release of energy. Undesirable effects such as pressure build-up, temperature increase, or formation of noxious, toxic, or corrosive by-products may occur because of the reactivity of a substance to heating, burning, direct contact with other material, or other conditions found in use or in storage.
Reid Vapor Pressure - The value is the equilibrium pressure exerted by vapor over the liquid at 100° F., expressed as pounds per square inch absolute, as defined in 46 CFR 30.10-59.
Items 9.20 through 12.27 consist of tables. The temperature is given in one column followed by the appropriate data value in the next column. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
REM-Roentgen Equivalent Man, a measure of radiation dose. Renal-pertaining to the kidney.
Residual volume (RV)-the amount of air remaining in the lung after maximum expiratory effort.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)-a federal law which regulates management and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes.
Risk-exposure to the chance of injury or loss.
Route of Entry-how material gets into the body: inhaled, ingested, via the skin (dermal), or eye(s).
S
Saturated Liquid Density - The value is the weight (in pounds) of one cubic foot of liquid that is in equilibrium with its vapor. Liquid densities decrease slightly with an increase in temperature; where literature data or reliable estimation methods were applicable, a table shows this effect. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Saturated Vapor Density - The value is the weight (in pounds) of one cubic foot of vapor that is in equilibrium with the liquid form.
If it is assumed that the vapor behaves as an ideal gas, the relation pM/RT holds, where p is the vapor pressure, M is the molecular weight, R is the gas constant, and T is the temperature (in absolute units).
Since the vapor pressure varies with temperature (see 9.25), the saturated vapor density also varies with temperature, as shown on the table. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Saturated Vapor Pressure - The value is the pressure (in pounds per square inch absolute) of the vapor in equilibrium with the liquid form at the specified temperature. Vapor pressure values can be used to estimate the relative volatility of chemicals at a given temperature, and to calculate the pressure over a liquid that is shipped in a closed container.
The vapor pressure increases as temperature increases; a table is given to show this effect. Note that the vapor pressure scale is logarithmic. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)-a supplied-air respirator consisting of an oxygen tank, carrying assembly, gauge, safety valve, and full facepiece for use when exposures are unknown or particularly toxic.
Sensitizer-a substance which on first exposure causes little or no reaction but which on repeated exposure may cause a marked response not necessarily limited to the contact site.
Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL)-an exposure limit set by ACGIH that sets the maximum concentration that a worker can be exposed to during a 15-minute period.
Specific Gravity - The specific gravity of a chemical is the ratio of the weight of the solid or liquid to the weight of an equal volume of water at 4° C (or at some other specified temperature). (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
If the specific gravity is less than 1.0 (or less than 1.03 in seawater) the chemical will float; if higher, it will sink. Where the change in the value with temperature is important, more data are found in 9.20. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Solubility in water-a measure of how much of a material will dissolve in water. Specific gravity-the weight of a material compared to the weight of an equal volume of water; an expression of the density (or heaviness) of the material. Insoluble materials with specific gravity less than 1.0 will float in water; insoluble materials with specific gravity greater than 1.0 will sink in water.
Stability-an expression of the ability of a material to remain unchanged. For MSDS purposes, a material is stable if it remains in the same form under expected and reasonable conditions of storage or use. Conditions which may cause instability (dangerous change) are stated. Examples are temperatures above 150° F or shock from dropping.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)-written descriptions of tasks and activities to be followed during work.
Stoichiometric Air to Fuel Ratio - The value is the ratio of air to the compound in question required for stoichiometric combustion. Since it is a ratio, the value is dimensionless. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Storage Temperature - The range of temperatures at which the chemical is normally shipped in bulk by water transport is given. "Ambient" means the temperature of the surroundings. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Support Zone (Cold Zone)-area where administrative and support functions not requiring respiratory protective equipment are performed.
Synergistic effect-a combined effect of two or more substances which is greater than the sum of the effect of each.
Systemic-relating to the whole body rather than its individual parts.
T
Teratogen-a substance or agent to which exposure of a pregnant female can result in changes in the fetus.
Threshold-the lowest dose or exposure to a chemical at which a specific effect is observed.
Threshold Limit Value – Time Weighted Average -The Threshold Limit Value Time Weighted Average (TLV-TWA) is usually expressed in units of parts per million (ppm) - i.e., the parts of vapor (gas) per million parts of contaminated air by volume at 25° C (77° F) and one atmosphere pressure. For a chemical that forms a fine mist or dust, the concentration is given in milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The TLV is defined as the concentration of the substance in air that can be breathed for five consecutive eight-hour workdays (40-hour work week) by most people without adverse effect (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, "Threshold Limit Values for Substance in Workroom Air, Adopted by ACGIH"). As some people become ill after exposure to concentrations lower than the TLV, this value cannot be used to define exactly what is a "safe" or "dangerous" concentration. (Source USCG CHRIS)
No entry appears when the chemical is a mixture; it is possible to calculate the TLV for a mixture only when the TLV for each component of the mixture is known and the composition of the mixture by weight is also known. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Threshold Limit Value (TLV)-A term used by ACGIH to express the airborne concentration of a material to which nearly all persons can be exposed day after day without adverse effects. ACGIH express TLVs in three ways:
TLV-TWA-the allowable time weighted average concentration for a normal 8-hour workday.
TLV-STEL-the short-term exposure limit, or maximum concentration for a continuous 15-minute exposure period (maximum of four such periods a day, with at least 60 minutes between exposure periods and provided that the daily TLV-TWA is not exceeded).
Threshold Limit Value - Short-Term Exposure Limits - The parts of vapor (gas per million parts of contaminated air by volume at 25° C (77° F) and one atmosphere pressure is given. The limits are given in milligrams per cubic meter for chemicals that can form a fine mist or dust. The values given are the maximum permissible average exposures for the time periods specified. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
TLV-C-The ceiling exposure limit or "the concentration that should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure . . . a 15-minute period except for those substances which may cause immediate irritation."
Threshold Limit Value – Ceiling Value – The parts of vapor (gas per million parts of contaminated air by volume at 25° C (77° F) and one atmosphere pressure is given. The limits are given in milligrams per cubic meter for chemicals that can form a fine mist or dust. The values given are for a concentration that is not to be exceeded at any time. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Time-Weighted Average (TWA)-measurement to determine the worker's average exposure to a substance over a typical 8-hour work shift. The actual exposure is then compared to OSHA standards or other professional guidelines.
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)-a list of reviewed harmful substances that require precautions and safe work practices by the community and industry.
Toxicity-the adverse effects from exposure.
Toxicity by Ingestion - The Grade and corresponding LD50 value are those defined by the National Academy of Sciences, Committee on Hazardous Materials, "Evaluation of the Hazard of Bulk Water Transportation of Industrial Chemicals, A Tentative Guide," Washington, D.C., 1972. Data were also collected from other sources and converted to the appropriate Grade before entry in this manual. The term LD50 signifies that about 50% of the animals given the specified dose by mouth will die. Thus, for a Grade 4 chemical (below 50 mg/kg) the toxic dose for 50% of animals weighing 70 kg (150 lb) is 70 X 50 = 3500 mg = 3.5 g, or less than 1 teaspoonful; it might be as little as a few drops. For a Grade 1 chemical (5 to 15g/k g), the LD50 would be between a pint and a quart for a 150-lb man. All LD50 values have been obtained using small laboratory animals such as rodents, cats, and dogs. The substantial risks taken in using these values for estimating human toxicity are the same as those taken when new drugs are administered to humans for the first time. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
U
United Nations' Identification Number (UN Number)-A number used internationally to identify a hazardous material. United States Coast Guard (USCG)-concerned with the transportation of hazardous materials across navigable waterways and other bodies of water.
Upper Explosive Limit or Upper Flammable Limit (UEL/UFL)-pertaining to a vapor or gas. The highest concentration (highest percentage of the substance in air) that will produce a flash of fire when an ignition source (heat, arc, or flame) is present. At higher concentrations, the mixture is too "rich" to burn. Also see "LEL."
V
Vapor-gaseous form of a substance normally in the liquid or solid state at room temperature. Vapor density-the weight of a vapor or gas compared to the weight of an equal volume of air; an expression of the density of the vapor or gas. Materials lighter than air have vapor densities less than 1.0. Materials heavier than air have vapor densities greater than 1.0.
Vapor pressure-indicates the tendency of a liquid to evaporate into the air.
Vapor (Gas) Specific Gravity - The value is the ratio of the weight of vapor to the weight of an equal volume of dry air at the same conditions of temperature and pressure. Buoyant vapors have a vapor specific gravity less than one. The value may be approximated by the ratio M/29, where M is the molecular weight of the chemical (see 9.2). (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
In some cases the vapor may be at a temperature different from that of the surrounding air. For example, the vapor from a container of boiling methane at -172° F sinks in warm air, even though the vapor specific gravity of methane at 60° F is about 0.6. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
For the effect of temperature on vapor density, see 9.26. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Ventilation-a form of engineering control that removes airborne contaminants.
Venting - The terms used are "open," "pressure-vacuum," and "safety relief" (same source as 9.3 above). (Source USCG CHRIS manual)
Viscosity-the property of liquid; resistance to flow.
W
Waste profile sheet-a document which is provided by the laboratory that conducted the analysis of the hazardous waste. Describes the physical and chemical properties of the waste sample.
Waterfowl Toxicity - Very little information is available. In a few cases there is entered the LD50 value, which indicates the dose (in milligrams per kilogram of body weight) that is lethal to about half the waterfowl tested. (Source USCG CHRIS manual)