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Absolute A chemical substance that is not mixed; pure. An example is absolute alcohol, which is ethyl alcohol containing not more than one percent by weight of water.
Absorption Penetration of a substance into the body of another.
Acid Any chemical which undergoes dissociation in water with the formation of hydrogen ions. Acids have a sour taste and may cause severe skin burns. Acids turn litmus paper red and have pH values of less than 7.
ACM Asbestos Containing Materials
Acute Effect An adverse effect on a human or animal body, with severe symptoms developing rapidly and coming quickly to a crisis. Examples include dizziness, nausea, skin rashes, inflammation, tearing of the eyes, unconsciousness, and even death.
Acute Toxicity The adverse (acute) effects resulting from a single dose or exposure to a substance. Ordinarily used to denote effects in experimental animals.
ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists; 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 limit for hundreds of chemical substances and physical agents. See TLV.
Adsorption The condensation of gases, liquids or dissolved substances on the surface of solids.
Aerosol A fine airborne suspension of particles sufficiently small in size to confer some degree of stability from sedimentation, for example, a smoke or fog.
AHM Acutely Hazardous Material
AIHA American Industrial Hygiene Association
Air Line A respirator that is connected to a compressed breathing air source such as a compressor or cylinder by a hose line.
Air Purifying A respirator that uses chemicals to remove specific gases and vapors from the air or that uses a mechanical filter to remove particulate matter. An air purifying respirator must only be used when there is sufficient oxygen to sustain life and the chemical has adequate warning properties.
ALARA As Low as Reasonably Achievable
Alkali Any chemical substance which forms soluble soaps with fatty acids. Alkalis are also referred to as bases. They may cause severe burns to the skin. Alkalis turn litmus paper blue and have pH values greater than 7.
Allergic Reaction An abnormal physiological response to a chemical or physical stimuli by a sensitive person.
Anesthetic A chemical that causes a total or partial loss of sensation. Overexposure to anesthetics can cause impaired judgment, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, unconsciousness, and even death. Examples include alcohol, paint remover, and degreasers.
ANSI American National Standards Institute; a privately funded, voluntary membership organization that identifies industrial and public needs for national consensus standards and coordinates development of such standards. Many ANSI standards relate to safe design/performance of equipment, such as safety shoes, eyeglasses, smoke detectors, fire pumps and household appliances; and safe practices or procedures, such as noise measurement, testing of fire extinguishers and flame arrestors, industrial lighting practices, and the use of abrasive wheels.
Antidote A remedy to relieve, prevent, or counteract the effects of a poison.
Appearance A description of a substance at normal room temperature and normal atmospheric conditions. Appearance includes the color, size, and consistency of a material.
Aquatic Toxicity The adverse effects to marine life that result from being exposed to a toxic substance.
Asphyxiant A vapor or gas which can cause unconsciousness or death by suffocation (lack of oxygen). Most simple asphyxiants are harmful to the body only when they become so concentrated that they reduce oxygen in the air (normally about 21%) to dangerous levels (16% or lower). Asphyxiation is one of the principal potential hazards of working in confined spaces. In addition, some chemicals like carbon monoxide function as chemical asphyxiants by reducing the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials; voluntary membership organization with members from broad spectrum of individuals, agencies, and industries concerned with materials. As the world's largest source of voluntary consensus standards for materials, products, systems and services, ASTM is a resource for sampling and testing methods, health and safety aspects of materials, safe performance guidelines, and effects of physical and biological agents and chemicals.
Atmosphere Supply Respirator A respirator that provides breathing air from a source independent of the surrounding atmosphere. There are two types: air line and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
ATSDF Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Auto-Ignition Temperature The temperature to which a closed, or nearly closed container must be heated in order that the flammable liquid, when introduced into the container, will ignite spontaneously or burn without the need for an ignition source.
BAAQMD Bay Area Air Quality Management District
Base See Alkali
BEI Biological Exposure Indices
Biodegradable Capable of being broken down into innocuous products by the action of living things.
BLEVE Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion
BOD Biochemical (Biological) Oxygen Demand
Boiling Point The temperature at which a liquid changes to a vapor state, at a given pressure; usually expressed in degrees Fahrenheit at sea level pressure (760 mm Hg, or one atmosphere). For mixtures, the initial boiling point or the boiling range may be given. Flammable materials with low boiling points generally present special fire hazards. Some approximate boiling points:
Propane -44 degrees Fahrenheit
Anhydrous Ammonia -28 degrees Fahrenheit
Butane 31 degrees Fahrenheit
Gasoline 100 degrees Fahrenheit
Allyl Chloride 113 degrees Fahrenheit
Ethylene Glycol 387 degrees Fahrenheit
Bonding The interconnecting of two objects by means of a clamp and bare wire. Bonding equalizes the electrical potential between the objects to prevent a static discharge when transferring a flammable liquid from one container to another. The conductive path is provided by clamps which make contact with the charged object and a low resistance flexible cable which allows the charge to equalize. See Grounding.
BTU British Thermal Unit
Bulk Density Mass of powdered or granulated solid material per unit of volume.
C Ceiling limit; Cannot be exceeded even instantaneously. Set for some chemicals by OSHA or ACGIH. Also see TLV.
CAC California Administrative Code
CAL-OSHA California Division of Occupational Safety and Health
Carcinogen A substance or agent that can cause a growth of abnormal tissue or tumors in humans or animals. A material identified as an animal carcinogen does not necessarily cause cancer in humans. Examples of human carcinogens include coal tar, which can cause skin cancer, and vinyl chloride, which can cause liver cancer.
CAS Chemical Abstracts Service; A Columbus, Ohio organization which indexes information published in "Chemical Abstracts" by the American Chemical Society and provides index guides by which information about particular substances may be located in the "Abstracts" when needed. "CAS Numbers" identify specific chemicals. Chemical names that are synonyms will have the same CAS number. It is a unique number assigned to a specific chemical.
CASRN Chemical Abstract Service Registry Number
Caustic See Alkali
cc Cubic centimeter; a volume measurement in the metric system, equal in capacity to one millimeter (ml) - approximately twenty (20) drops. There are 16.4 cc in one cubic inch.
CCR T22 California Code of Regulations, Title 22, which contains all the hazardous waste regulations. Similar to Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
CDFA California Department of Food and Agriculture
Ceiling See Ceiling Limit
Central Nervous System The brain and spinal cord. These organs supervise and coordinate the activity of the entire nervous system. Sensory impulses are transmitted into the central nervous system, and motor impulses are transmitted out. Also referred to as CNS.
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. The Act requires that the National Response Center be notified in the event of a hazardous substance release in excess of its Reportable Quantity (RQ). The Act also provides for a fund (the Superfund) to be used for the cleanup of abandoned hazardous waste sites.
CFC Chloro Fluoro Carbon (Freon)
CFR Code of Federal Regulations. A collection of the regulations that have been promulgated under U.S. law.
CFS Cubic Feet per Second
CGA Compressed Gas Association
Chemical Cartridge Respirator A respirator that uses various chemical substances to purify inhaled air of certain gases and vapors.
Chemical Family A group of single elements of compounds with a common general name. Example: acetone, methyl ethyl Ketone (MEK), and methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) are of the "Ketone" family; Acrolein, furfural, and acetaldehyde are of the "aldehyde" family.
Chemical Name The scientific designation of a chemical in accordance with the nomenclature system as developed by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) or the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) rules of nomenclature.
Chemical Structure The arrangement within the molecule of atoms and their chemical bonds.
CHEMTREC Chemical Transportation Emergency Center; a national center established by the Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) in Washington DC in 1970, to relay pertinent emergency information concerning specific chemicals on request. CHEMTREC has a 24 hour toll free telephone number (800-424-9300), intended primarily for use by those who respond to chemical transportation emergencies.
CHRIS Chemical Hazards Response Information System
Chronic Effect An adverse effect on a human or animal body, with symptoms which develop slowly over a long period of time or which recur frequently. Examples include cancer and irreversible damage to certain organs.
Chronic Exposure Long-term contact with a substance.
Chronic Toxicity Adverse (chronic) effects resulting from repeated doses of or exposure to a substance over a relatively prolonged period of time. Ordinarily used to denote effects in experimental animals.
Ci Curie (Radiation measurement unit)
CIH Certified Industrial Hygienist. Obtained after passing a very comprehensive and difficult exam. Recognized nationally.
Clean Water Act Federal law enacted to regulate/reduce water pollution. Administered by EPA.
CMA Chemical Manufacturers Association. See CHEMTREC.
COC Cleveland Open Cup; a flash point test method.
COD Chemical Oxygen Demand
Code of Federal Regulations See CFR.
Combustible Able to catch on fire and burn but not very easily. Flashpoint between 100 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Combustible Liquid Any liquid having a Flashpoint at or above 100 degrees F, but below 200 degrees F, except any mixture having components with flashpoints of 200 degrees F or higher, the total volume of which make up ninety-nine (99%) or more of the total volume of the mixture.
Common Name Any designated or identification such as code name, code number, trade name, brand name, or generic name used to identify a chemical other than by its chemical name.
Compressed Gas Any gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, and absolute pressure exceeding 40 psi at 70 degrees F; or A gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure exceeding 104 psi at 130 degrees F regardless of the pressure at 70 degree F or A liquid having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 psi at 100 degree F as determined by ASTM.
Concentration The relative amount of a substance when combined or mixed with other substances. Examples: 2 ppm hydrogen sulfide in air, or a 50 percent caustic solution.
Conditions to Avoid Conditions encountered during handling or storage which could cause a substance to become unstable.
Confined Space Any area which has limited openings for entry and exit that would make escape difficult in an emergency, has a lack of ventilation, contains known and potential hazards, and is not intended nor designated for continuous human occupancy.
Conjunctivitis Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the delicate membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the eyeballs.
Corrosive As defined by DOT, a corrosive material is a liquid or solid that causes visible destruction or irreversible alterations in human skin tissue at the site of contact or - in the case of leakage from its packaging - a liquid that has a severe corrosion rate on steel. Two common examples are caustic soda and sulfuric acid.
Couprous (cuprous) Is the +3 ionized state now known as Copper III.
CPE Chemical Protective Equipment
CPM Counts Per Minute (radioactivity)
CPR Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
Cupric An ionized state of copper (+2) now known as Copper II.
Cutaneous Toxicity See Dermal Toxicity
D38 Depleted Uranium 238
Dangerous When Wet See Water-Reactive
DCA Dichloroethane
DCE 1,1 dichloroethylene
Decomposition Breakdown of a material or substance (by heat, chemical reaction, electrolysis, decay, or other processes) into parts or elements or simpler compounds.
Density The mass (weight) per unit volume of a substance. For example, lead is much more dense than aluminum.
Depressant A substance that reduces a bodily functional activity or and instinctive desire, such as appetite.
Dermal Used on or applied to the skin.
Dermal Toxicity Adverse effects resulting from skin exposure to a substance. Ordinarily used to denote effects in experimental animals.
Dermatitis Inflammation of the skin.
DFA California Department of Food and Agriculture (See CDFA)
DFG California Department of Fish and Game
DFW U. S. Department of Fish and Wildlife
DHS Department of Health Services (California)
DHHS U. S. Department of Health and Human Services; created in 1980 to replace the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (DHEW) as "parent" for NIOSH, Public Health Service, and other agencies related to health and safety.
Dike A barrier constructed to control or confine hazardous substances and prevent them from entering sewers, ditches, streams, or other flowing waters.
Dilution Ventilation Air flow designed to dilute contaminants to acceptable levels. Also referred to as general ventilation or exhaust. See General Exhaust.
DOHS or DHS Department of Health Services (California)
DOL U. S. Department of Labor; includes the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
DOT U. S. Department of Transportation; regulates transportation of chemical and other substances, to aid in the protection of the public as well as fire, law enforcement, and other emergency response personnel, particularly when transportation incidents occur involving hazardous materials.
DOT Hazard Class DOT requires that hazardous materials offered for shipment be labeled with the proper DOT hazard class. These classes include corrosive, flammable liquid, organic peroxide, ORM-E, poison B, etc. The DOT hazard class may not adequately describe all the hazard properties of the material.
DPM Disintegrations Per Minute (radioactivity)
Dry Chemical A powdered fire extinguisher agent usually composed of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, etc.
DTSC Department of Toxic Substance Control. Currently, within Cal-EPA. Responsible for enforcing Title 22 hazardous waste regulations.
Edema An abnormal accumulation of clear watery fluid in the tissues.
EHS Environmental Health & Safety. Common name given to safety departments.
EHS Extremely Hazardous Substances
ELAP Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (DOHS)
EMS Emergency Medical Services
EMT Emergency Medical Technician
Environmental toxicity Information obtained as a result of conducting environmental testing designed to study the effects on aquatic and plant life.
EPA U. S. Environmental Protection Agency; Federal agency with environmental protection regulatory and enforcement authority. Administers Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, FIFRA, RCRA, TSCA, other Federal environmental laws.
Epidemiology The science which deals with the study of disease in a general population. Determination of the incidence (rate of occurrence) and distribution of a particular disease (as by age, sex or occupation) may provide information about the causes of the disease.
ERT Emergency Response Team
ES&H Environmental Safety and Health
Evaporation Rate The rate at which a particular material will vaporize (evaporate) when compared to the rate of vaporization of a known material. The evaporation rate can be useful in evaluating the health and fire hazards of a material. The known material is usually ethyl ether with a vaporization rate designated as 1.0. Vaporization rates of other solvents or materials are than classified as:
FAST evaporating if greater than 3.0. Examples: Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) = 3.8, Acetone = 5.6, Hexane = 8.3.
MEDIUM evaporating if 0.8 to 3.0 Examples: 190 proof (95%) Ethyl Ketone = 1.4, VM&P Naphta = 1.4, MIBK = 1.6.
SLOW Evaporating if less than 0.8. Examples: Xylene = 0.6, Isobutyl Alcohol = 0.6, Normal Butyl Alcohol = 0.4, Water = 0.3, Mineral Spirits = 0.1.
Exothermic Polymerization A polymerization reaction that involves the production of heat.
Explosive A chemical that causes a sudden, almost instantaneous release of pressure, gas, and heat when subjected to sudden shock, pressure, or high temperature.
Exposure Being actually subjected to a hazardous chemical in the course of employment through any route of entry (inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or absorption, etc.). The Federal Hazard Communication Standard also includes both accidental and possible exposures in its definition of exposure.
Extinguishing Media The fire fighting substances to be used to control a material in the event of a fire. It is usually named by its generic name, such as fog, foam, water, etc.
Eye Protection Recommended safety glasses, chemical splash goggles, face shields, etc. to be utilized when handling a hazardous material.
F Fahrenheit; a scale for measuring temperature. On the Fahrenheit scale water boils at 212o and freezes at 32o.
f/cc Fibers per cubic centimeter of air. The concentration of asbestos in air is reported as fibers of asbestos per cubic centimeter of air.
FDA The U. S. Food and Drug Administration; under the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the FDA establishes requirements for the labeling of foods and drugs to protect consumers from misbranded, unwholesome, ineffective, and hazardous products. FDA also regulates materials for food contact service and the conditions under which such materials are approved.
Federal Register See FR
FEMA U. S. Federal Emergency Management Agency
Fibrosis An abnormal thickening of fibrosis connective tissue, usually in the lungs.
FID Flame Ionization Detector. A portable monitoring equipment that burns hydrogen to detect the presence or organic matter.
FIFRA Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; regulations administered by EPA under this Act require that certain useful poisons, such as chemical pesticides, sold to the public contain labels that carry health hazard warnings to protect users.
First Aid Emergency measures to be taken when a person is suffering from overexposure to a hazardous material, before regular medical help can be obtained.
Flame Ionization Detector See FID.
Flammable Limits The range of gas or vapor concentration in the air that may ignite or explode if an ignition source is present.
Flammable Aerosol An aerosol that, when tested by the method described in 16 CFR, 1500.45, yields a flame protection exceeding 18 inches at full valve opening, or a flashback (a flame extending back to the valve) at any degree of valve opening.
Flammable Gas
(1) A gas that, at ambient temperature and pressure, forms a flammable mixture with air at a concentration of thirteen percent (13%) by volume or less; or
(2) a gas that at ambient temperature and pressure, forms a range of flammable mixtures with air, wider that twelve percent (12%) by volume, regardless of the lower limit.
Flammable Liquid Any liquid having a Flashpoint below 100oF (37.8oC), except any mixture having components with flashpoints of 100oF (37.8oC) or higher, the total of which make up ninety-nine percent (99%) or more of the total volume of the mixture.
Flammable Solid A solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive, as defined in 1910.109(a), that is liable to cause fire through friction, absorption of moisture, spontaneous chemical change, or retained heat from manufacturing processing, or which can be ignited readily and when ignited burns so vigorously and persistently as to create a serious hazard.
Flashback Occurs when flame from a torch burns back into the tip, the torch, or the hose. It is often accompanied by a hissing or squealing sound with a smoky or sharp-pointed flame.
Flash Point The temperature at which a liquid will give off enough flammable vapor to ignite if an ignition source is present. There are several flash point test methods, and flash points may vary for the same material depending on the method used, as the test method is indicated when the flash point is given (150o PMCC, 200o TCC, etc.).
Formula The conventional scientific designation for a material (water is H2O, sulfuric acid is H2SO4, sulfur dioxide is SO2, etc.).
FR Federal Register. A daily publication of Federal department regulations that are promulgated under a particular law.
Fume Airborne dispersion consisting of minute solid particles arising from the heating of a solid body, such as lead. This heating is often accompanied by a chemical reaction, such as oxidation.
g Gram; a metric unit of mass weight. One ounce U. S. is about 28 grams and one pound is 454 grams. One teaspoon of sugar weighs about 8 grams.
Gastric Lavage Washing out of the stomach, used to empty stomach when contents are irritating. Also to clean a cavity before an operation is performed upon it.
g/kg Grams per kilogram; an expression of dose used in oral and dermal toxicology testing to indicate the grams of substance dosed per kilogram of animal body weight. Also see kg.
General Exhaust A system for exhausting air containing contaminants from a general work area, usually accomplished via dilution.
Generic Name A non-proprietary name for a material.
GISO General Industry Safety Order
Gram See g
Grounding The procedure used to carry an electrical charge to ground through a conductive path. A typical ground may be connected directly to a conductive water pipe or to a grounding bus and ground rod. See Bonding.
Hand Protection Specific type of gloves or other hand protection required to prevent harmful exposure to hazardous materials.
Hazardous Materials Any chemical which is a physical hazard or a health hazard.
Hazardous Decomposition Products Any hazardous materials that may be produced in dangerous amounts if the material reacts with other agents, burns, or is exposed to other processes, such as welding. Examples of hazardous decomposition products formed when certain materials are heated include carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Hazardous Ingredients The hazardous substances that make up a mixture.
Hazardous Polymerization Polymerization is a chemical reaction in which one or more small molecules combine to form larger molecules. A hazardous polymerization is such a reaction which takes place at a rate which releases large amounts of energy. If hazardous polymerization can occur with a given material, the MSDS usually will list conditions which could start the reaction; and since the material usually contains a polymerization inhibitor, the expected time period before the inhibitor is used up.
HAZMAT Hazardous Materials
HCS Hazards Communication Standard (OSHA)
HDPE High-Density Polyethylene
HE High Explosive
Health Hazard A chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees. The term "health hazard" includes chemical which are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepato toxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on the hematopoietic system, and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.
Hematopoietic System The blood forming mechanism of the human body.
HEPA High-Efficiency Particulate Air (filters)
Hepatotoxin A substance that causes injury to the liver.
HMBP Hazardous Materials Business Plan
HMMP Hazardous Materials Management Plan
HMIR Hazardous Materials Incident Report
HMTA Hazardous Materials Transportation Act
HR Human Resources
HVAC Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning (system)
HWCL Hazardous Waste Control Law (California)
IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency
IARC International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC publishes Monographs, a listing of potential carcinogens.
IATA International Air Transport Association
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization
IC Incident Commander
ICC Interstate Commerce Commission
ICRP International Commission on Radiological Protection
IDLH see Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health.
Ignitable Capable of being set afire.
IIPP Injury & Illness Prevention Program
IM Intermodal
IMO International Maritime Organization
Impervious A material that does not allow another substance to pass through or penetrate it.
Incompatible Materials which could cause dangerous reactions from direct contact with one another are described as incompatible.
Ingestion The taking in of a substance through the mouth (eating).
Inhalation The breathing in of a substance in the form of a gas, vapor, fume, mist, or dust.
Inhibitor A chemical which is added to another substance to prevent an unwanted chemical change from occurring.
Irritant A substance which, by contact in sufficient concentration for a sufficient period of time, will cause an inflammatory response or reaction of the eye, skin, or respiratory system. The contact may be a single exposure or multiple exposures. Some primary irritants: Chromic acid, nitric acid, sodium hydroxide, calcium chloride, amine, metallic salts, chlorinated hydrocarbons, ketones, alcohols.
Irritating An irritating material, as defined by DOT, is a liquid or solid substance which, upon contact with fire or when exposed to air, gives off dangerous or intensely irritating fumes (not including poisonous materials). See Poison, Class A and Poison, Class B.
kg Kilogram; a metric unit of weight, about 2.2 U. S. pounds. Also see g/kg, g, and mg.
L Liter; a metric unit of capacity. A liter is about the same as one (1) quart.
Lacrimation Secretion and discharge of tears.
LC Lethal concentration; a concentration of a substance being tested which will kill a test animal.
LC50 Lethal concentration 50; the concentration of a material in air which, on the basis of laboratory tests, is expected to kill 50% of a group of test animals when administered as a single exposure (usually 1 or 4 hours). The LC50 is expressed as parts of material per million parts of air, by volume (ppm) for gases and vapors, or as micrograms of material per liter of air (ug/L) or milligrams of material per cubic meter of air (mg/m3) for dusts and mists, as well as for gases and vapors.
LD Lethal dose; a concentration of a substance being tested which will kill a test animal.
LD50 Lethal dose 50; a single dose a material which, on the bases of laboratory tests, is expected to kill 50% of a group of test animals. The LD50 dose is usually expressed as milligrams or grams of material per kilogram of animal body weight (mg/kg or g/kg). If a material has a low LD50, then only a very small amount is needed to cause an adverse effect and that substance would be considered highly toxic. Generally substances with low LD50s have high toxicity and vice versa.
LD100 Lethal Dose (oral or contact) which kills 100% of test animals.
LEL Lower explosive limit or lower flammable limit of a vapor or gas; the lowest concentration (lowest percentage of the substance in air) that will produce a flash of fire when an ignition source (heat, arc, or flame) is present. At concentrations lower than the LEL, the mixture is too "lean" to burn. Also see UEL.
LFL Lower Flammable Limit. See LEL.
Liter See L.
LNG Liquefied Natural Gas
Local Exhaust A system for capturing and exhausting contaminants from the air at the point where the contaminants are produced (welding, grinding, sanding, other processes or operations).
LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas
M Meter; a unit of length in the metric system. One meter is about 39 inches.
m3 Cubic meter; a metric measure of volume, about 35.3 cubic feet or 1.3 cubic yards.
Malaise A feeling of general discomfort, distress, or uneasiness, an out-of-sorts "feeling ".
Mechanical Filter Respirator A respirator used to protect against airborne particulate matter like dusts, mists, metal fume, and smoke. Mechanical filter respirators do not provide protection against gases, vapors, or oxygen deficient atmospheres.
Mechanical Ventilation A powered device, such a motor-driven fan or vacuum hose attachment, for exhausting contaminants from a workplace, vessel, or enclosure.
MEK Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Melting Point The temperature at which a solid substance changes to a liquid state. For mixtures, the melting range may be given.
MESA Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration
Meter See M.
mg Milligram; a metric unit of weight. There are 1,000 milligrams in one gram (g) of a substance. One gram is equivalent to almost 4/100th of an ounce.
mg/kg Milligrams per kilogram; an expression of toxicological dose. See g/kg.
mg/m3 Milligrams per cubic meter; a unit used to express concentrations of dusts, gases, fumes, or mists in air.
Micron Micrometer a unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter. A micron is approximately 1/25,000 of an inch.
Mist Suspended liquid droplets generated by condensation from the gaseous to the liquid state, or by breaking up a liquid into a dispersed state, such as splashing, foaming or atomizing. Mist is formed when a finely divided liquid is suspended in air.
Mixture Any combination of two or more chemicals if the combination is not, in whole or part, the result of a chemical reaction.
mL Milliliter; a metric unit of capacity, equal in volume to one cubic centimeter (cc), or about 1/16 of a cubic inch. There are 1,000 milliliters in one liter (L).
MLD Median Lethal Dose (LD50)
mmHg Millimeters (mm) of mercury (Hg); a unit of measurement for low pressures or partial vacuums.
MOA Memorandum of Agreement
MOD Memorandum of Decision
Molecular Weight Weight (mass) of molecule based on the sum of the atomic weights of the atoms that make up the molecule.
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
MPC Maximum Permissible Concentration
mppcf Million particles per cubic foot; a unit for measuring particles of a substance suspended in air. Exposure limits for mineral dusts (silica, graphite, Portland cement, nuisance dusts, and others), formerly expressed as mppcf, are now more commonly quoted in mg/m3.
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet
MSHA The Mining Safety and Health Administration of the U. S. Department of the Interior; Federal agency with safety and health regulatory and enforcement authorities for the mining industry.
Mutagen A material that alters a cell's genetic information and may lead to undesirable inherited conditions.
Narcosis A state of stupor, unconsciousness, or arrested activity produced by the influence of narcotics or other chemicals.
Natural Ventilation Air movement caused by wind, temperature difference, or other non-mechanical factors.
Nausea Tendency to vomit, feeling of sickness at the stomach.
NCI National Cancer Institute. A component of the National Institutes of Health which studies cancer causes and prevention as well as diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of cancer patients.
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
Nephrotoxin A substance that causes injury to the kidneys.
NESHAP National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
Neurotoxin A material that affects the nerve cells and may produce emotional or behavioral abnormalities.
Neutralize To eliminate potential hazards by inactivating strong acids, caustics, and oxidizers. For example, acids can be neutralized by adding an appropriate amount of caustic substance to the spill.
NFPA National Fire Protection Association; an international voluntary membership organization to promote/improve fire protection and prevention and establish safeguards against loss of life and property by fire. Best known on the industrial scene for the National Fire Codes - 16 volumes of codes, standards, recommended practices, and manuals developed (and periodically updated by NFPA technical committees. Among these is NFPA 704M, the code for showing hazards of materials using the familiar diamond-shaped label or placard with appropriate numbers or symbols. The brief explanation on the next page illustrates the NFPA principle of using scales of 0 to 4 (low to high) to classify material hazard.
NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (DOT) (formerly NHSB)
NIMBY Not In My Back Yard
NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the Public Health Service, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS); Federal agency which recommends occupational exposure limits for various substances and assists OSHA and MSHA in occupational safety and health investigations and research.
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Nonflammable Not easily ignited, or if ignited, not burning rapidly.
Non Sparking Tools Tools made from beryllium - copper or aluminum - bronze greatly reduce the possibility of igniting dusts, gases, or flammable vapors. Although these tools may emit some sparks when striking metal, the sparks have a low heat content and are not likely to ignite most flammable liquids.
NOS Not Otherwise Specified
NOx Nitrogen Oxides
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NPL National Priorities List
NRC National Response Center; a notification center in the Coast Guard Building in Washington, DC, U. S., with a toll free telephone number (1-800-424-8802) which must be called when significant oil or chemical spills or other environmentally related accidents occur.
NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission
NTP National Toxicology Program. The NTP publishes an Annual Report on Carcinogens, a listing of potential carcinogens.
Odor A description of the smell of the substance.
Odor Threshold The lowest concentration of a substance's vapor, in air, that can be smelled.
OES Office of Emergency Services (California)
Olfactory Relating to the sense of smell. The olfactory organ in the nasal cavity is the sensing element that detects odors and transmits information to the brain through the olfactory nerves.
OMB Office of Management and Budget
OPIM Other Potentially Infectious Material. Bloodborne pathogen module.
Oral Used in or taken into the body through the mouth.
Oral Toxicity Adverse effects resulting from taking a substance into the body via the mouth. Ordinarily used to denote effects in experimental animals.
Organic Peroxide An organic compound that contains the bivalent -0-0-structure and which may be considered to be a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide where one or both of the hydrogen atoms has been replaced by an organic radical. Some organic peroxides are highly unstable, and may decompose with explosive force.
ORM Other Regulated Material
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U. S. Department of Labor; Federal agency with safety and health regulatory and enforcement authorities for most U. S. industry and business.
OVA Organic Vapor Analyzer. Usually refers to a Flame Ionization Detector used as a portable monitor to detect the presence of hazardous waste. The OVA is made by Foxboro.
OVM Organic Vapor Monitor. Refers to a Photo Ionization Detector made by Environmental Instruments.
Overexposure Exposure to a hazardous material beyond the allowable exposure levels.
Oxidizer A chemical other than a blasting agent or explosive as defined in 29 CFR 1910.109(a) that initiates or promotes combustion in other materials, thereby causing fire either of itself or through the release of oxygen or other gases. Chlorate (CLO3), permanganate (MnO4), and nitrate (NO3) compounds are examples of oxidizers; note that all contain oxygen (O).
PCB Poly Chlorinated Biphenyl
PCE Perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene)
PCP Pentachlorophenol
PEL Permissible exposure limit; the legally enforced exposure limit for a substance established by OSHA regulatory authority. The PEL indicates the permissible concentration of air contaminants to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed eight (8) hours a day, forty (40) hours a week, over a working lifetime (30 years) without adverse health effects.
PEP People, Environment, Property. This order should always be followed during response activities. For example, people concerns are first, environmental concerns are second and property concerns are third in order of priority.
% Volatile Percent volatile by volume; the percentage of a liquid or solid (by volume) that will evaporate at an ambient temperature of 700F (unless some other temperature is stated). Examples: butane, gasoline, and paint thinner (mineral spirits) are 100% volatile; their individual evaporation rates vary, but over a period of time each will evaporate completely.
pH The symbol relating the hydrogen ion (H-) concentration to that of a given standard solution. A pH of 7 is neutral. Numbers increasing from 7 to 14 indicate greater alkalinity. Numbers decreasing from 7 to 0 indicate greater acidity. Power of hydrogen.
Photo Ionization Detector See PID.
Physical Hazard A chemical for which there is scientifically valid evidence that is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, and organic peroxide, and oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive.
PID Photo Ionization Detector. Usually refers to a portable monitoring equipment used to detect the presence of hazardous waste. It cannot differentiate between contaminants just their presence. The ionization potential (IP) of a chemical determines if the lamp within the PID can detect the contaminant or not.
PMCC Pensky-Martens Closed Cup; a flash point test method.
Pneumoconiosis A condition of the lung in which there is permanent deposition of particulate matter and the tissue reaction to its presence. It may range from relatively harmless forms of iron oxide deposition to destructive forms of silicosis.
Poison, Class A A DOT hazard class for extremely dangerous poisons, that is, poisonous gases or liquids of such nature that a very small amount of the gas, or vapor of the liquid, mixed with air is dangerous to life. Some examples: phosgene, hydrocyanic acid, and nitrogen peroxide.
Poison, Class B A DOT hazard class for liquid, solid, paste, or semi-solid substances - other than Class A poisons or irritating materials - which are known (or presumed on the basis of animal tests) to be so toxic to man as to afford a hazard to health during transportation. Some examples: phosgene, hydrocyanic acid, nitrogen peroxide.
Polymerization See Hazardous Polymerization.
POTW Publicly Owned Treatment Works
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
ppm Parts per million; a unit for measuring the concentration of a gas or vapor in air - parts ( by volume) of the gas or vapor in a billion parts of air. Usually used to express measurements of extremely low concentrations of unusually toxic gases or vapors. Also used to indicate the concentration of a particular substance in a liquid or solid. For example, one part per billion is analogous to one second every 32 years, or one penny out of $10,000.
PRP Potentially Responsible Party
psi Pounds per square inch; for MSDS purposes, a unit for measuring the pressure a material exerts on the walls of a confining vessel or enclosure. For technical accuracy, pressure must be expressed as psig (pounds per square inch gauge) or psia (pounds per square inch absolute; that is, gauge pressure plus a sea level atmospheric pressure, of psig plus about 14.7 pounds per square inch). Also see mmHg.
Pulmonary Relating to, or associated with, the lungs.
Pulmonary Edema Fluid in the lungs.
PVC Polyvinyl Chloride
Pyrophoric A chemical that will ignite spontaneously in air at a temperature of 1300F (55.4C) or below.
QA Quality Assurance
QC Quality Control
RAD Radiation Absorbed Dose
RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (1976); Federal environmental legislation, administered by EPA, aimed at controlling the generation, treating, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous wastes.
Reaction A chemical transformation or change; the interaction of two or more substances to form new substances.
Reactive See Unstable
Reactivity A description of the tendency of a substance to undergo chemical reaction with the release of energy. Undesirable effects - such as pressure buildup, temperature increase, formation of noxious, toxic, or corrosive by-products - may occur because of the reactivity of a substance to heating, burning, direct contact with other materials or other conditions in use or in storage.
Reducing Agent In a reduction reaction (which always occurs simultaneously with an oxidation reaction) the reducing agent is the chemical or substance which (1) combines with oxygen or (2) loses electrons to the reaction.
REM Radiation (or Roentgen) Equivalent Man
Reproductive Toxin Substances that affect either male or female reproductive systems and may impair the ability to have children.
Respiratory Protection Devices that will protect the users respiratory system from overexposure by inhalation to airborne contaminants. Respiratory protection is used when a worker must work in an area where he/she might be exposed to concentrations in excess of the permissible exposure limit.
Respiratory System The breathing system; includes the lungs and air passages (trachea or "windpipe", larynx, mouth, and nose) to the air outside the body, plus the associated nervous and circulatory supply.
RMPP Risk Management and Protection Program
Routes of Entry The means by which chemical may gain access into the body; for example: inhalation, ingestion, injection and skin contact.
RQ Reportable Quantity as defined in CERCLA and SARA. Ranges from 1 to 10,000 pounds
RTECS Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances
RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers
SARA Superfund Amendments (to CERCLA) and Reauthorization Act of 1986
SCBA See Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
SCUBA Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus A respiratory protection device that consists of a supply or a means of respirable air, oxygen, or oxygen generating material, carried by the wearer. Usually contains 45 cubic feet of air at 2000 psi good for approximately 30 minutes.
Self-Ignition See Auto-Ignition Temperature
Sensitizer A substance which, on first exposure, causes little or no reaction in man or test animals but which, on repeated exposure, may cause a marked response not necessarily limited to the contact site. Skin sensitization is the most common form of sensitization in the industrial setting, although respiratory sensitization to a few chemicals is also known to occur. Examples of sensitizers include poison ivy, pollen, and some isocyanates and epoxy resin hardeners.
SETA Setaflash Closed Tester; a flash point test method.
SI The International System of Units
SIC Standard Industrial Classification (or Code)
Silicosis A disease of the lungs caused by the inhalation of silica dust.
"Skin" a notation, sometimes used with PEL or TLV exposure data; indicates that the stated substance may be absorbed by the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes - either airborne or by direct contact - and that this additional exposure should be considered part of the total exposure.
Skin Absorption Ability of some hazardous chemicals to pass directly through the skin and enter the bloodstream.
Skin Sensitizer See Sensitizer
Skin Toxicity See Dermal Toxicity
Solubility in Water A term expressing the percentage of a material (by weight) that will dissolve in water at ambient temperature. Solubility information can be useful in determining spill cleanup methods and fire-extinguishing agents and methods for a material. Terms used to express solubility are:
negligible-Less than 0.1 percent
slight-0.1 to 1.0 percent
moderate-1 to 10 percent
appreciable-more than 10 percent
complete-soluble in all proportions
Solvent A substance, usually a liquid, in which other substances are dissolved. The most common solvent is water.
Sorbents Non-reactive materials used to clean up chemical spills. Examples: clay and vermiculite.
SOx Sulfur Oxides
SPCC Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan
Special Fire Fighting Procedures Special procedures and/or personal protective equipment that is necessary when a particular substance is involved in a fire.
Species A biological type; on MSDSs, species refers to the test animals - usually rats, mice, or rabbits - which were used to obtain the toxicity test data reported.
Specific Gravity The weight of a material compared to the weight of an equal volume of water; and expression of density (or heaviness) of the material. Example: if a volume of a material weighs 8 pounds, and an equal volume of water weighs 10 pounds, the material is said to have specific gravity of 0.8. 8 lbs/10 lbs = 0.8 Insoluble materials with specific gravity of less than 1.0 will float in (or on) water. Insoluble materials with specific gravity greater that 1.0 will sink (or go to the bottom) in water. Most (but not all) flammable liquids have specific gravity less than 1.0 and, if not soluble, will float on water - an important consideration for fire suppression and spill clean-up.
Spill or Leak Procedures The methods, equipment, and precautions that should be used to control or clean up a leak or spill.
Splash Proof Goggles Eye protection made of a non-corrosive material that fits snugly against the face, and has indirect ventilation ports.
Spontaneously Combustible A material that ignites as a result of retained heat from processing, or which will oxidize to generate heat and ignite, or which absorbs moisture to generate heat and ignite.
Stability An expression of the ability of a material to remain unchanged. For MSDS purposes, a material is stable if it remains in the some form under expected and reasonable conditions of storage or use. Conditions which may cause instability (dangerous change) are stated - examples, temperatures above 150oF, shock from dropping.
STEL Short term exposure limit; ACGIH terminology. Amount you can be exposed to for a maximum of 15 minutes, up to 4 times per day with at least one hour between each 15 minute exposure. Always at a higher level than the TLV. See TLV.
STLC Soluble Threshold Limit Concentration
Superfund See CERCLA.
Supplied Air Respirators Air line respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus.
Synonym Another name or names by which a material is known. Methyl alcohol, for example, is also known as methanol, or wood alcohol.
Systemic Poison A poison which spreads throughout the body, affecting all body systems and organs. Its adverse effect is not localized in one spot or area.
Systemic Toxicity Adverse effects caused by a substance which affects the body in a general rather than local manner.
Target Organ Toxin A toxic substance that attacks a specific organ of the body. For example, over exposure to carbon tetrachloride can cause liver damage.
TCA Trichloroethane
TCC Tag (tagliabue) Closed Cup; a flash point test method
TCE Trichlorethylene
Teratogen A substance or agent to which exposure of a pregnant female can result in malformations in the fetus. An example is thalidomide.
TLD Thermo Luminescent Dosimeter
TLV Threshold Limit Value; a term used by ACGIH to express the airborne concentration of material to which nearly all persons can be exposed day after day, without adverse effects. ACGIH expresses TLV's in three ways:
TLV-TWA: the allowable Time Weighted Average concentration for a normal 8-hour work day or 40-hour work week.
TLV-STEL: the Short-Term Exposure Limit, or maximum concentration for a continuous 15-minute exposure period (maximum of four such periods per day, with at least 60 minutes between exposure periods, and provided that the daily TLV-TWA is not exceeded).
TLV-C: the Ceiling limit - the concentration that should not be exceeded even instantaneously. Also see "Skin".
TNT Tri Nitro Toluene
TOC TAG Open Cup; a flash point test method
TSCA Toxic Substance Control Act
Toxic Substance Any substance which can cause acute or chronic injury to the human body, or which is suspected of being able to cause diseases or injury under some conditions.
Toxicity The sum of adverse effects resulting from exposure to a material, generally by the mouth, skin, or respiratory tract.
TPQ Threshold Planning Quality per SARA regulations
Trade Name The trademark name or commercial trade name for a material.
Trade Secret Any confidential formula pattern, process, device, information or compilation of information (including chemical name or other unique chemical identifier) that is used in an employer's business, and that gives the employer an opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not know or use it.
TSCA Toxic Substances Control Act; Federal environmental legislation, administered by EPA, for regulating the manufacture, handling, and use of materials classified as "toxic substances".
TSD Treatment, Storage, and/or Disposal
TSDF Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility
TSP Tri Sodium Phosphate - Common industrial detergent. Solid powder when mixed with water makes a good decontamination solution. Many cities do not allow its use due to the phosphate.
TTLC Total Threshold Limit Concentration
TWA Time weighted average exposure; ACGIH terminology. See TLV.
UEL Upper explosive limit or upper flammable limit of 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.
UFC Uniform Fire Code
UN/NA United Nations/North America
UN Number A registry number assigned to dangerous, commonly carried goods by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. The UN number is required in shipping documentation and on packaging as part of the DOT regulations for shipping hazardous materials.
Unstable A chemical which in the pure state, or as produced or transported, will vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense, or will become self-reactive under conditions of shock, pressure, or temperature. These chemicals are also referred to as reactive.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards Hazards that might occur as a result of overheating or burning a specific material. These include chemical reactions or changes in chemical composition or any special hazards involved in extinguishing the burning material.
USDA U. S. Department of Agriculture; prior to 1971, USDA performed tests and issued approvals on respirators for use with pesticides. In 1971, the Bureau of Mines took over the pesticide respirator testing/approval functions - procedures later delegated to the Testing and Certification Branch (TCB) of NIOSH.
USGS U. S. Geological Survey
Vapor The gaseous form a solid or liquid substance as it evaporates.
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 (examples: acetylene, methane, hydrogen). Materials heavier than air (examples: propane, hydrogen sulfide, ethane, butane, chlorine, sulfur oxide) have vapor densities greater than 1.0. All vapors and gases will mix with air, but the lighter materials will tend to rise and dissipate (unless confined). Heavier vapors and gases are likely to concentrate in low places - along or under floors, in sumps, sewers and manholes, in trenches and ditches - where they may create fire or health hazards.
Vapor Pressure The pressure exerted by a saturated vapor above its own liquid in a closed container. When quality control tests are performed on products the test temperature is usually 100 degree F and the vapor pressure is expressed as pounds per square inch (psi or psia) - but vapor pressures reported on MSDSs are in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) at 68 degree F (unless stated otherwise. Three facts are important to remember: Vapor pressure of a substance at 100 degrees F will always be higher than the vapor pressure of the substance at 68 degrees F. Vapor pressures reported on MSDSs in mmHg are usually very low pressures; 760 mmHg is equivalent to 14.7 pounds per square inch. The lower the boiling point of a substance, the higher its vapor pressure.
Ventilation Circulating fresh air to replace contaminated air.
Vermiculite An expanded mica (hydrated magnesium - aluminum - iron silicate) used as sorbent for spill control and clean-up.
Volatility A measure of how quickly a substance forms a vapor at ordinary temperatures.
Viscosity The tendency of a fluid to resist internal flow without regard to its density.
VOC Volatile Organic Compound
Waste Disposal Methods Proper disposal methods for contaminated material, recovered liquids or solids, and their containers.
Water-Reactive A chemical that reacts with water to release a gas that is either flammable or presents a health hazard
WET Wet Extraction Test
XRFA X-ray Fluorescence Analysis
ZRL Zero Risk Level