GLOSSARY
Always call 911 from a University phone. Never call 911 from a public pay phone or a cell phone to call off-campus emergency medical or fire services. It will slow down the arrival of an ambulance or fire trucks to the location of the emergency. A 911 call from a University phone connects directly to the University police (Public Safety). Public Safety will coordinate the emergency response more effectively and faster with the emergency action plans that have been implemented.
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists is a voluntary membership organization of professional industrial hygiene personnel in government or educational institutions. The ACGIH develops and publishes recommended occupational exposure limits each year called Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for hundreds of chemicals, physical agents and biological exposure indices.
Severe, often dangerous conditions in which relatively rapid changes occur.
An intense exposure over a relatively short period of time.
An office within the Affirmative Action Office which deals with civil rights protection for persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. The ADA and 504 Compliance Officer is Carol DeSouza. Her office is located on the third floor of the Administration building and her telephone # is 287-5711.
The wall-mounted, 4" by 5", red alarm activation devices are located in corridor spaces throughout all buildings including the parking garage. Whenever you see smoke or fire, activate the nearest pull station if a University telephone is not within easy reach. The alarm will connect simultaneously to the Boston Fire Department Alarm Headquarters and the University's computerized EMS center which is continuously monitored by Facilities Department personnel. The building from which the alarm was activated is automatically identified via the computerized connection. The emergency fire response action plan is activated at this point, primarily between the University police and the local fire department.
The American National Standards Institute is a voluntary membership organization (run with private funding) that develops consensus standards nationally for a wide variety of devices and procedures.
A chemical (gas or vapor) that can cause death or unconsciousness by suffocation. Simple asphyxiants such as nitrogen either use up or displace oxygen in the air. They become especially dangerous in confined or enclosed spaces. Chemical asphyxiants, such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide, interfere with the body's ability to absorb or transport oxygen over the tissues.
The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals atmospheric pressure or at which the liquid changes to a vapor. The boiling point is usually expressed in degrees Fahrenheit. If a flammable material has a low boiling point, it indicates a special fire hazard.
A description usually used with a published exposure limit. It refers to the concentration that should not be exceeded, even for an instant. It may be written TLV-C or Threshold Limit Value - Ceiling. See also THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUE.
A substance or physical agent that may cause cancer in humans or animals.
Identifies a particular chemical by the Chemical Abstracts Service, a service of the American Chemical Society that indexes and compiles abstracts of worldwide chemical literature called "Chemical Abstracts".
Cubic centimeter, a volumetric measurement that is also equal to one milliliter (mL).
An element or a compound, produced by chemical reactions on a large scale for direct industrial and consumer use, or for reaction with other chemicals.
A change in the arrangement of atoms or molecules to yield substances of different composition and properties. See also REACTIVITY.
Chemical Hygiene Plan
Persistent, prolonged or repeated conditions.
A prolonged exposure occurring over a period of days, weeks or years.
According to the DOT and NFPA, combustible liquids are those having a flash point at or above 100°F (37.8°C), or liquids that will burn. They do not ignite as easily as flammable liquids. Combustible liquids however, can be ignited under certain circumstances and must be handled with caution. Substances such as wood, paper, etc. are termed "ordinary combustibles."
Ten thousand parts per million is equal to one percent.
A substance defined by the DOT, as causing visible destruction or permanent changes in human skin tissue at the site of contact, or is highly corrosive to steel.
A measure of volume in the metric system.
Pertaining to, or affecting the skin.
The breakdown of a chemical or substance into different parts or simpler compounds. Decomposition can occur due to heat, chemical reaction, decay, etc.
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Massachusetts state agency responsible for administration of laws to control and reduce pollution of air, water and land systems within Massachusetts. Regulations enforced by MA DEP include EPA initiatives.
Pertaining to, or affecting the skin.
An inflammation of the skin.
An area that may be used for work with selected carcinogens, reproductive toxins or substances that have a high degree of acute toxicity. A designated area may be an entire laboratory, an area of a laboratory or a device such as a laboratory hood. Designated areas must be demarcated with caution tape and/or posted with caution signs. Storage areas must be segregated from other chemical storage in all areas where the acutely toxic, carcinogenic or reproductive hazards are handled.
Disability Services/Ross Center
The Lillian Semper Ross Center for Disability Services is located in Room 401, Plaza level, of the MacCormack building. The Director is Jim Wice and the Assistant Director is Zary Amirhosseini. They can be reached at 287-7430 (voice/tdd). The Center provides disability related support services based on an individual assessment of need.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
The United States Department of Transportation is the federal agency that regulates the labeling and transportation of hazardous materials.
Shortness of breath. Difficulty or labored breathing.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The United States Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for administration of laws to control and reduce pollution of air, water and land systems.
The number assigned to chemicals (typically hazardous wastes) regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The study of diseases in populations.
A reddening of the skin.
The rate at which a material is converted to a vapor (evaporates) at a given temperature and pressure compared to the evaporation rate of water. Health and fire hazard evaluations of materials involve consideration of the evaporation rate as one aspect of the evaluation.
University EXIT doors, which lead either into an enclosed stairwell or to the outdoors, are identified by an illuminated "EXIT" sign. This sign is either above the exit door or close to it (e.g., ceiling-hung signs with a directional arrow pointing towards the exit door). The University's enclosed stairwells are considered exits as they are constructed of materials with a two-hour fire resistance rating that protects individuals from the effects of a fire during evacuation. Within the stairwells, an individual should follow the directional arrows to the exit door that leads directly outdoors.
Means a chemical that causes a sudden, almost instantaneous release of pressure, gas and heat when subjected to sudden shock, pressure or high temperature.
According to the DOT and NFPA, a flammable liquid is one that has a flash point below 100°F (37.8°C). See also FLASH POINT.
The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture and burn when a source of ignition (sparks, open flames, cigarettes, etc.) is present. Two tests are used to determine the flash point: open cup and closed cup. The test method is indicated on the MSDS after the flash point.
Also known as general dilution ventilation, this is a system of ventilation consisting of either natural or mechanically induced fresh air movements to mix with and dilute contaminants in the workroom air. Dilution ventilation is not the preferred method to control contaminants that are highly toxic; when there may be corrosion problems from the contaminant; when the worker is close to where the contaminant is being generated or where fire or explosion hazards are generated close to sources of ignition.
A metric unit of weight. One ounce is equal to 28.4 g.
Indicates the dose of a substance given to test animals in toxicity studies. For example, a dose may be 2 grams of a substance per kilogram of body weight of the experimental animal.
Any substance or compound that has the capability of producing adverse effects on the health and safety of humans.
A solid, liquid or compressed gas that has a flash point of less than 140°F. Ignitable material may be regulated by the EPA as hazardous waste as well.
The term applied to two substances to indicate that one material cannot be mixed or stored with the other, without the possibility of a dangerous reaction.
Taking a substance into the body through the mouth.
The breathing in of an airborne substance that may be in the form of gases, mists, vapors, dusts or aerosols.
A substance that is added to another to prevent, or slow down, unwanted reaction or change.
Institutional Security Officer (ISO)
ISO's are unarmed, foot patrol officers dressed in brown uniforms. They patrol assigned areas to prevent theft and vandalism. Their major responsibilities are (1) to protect University buildings,grounds and equipment and (2) to protect students and visitors against personal loss and danger.
A substance that produces an irritating effect when in contact with the skin, eyes, nose or respiratory system.
See LETHAL CONCENTRATION 50.
See LETHAL DOSE 50.
See LOWER EXPLOSIVE LIMIT.
The concentration of an air contaminant (LC50) that kills 50 percent of the test animals in a group, within the first 30 days following exposure.
A calculated dose of a substance which is expected to cause the death of 50 percent of the entire defined experimental animal population.
See LOWER EXPLOSIVE LIMIT.
A measure of volume. One quart equals 0.946 liters.
These phones are located on every floor of every campus building near the elevators. Their primary function is to provide a communication link between persons with disabilities (or their designees) and the University Public Safety Department. The location of the caller is known without the user providing it to the Public Safety desk officer.
A ventilation system that captures and removes contaminants at the site of generation before they escape into the workroom air. The system consists of hoods, duct work, a fan and possibly an air cleaning device. Advantages of local exhaust ventilation over general ventilation include that these systems require less air volume and are more economical over the long term. The system must be properly designed with properly designed and located hoods and correctly sized fans and duct work.
The lower limit of flammability of a gas or vapor. It is usually expressed in percentage of gas or vapor in air by volume.
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA)
Commonwealth of Massachusetts authority responsible for developing and implementing measures to insure safe drinking water.
The temperature at which a solid changes to a liquid. A melting range may be given for mixtures.
A unit of weight in the metric system. One thousand milligrams equal one gram.
Milligrams Per Cubic Meter (mg/m3)
Units used to measure concentration of dusts, gases, mists and fumes in air.
A metric unit used to measure volume. One milliliter equals one CC. One thousand milliliters equals one liter.
Anything that can cause a change or mutation in the genetic material of a living cell.
Stupor or unconsciousness caused by exposure to a chemical.
National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA)
The National Fire Prevention Association is a voluntary membership organization that promotes and improves fire protection and prevention. NFPA has published 16 volumes of codes known as the National Fire Codes. Many state and local fire departments adopt these codes as policy.
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health is a federal agency that trains occupational health and safety professionals. NIOSH also conducts research on health and safety concerns and tests and certifies respirators for workplace use.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a federal agency under the Department of Labor that publishes and enforces safety and health regulations businesses and industries in the United States.
The minimum concentration of a substance at which a majority of test subjects can detect and identify the substance's characteristic odor.
Having to do with the mouth.
The process of combining oxygen with some other substance or chemical change in which an atom loses electrons.
A substance that gives up oxygen easily, to stimulate combustion of organic material.
An atmosphere having less that 21% oxygen.
See PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LIMIT.
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)
An exposure limit that is published and enforced by OSHA as a legal standard. PEL may be either a time-weighted average (TWA) exposure limit (8 hour), or a 15 minute short term exposure limit (STEL) or a ceiling (C). The PEL's are found in Tables Z1, Z2 or Z3 of OSHA Regulation 1910.1000.
Any device or clothing worn by a worker to protect against hazards in the environment. Examples are respirators, gloves and chemical splash goggles.
A chemical reaction in which two or more small molecules combine to form larger molecules.
Parts (of a vapor or gas) per million parts of air by volume.
Never use a public pay phone or a cell phone to call 911 for a campus fire or medical emergency. It will slow down the arrival of the ambulance, in the case of a medical emergency, and the arrival of a fire company, in the case of a fire. Always call 911 from a University telephone. University police officers are First Responders and are trained in first aid, CPR procedures and evacuation procedures. Upon receiving a 911 call, Public Safety will simultaneously call for ambulance services/local district fire company and immediately dispatch officers to the scene of the medical emergency/fire to assist until off-site medical assistance/fire fighters arrive on the scene. University police will also escort the ambulance/fire trucks to the site of the emergency.
A substance's susceptibility to undergoing a chemical reaction or change that may result in dangerous side effects such as: explosion, burning and corrosive or toxic emissions. The conditions that cause the reaction, such as heat, other chemicals and dropping will usually be specified as "Conditions to Avoid" on an MSDS.
A device that is designed to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful contaminants.
A particular concentration of an airborne contaminant that, when it enters the body by way of the respiratory system, or by being breathed into the lungs, results in some bodily function impairment.
A substance that may cause no reaction in a person during initial exposures, but afterwards, further exposures will cause an allergic response to the substance.
Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL or TLV-STEL)
A maximum concentration to which workers can be exposed for a 15 minute period, four times a day, at least one hour between exposures. Also the daily TLV-TWA must not be exceeded.
This designation sometimes appears along a TLV or PEL It refers to the likelihood of absorption of the chemical through the skin and eyes.
University building enclosed stairwells are designed to protect individuals from the effects of a fire during emergency evacuation. All enclosed stairwells are constructed of materials with a two-hour fire resistance rating. University exit doors (leading into a stairwell or to the outdoors) are identified by an illuminated "EXIT" sign that is located either above the exit door or close to it (e.g., ceiling-hung signs with a directional arrow pointing towards the exit door). Stairwells must be kept clear and usable at all times. Whenever you discover (1) stored or discarded items in stairwell landing areas or (2) an exit door light that has blown out or (3) a ceiling-hung sign that has been disturbed so that the directional arrow no longer points towards the exit door, call Customer Service Center at 7-4000 and request a work order to eliminate the problem. If a fire extinguisher was used as the prop, return it to the proper location. If you do not know where the extinguisher should go, call the EH&S office at 7-5445 for assistance.
Another name by which the same chemical may be known.
Spread throughout the body; affecting many or all body systems or organs, not localized in one spot or area.
An agent or substance that may cause physical defects in the developing embryo or fetus when a pregnant female is exposed to the substance.
Airborne concentrations of substances devised by the ACGIH, that represents conditions under which it is believed that nearly all workers may be exposed day after day, with no adverse effect. TLVs are advised exposure guidelines, not legal standards, that are based on evidence from industrial experience, animal exposure or human studies when they exist. Three types of TLVs are: Time-weighted Average, Short Term Exposure Limit and Ceiling. See also PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LIMIT.
The average time, over a given work period (e.g., 8-hour workday), of a person's exposure to a chemical or an agent. The average is determined by sampling for the contaminant throughout the time period. Represented as TLV-TWA.
The potential for a substance to exert a harmful effect on humans or animals, and a description of the effect and the conditions or concentrations, under which the effect takes place.
See TIME-WEIGHTED AVERAGE.
See UPPER EXPLOSIVE LIMIT.
See UPPER EXPLOSIVE LIMIT.
A liquid that in its pure state, or as commercially produced, will react vigorously in some hazardous way under shock conditions (i.e., dropping), certain temperatures or pressures.
Also known as Upper Flammable Limit (UFL). The highest concentration (expressed in percentage of vapor or gas by air volume) of a substance that will burn or explode when an ignition source is present. Theoretically, above this limit the mixture is said to be too "rich" to support combustion. The range is between the LEL and the UEL, constitutes the flammable range, or explosive range of a substance. For example, if the LEL is 1 ppm and the UEL is 5 ppm, then the explosive range of the chemical is 1 ppm to 5 ppm.
The gaseous form of substances that are normally in the liquid or solid state (st normal room temperature and pressure). Solvents are good examples.
This page was last updated on December 9, 1999
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