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Glossary C-FACTOR Factor that indicates the roughness of the inner surface of piping or fire hose. CABLE HANGER A device used in testing the structural strength of aerial ladders. CAER See Community Awareness Emergency Response. CALIBRATE To standardize or adjust the increments on a measuring instrument. CAMEO See Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations. CANISTER, OXYGEN-GENERATED A container of chemicals that create oxygen when the individual's breath is mixed with them. CANTEEN UNIT Emergency vehicle that provides food, drinks and other rehabilitative service to emergency workers at extended incidents. CAPACITY Maximum ability of a pump or water distribution system to deliver water. CARBAMATE A synthetic organic pesticide containing carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur. CARBON DIOXIDE A gas stored in cylinders and applied through a fixed or semi fixed system, of from a portable extinguisher. It is useful for inerting a closed area or for putting out small local fires. A heavier than air gas used in extinguishing Class B fires by smothering, or by displacing the oxygen. A fire gas produced by the complete combustion of a carbonaceous material. CARBONACEOUS A material made of, or containing carbon. This includes almost every flammable material. CARBOY A container, usually encased in a protective basket or crate, to ship hazardous materials, particularly corrosives. CARCINOGEN An agent that produces or is suspected of producing cancer. A material that either causes cancer in humans or, because it causes cancer in animals, is considered capable of causing cancer in humans. CARCINOGENIC A material tending to cause cancer in animals or humans. CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) A combination of artificial resuscitation and closed chest cardiac (heart) compression. CARE AND MAINTENANCE Effective cleaning to remove soil and maximize use life of garments while maintaining (not removing) protective properties. CARGO MANIFEST A shipping paper that contains all of the contents being carried by the transporting vehicle or vessel. CARGO PLAN (SHIP) A plan giving the quantities and description of the various materials carried in the ship’s cargo tanks after the loading is completed. CARGO TANKS Tanks permanently mounted on a tank truck or tank trailer which is used for the transportation of liquefied and compressed gases, liquids and molten materials. Examples include MC-306, DOT-406, MC-307/DOT-407, MC-312/DOT-412, MC-330/331, and MC-338. May also be any bulk liquid or compressed gas packaging, not permanently attached to a motor vehicle, which because of its size, construction, or attachment to the vehicle can be loaded or unloaded without being removed from the vehicle. CARTRIDGE RESPIRATOR A respirator using various chemical substances to purify inhaled air of certain contaminative gases and vapors. Typically effective for concentrations no more than 10 times the TLV for a half face piece and 100 times the TLV for a full-face piece, provided the contaminant has warning properties (odor or irritation) near the TLV. CAS REGISTRY NUMBER The American Chemical Society (ACS) uniquely assigns chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Numbers to molecules and mixtures. CAS numbers are often used by local and state hazardous materials compliance legislation for tracking chemicals in the workplace and in the community. These numbers provide a unique identification for chemicals as well as a means for crosschecking chemical names. CASCADE AIR CYLINDERS Large air cylinders that are used to refill smaller SCBA cylinders. CASCADE SYSTEM Three or more large air cylinders, each usually with a capacity of 300 cubic feet (8490 L), that are interconnected and from which smaller SCBA cylinders are recharged. CASING A covering put around something; a case. A steel pipe used as a lining in an oil well. CATALYST A material that alters the energy necessary to produce a chemical reaction. If the energy is lowered, the reaction proceeds more quickly (the typical use for a catalyst). If the energy necessary is increased, the reaction is slowed. The catalyst is not consumed by the chemical reaction. CATCH A HYDRANT To dismount from fire apparatus at the hydrant, connect the fire hose to the hydrant, and turn on the water. CATCH BASIN See Portable Tank. CATHODIC PROTECTION A chemical process used to reduce corrosion on metal and metal alloy containers. Techniques such as wrapping in plastic, painting the surface, or placing a sacrificial anode (such as magnesium) to protect underground pipes and storage tanks against electrolysis or deterioration are examples. CAUSATIVE AGENT The organism or toxin that is responsible for causing a specific disease or harmful effect. CAUSTIC Burning or corrosive. A hydroxide of a light metal. Broadly, any compound having highly basic properties. A compound that readily ionizes in aqueous solution to yield OH-anions, with a pH above 7, and turns litmus paper blue. See Alkaline, Base. CAVITATION If pressure at any point inside a pump drops below the vapor pressure corresponding to the temperature of the liquid, the liquid will vaporize and form cavities of vapor. The vapor bubbles are carried along with the stream until a region of higher pressure is reached, then they collapse or implode with a tremendous shock on the adjacent walls. CDC (CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL) This Department of Health and Human Services agency includes the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; National Center for Environmental Health; National Center for Health Statistics; National Center for HIV, STD and TS Prevention; National Center for Infectious Diseases; National Center for Injury Prevention and Control; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Epidemiology Program Office; International Health Program Office; Public Health Practice Program Office; and the National Immunization Program. CEILING EXPOSURE VALUE The maximum airborne concentration of a biological or chemical agent to which a worker may be exposed at any time. CELLAR PIPE Special nozzle for attacking fires in basements, cellars, and other spaces below ground level. CELLULAR ASPHYXIANT A material that upon entering the body inhibits the normal function of cells. Examples are CO, hydrogen cyanide, or hydrogen sulfide poisoning. CEN French acronym for European Committee for Standardization. CENTER SILL See Silless. CENTI Metric prefix for 10 2, 0.01, abbrviated c. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) In humans, the brain and spinal cord, as opposed to the peripheral nerves found in the fingers, etc. CENTRAL STATION Headquarters station, which contains administrative offices, special equipment, fire apparatus, and personnel. CENTRIFUGAL PUMP A fire pump using the theory of centrifugal forces (forced to the outside) to develop and impart velocity energy to the water as it passes through the pump. There are single and multistage centrifugal pumps. Pump with one or more impellers that utilize centrifugal force to move the water. Most modern fire pumps are of this type. CERCLA See Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. CERTIFICATION LABEL A label permanently affixed to the forward left side of the trailer stating that the vehicle conforms to applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in effect on the date of original manufacture. CERTIFICATION TESTS Pre-service tests for aerial device, ladder, pump, and other equipment conducted by an independent testing laboratory prior to delivery of an apparatus. These tests assure that the apparatus or equipment will perform as expected after being placed into service. CERTIFIED SHOP TEST CURVES Results, which are plotted on a graph, of the test performed by the manufacturer on its pump before shipping the pump. CFM Abbreviation for cubic feet per minute. CFR Crash, Fire Rescue personnel; trained in aircraft firefighting and rescue. Code of Federal Regulations; enforced by federal and state agencies and containing statutes for the function of federal government. CGI See Combustible Gas Indicator. CHAFING BLOCK Wooden blocks placed under hoselines to protect the covering of the hose from damages from rubbing against the ground or cement area when in use. CHAIN HOSE TOOLS Chain, strap, and rope hose tools are used for carrying, securing, and otherwise assisting in the handling of hose. CHAIN OF COMMAND The order of rank and authority in the fire service. CHAIN REACTION A series of progressive changes in which each change causes the same type of reaction as that which immediately preceded it and which occurred in the original change. See tetrahedron. CHALLENGE AGENT The chemical liquid, vapor, solid, mixture, solution or microbe against which a protective suit is tested. CHAMOIS Soft pliant leather used for drying furniture and contents or for removing small amounts of water. CHAR BLISTERING See Alligatoring. CHARGE The various chemical ingredients with which a chemical extinguisher is made ready for operation. To pressurize a fire hose or fire extinguisher. CHARGED BUILDING A building, heavily laden with smoke and gases, in danger of a backdraft. CHARGED LINE A line of hose loaded with water under pressure and prepared for use. Hose loaded with water under pressure and prepared for use. CHARLES'S LAW If the volume of a gas is kept constant and the temperature is increased, the pressure increases in direct proportion to the increase in absolute temperature. A gas will expand or contract in direct proportion to increase or decrease in temperature. If a gas is confined so that it will not expand, its pressure will increase or decrease in direct proportion to temperature. CHASSIS Frame upon which the body of the fire apparatus rests. CHAUFFEUR See Fire Apparatus Driver/ Operator. CHECK VALVE An automatic valve that permits the flow of water in a given direction. CHECKLISTS Detailed lists prepared generally for the maintenance of equipment or apparatus or for installed fire protection equipment to insure that the inspector does not overlook an item that needs to be checked regularly. CHEMICAL AGENT A chemical substance that is intended for use in military operations to kill, seriously injure, or incapacitate people through its physiological effects. Excluded from consideration are riot control agents, and smoke and flame materials. The agent may appear as a vapor, aerosol, or liquid; it can either be a casualty/toxic agent or an incapacitating agent. CHEMICAL AGENT SYMBOL A code usually consisting of two letters that are used as a designation to identify chemical agents, e.g., GB for the chemical agent sarin. CHEMICAL BARRIER For chemical liquids or vapors, chemical barrier is based on the ability of the fabric to resist chemical permeation, as measured by ASTM F739. Liquid penetration measurements, such as ASTM F903, are not recommended for protective apparel decisions involving skin-absorbed toxins or carcinogenic chemicals. Liquid penetration tests have limited application for non-hazardous liquids. Although there is no single standard test to evaluate barrier against solid chemicals, a number of tests have been adopted that measure the fraction of solid chemical particles that impact-but do not penetrate-a material. CHEMICAL BURN A burn that occurs when the skin comes into contact with strong acids, strong alkalis, or other corrosive materials. These agents literally eat through the skin and in many cases continue to do damage so long as they remain in contact with the skin. CHEMICAL CHAIN REACTION Vapor or gases are distilled off the flammable materials during the initial burning process. Atoms and molecules are released from these vapors and combine with other radicals to form new compounds. The heat, releasing more atoms and radicals, which again form new compounds, and so on, again disturbs these compounds. See Tetrahedron. CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS In chemical compounds various elements lose their individual characteristics and become merged into a new substance. CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION The presence of a chemical agent on a person, object, or area. CHEMICAL FOAM Foam formed when an alkaline solution and an acid solution unite to form a gas (carbon dioxide) in the presence of a foaming agent that causes the gas to be trapped in fire-resistive bubbles. CHEMICAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION Professional trade association of the United States chemical industry. The parent organization that operates CHEMTREC™. CHEMICAL NAME The scientific designation of a chemical or a name that clearly identifies the chemical for hazard evaluation purposes. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES Properties of a material that relate to toxicity, flammability, or chemical reactivity. A property of matter that describes how it reacts with other substances. CHEMICAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (CPE) Protective clothing and respiratory protection available to shield or isolate a person from the chemical and physical effects of the chemical that may be encountered at a hazardous materials incident. CHEMICAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING Any material or combination of materials used in an item of clothing for the purpose of isolating parts of the body from direct contact with a potentially hazardous chemical. Any material or combination of materials used in an item of clothing for the purpose of isolating parts of the wearer’s body from contact with a hazardous chemical. (NFPA 1991, 1-3.). CHEMICAL PROTECTIVE SUIT Single or multipiece garment constructed of chemical protective clothing materials designed and configured to protect the wearer’s torso, head, arms, legs, hands, and feet. (NFPA 1991, 1-3.). CHEMICAL REACTION A process that involves the bonding, unbonding, or rebonding of atoms. A chemical change takes place that actually changes substances into other substances. CHEMICAL RESISTANCE An ambiguous term that can refer to either how well a material maintains its integrity when exposed to chemicals or how well a material protects against chemical exposure. CHEMICAL SAFETY AND HAZARD INVESTIGATION BOARD Federal board under the auspices of the Environmental Protection Agency charged with responsibility for investigating serious accidents and emergencies involving chemical emergencies. CHEMICAL STABILITY A characteristic of chemicals denoting their ability and likeliness for chemical or physical change. CHEMICAL TRANSPORTATION EMERGENCY CENTER (CHEMTREC™) The Chemical Transportation Center, operated by the Chemical Manufacturers' Association (CMA), can provide information and technical assistance to emergency responders (phone number: 1-800-424-9300). CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS Warfare chemicals, which are very toxic through skin contact and inhalation, are divided into blistering agents (vesicants); blood agents; lung-damaging agents (choking agents); nerve agents; and riot control agents (harassing or incapacitating agents). A chemical substance that, because of its physiological, psychological, or pharmacological effects, is intended for use in military operations to kill, seriously injure, or incapacitate humans (or animals) through its toxicological effects. Excluded are riot control agents, chemical herbicides, and smoke and flame agents. CHEMNET A mutual aid network of chemical shippers and contractors. It is activated when a member shipper cannot respond promptly to an incident involving chemicals. (Contact is made through CHEMTREC.) CHEMTREC Abbreviation for the Chemical Transportation Emergency Center. Established in Washington, D.C., by the Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) to provide emergency information on materials involved in transportation accidents. CHEMTREC can contact the shipper or producer of the material for more detailed information on the chemical released, to facilitate response and cleanup actions. 24-hour number: (800) 424-9300. In Washington D.C., Alaska, or Hawaii call (202) 483-7616. CHIEF Any of the higher officer grades, from district through battalion chief to the chief of the fire department. CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT The highest-ranking member of the fire department; in some instances, designated as the director or administrator. CHINE A backbone; a spine. CHLOREP The chlorine emergency plan, established by the Chlorine Institute, enables the nearest producer of chlorine to respond to an incident involving chlorine. (Contact is made through CHEMTREC.) CHLORINE KITS Standardized kits commercially manufactured by contract with the Chlorine Institute to provide equipment to control or stop leaks in chlorine cylinders, tanks and transportation tank cars. CHOCKS Wooden or metal blocks constructed to fit the curvature of a tire and placed against the tire to prevent apparatus rolling. CHOKING AGENTS Substances that cause physical injury to the lungs. Exposure is through inhalation. In extreme cases, membranes swell and lungs become filled with liquid. Death results from lack of oxygen; hence the victim is "choked". These agents exert their effects solely on the lungs and result in the irritation of the alveoli of the lungs. Agents cause the alveoli to constantly secrete watery fluid into the air sacs, which is called pulmonary edema. When a lethal amount of a choking agent is received, the air sacs become so flooded that the air cannot enter and the victim dies of anoxia (oxygen deficiency); also known as dry land drowning. CHRONIC EFFECTS An adverse health effect on a human or animal body with symptoms that develop slowly or that recur frequently due to the exposure of hazardous chemicals. CHRONIC EXPOSURE Low doses repeatedly received by the body over a long period of time. Repeated doses or exposure to a material over a relatively prolonged period of time. CHRONIC POISONING Poisoning that is a result of repeated exposure to sub-lethal doses over a period of time. CHUCK A portable fire hydrant that was carried on the apparatus with one or more gated connections for fire hose and pumpers. Still commonly used in England, the chuck is screwed into a special flush hydrant connection or fire mains. CHURCH RAISE See Auditorium Raise. CHUTES A chute may be constructed of salvage covers to provide for water runoff. Also a means of escape from large aircraft. CIH (CERTIFIED INDUSTRIAL HYGIENIST) An individual who has met the training and proficiency requirements in the field of industrial hygiene. The American Board of Industrial Hygiene grants this certification. CIRCULATING FEED Fire hydrant that receives water from two or more directions. CIRCULATING SYSTEM See Loop System. CIRCULATION RELIEF VALVE Small relief valve that opens and provides enough water flow into and out of the pump to prevent the pump from overheating when it is operating at churn against a closed system CIRCULATOR VALVE Device in a pump that routes water from the pump to the supply to keep the pump cool when hoselines are shut down. CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE Facts from which presumptions or inferences are made. Indirect evidence. (For example, seeing a person flee from the scene of a crime is circumstantial, indirect evidence that the person committed the crime; seeing a person commit a crime is direct evidence.) CISTERN A water storage container, usually below grade level, for emergency use including fire protection. CLAPPER VALVE Hinged valve that permits the flow of water in one direction only. CLASS A COMBUSTBLES Ordinary combustibles, which leave a residue after burning. CLASS A EXPLOSIVE A material or device that presents a maximum hazard through detonation. CLASS A FOAM Foam specially designed for use on Class A combustibles. Class A foams are essentially wetting agents that reduce the surface tension of water and allow it to soak into combustible materials easier than plain water. CLASS A POISON A poisonous gas or liquid of such nature that a very small amount of the gas, or vapor of the liquid, is dangerous to life. CLASS B COMBUSTIBLES Flammable liquids and gases. CLASS B EXPLOSIVE A material or device that presents a flammable hazard and functions by deflagration. CLASS B FOAM Foam specially designed for use on Class B flammable and combustible liquids. New variants are designed for polar solvents. Types include AFFF and AR-AFFF. CLASS B POISON A substance that is known to be so toxic to human life that it affords a severe health hazard during transportation. CLASS C COMBUSTIBLES Class A or B fires that occur in or near electrical equipment. CLASS C EXPLOSIVE A material or device that contains restricted quantities of either Class A or Class B explosives or both, but presents a minimum hazard. CLASS D COMBUSTIBLES Combustible metals that are easily oxidized. CLASSES As used in NFPA 70&emdash;The National Electric Code, used to describe the type of flammable materials that produce the hazardous atmosphere. There are three classes: Class I Locations&emdash;Flammable gases or vapors may be present in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitible mixtures. Class II Locations&emdash;Concentrations of combustible dusts may be present (e.g., coal or grain dust). Class III Locations&emdash;Areas concerned with the presence of easily ignitible fibers or flyings (e.g., cotton milling). CLASSIFICATION OF CHEMICAL AGENTS Chemical agents are classified according to their physical state, use and physical action. CLAW TOOL A forcible entry tool having a hook and a fulcrum at one end and a blade at the other. CLEAN Equipment or a geographic area not contaminated by chemical exposure. CLEAN AIR ACT A set of national standards for ambient air quality that defines the principal types and levels of pollution that should not be exceeded. This law requires states to develop "state implementation plans" for achieving the ambient air standards in each air quality control region in the state. CLEAN AREA WORK ENVIRONMENT A work area in which the number and size of air-borne contaminants is minimized and controlled. Certain production processes, such as the production of computer chips, are very sensitive to the presence of small particles. The "clean working environments" must not only be protected from common sources of particles, dust, pollen and soot, but also from particles shed by workers, including hair, dead cells, bronchial aerosols and soap and cosmetic residues. Particle barrier clothing is often used to protect these environments. Some working areas in which microbes are handled may also be designated as clean work areas. CLEAN WATER ACT (CWA) Federal legislation to protect the nation’s water and set state water quality standards for interstate navigable waters as the basis for pollution control and enforcement. The main objective is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters. CLEANOUT FITTING A fitting installed in the top of a tank to facilitate washing of the tank interior. CLEANROOM An entire room in which the number and size of ambient particles is minimized and controlled. Clean rooms are classified by the average number of particles present greater than 0.5 microns. For example, Class 10 clean rooms have no more than 10 particles greater than 0.5 microns per cubic foot of air; Class 100 clean rooms have no more than 100 particles greater than 0.5 microns per cubic foot of air; Class 1,000 clean rooms have no more than 1,000 particles greater than 0.5 microns per cubic foot of air; and so on. Class I 0 corresponds to Grade 1.5 of Federal Standard 209E, Class 100 corresponds to Grade 2.5, Class 1000 corresponds to Grade 3.5, etc. Enacted in 1992, Federal Standard 209E establishes both metric and English standard classes of air cleanliness for airborne particulate levels in clean rooms and clean zones. This standard prescribes methods for class verification and monitoring of air cleanliness and addresses other factors as they affect control of airborne particulate contamination. There are five class limits with specific particulate sizing per volume units. CLINOMETER Any of several instruments for measuring inclination, such as the heeling of a ship or portable tank. CLO Unit used to express the resistance to dry heat transfer provided by clothing; one clo is equal to 0.155 K m2/W. CLOSED CONTAINER A container as herein defined, so sealed by means of a lid or other device that neither liquid nor vapor will escape from it at ordinary temperatures. The container is not allowed to have any vents, either automatic, fixed, or pressure operated. CLOTHING, BUNKER Standard protective firefighter's clothing. Designed to protect the firefighter from heat, cold, and injury. CLOTHING, PROXIMITY Approach, or proximity, clothing includes hoods, coats, trousers, and mittens that have outer surfaces with better heat reflection properties than normal or traditional bunker clothing and permit the wearer a closer access to the fire. CNS Pertaining to the central nervous system. See Central Nervous System. CNS DEPRESSANTS Compounds that have the predominant effect of depressing or blocking the activity of the central nervous system. The primary mental effects include the disruption of the ability to think, sedation, and lack of motivation. CNS STIMULANTS Compounds that have the predominant effect of flooding the brain with too much information. The primary mental effect is loss of concentration, causing indecisiveness and the ability to act in a sustained, purposeful manner. COCKLOFT A concealed space between the top floor and the roof of a structure. CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR) The formal name given to those books or documents that contain the specific regulations provided for by law. A collection of the regulations established by law. Contact with the agency that issued the regulation is recommended for details and interpretation. COEFFICIENT OF DISCHARGE Correction factor relating to the shape of the hydrant discharge outlet; used when computing the flow from a hydrant. See C-Factor. COFC Container-on-Flatcar COLD ZONE The area outside of the warm zone. Equipment and personnel are not expected to become contaminated in this area. This is the area where resources are assembled to support the hazardous materials operation. Those geographical areas designated as contamination-free from a chemical spill or release. This area contains the command post and other support functions necessary to control the incident. This is also referred to as clean (zone) or support (zone) in other documents. COLLECTION MEDIUM A liquid or gas that does not affect the measured permeation and in which the test chemical is freely soluble or adsorbed to a saturation concentration greater than 0.5 weight or volume %. COLOR An outward warning sign indicating a chemical reaction or release. In humans, skin color can suggest exposure to certain types of materials. COLORMETRIC TUBES Glass tubes containing a chemically treated substrate that reacts with specific airborne chemicals to produce a distinctive color. The tubes are calibrated to indicate approximate concentrations in air. COMA A prolonged unconsciousness caused by disease, injury, or poison. A person in a state of coma cannot be roused, even by painful stimuli. COMBINATION The change that occurs when two chemicals are combined and the result is a different chemical. COMBINATION APPARATUS A piece of apparatus designed to perform more than one function, usually called triple combinations, quads, or quints. COMBINATION LADDERS An A-frame or baby extension ladder. COMBINATION NOZZLE A nozzle designed to provide either a straight stream or a fog stream. COMBUSTIBILITY The ability of a substance to undergo rapid chemical combination with oxygen, with the evolution of heat. COMBUSTIBLE The state of something able to undergo rapid chemical combustion with oxygen. COMBUSTIBLE GAS INDICATOR (CGI) An instrument used to detect flammable and combustible vapors. A CGI is characterized by a wheatstone bridge, which burns present vapors and may indicate lower and upper explosive limits. COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID Any liquid that has a flash point at or above 100 degree F (37.7 degree C) and below 200 degree F (93.3 degree C). Liquids with a flashpoint above 100 degrees F. COMBUSTIBLE METAL Any metal that will burn. COMBUSTION A rapid oxidation or chemical combination, usually accompanied by heat or light. A chemical process of oxidation that occurs at a rate fast enough to produce heat and usually light either as glow or flames. A chemical reaction, caused by oxidation that produces light and heat. The production of light in the combustion process is the difference between oxidation and combustion: Oxidation, regardless of slowness, will give off heat but no light will be produced. COMBUSTION PRODUCT By-products produced or generated during the burning or oxidation of a fuel. COMMAND The act of directing, ordering, and/or controlling resources by virtue of explicit legal, agency, or delegated authority. COMMAND POST Central control point for the incident. Information flows to and from the command post. Special resource people are based at the command post. COMMAND STAFF The command staff consists of the Information Officer, the Safety Officer, and the Liaison Officer, who report directly to the Incident Commander. COMMERCIAL CHASSIS Truck chassis produced by a commercial truck manufacturer. The chassis is in turn outfitted with a rescue or fire fighting body. COMMISSIONER A member of city government. Commissioner of fire represents the fire department in city government. In some departments there is no commissioner and the fire chief is the ranking official directly responsible to city government. COMMON NAME OF PESTICIDE Well-known made-up name accepted by the Environmental Protection Agency to identify the active ingredients in a pesticide. It is listed under the active ingredients statement on the label. COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE (CAER) A program developed by the Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) to provide guidance for chemical plant managers to assist them in taking the initiative in cooperating with local communities developing integrated hazardous materials response plans. COMPANY A basic fire fighting organizational unit consisting of firefighters and apparatus. COMPANY LOG A record of the activities of a fire company, usually kept by a company officer. COMPARTMENT A subdivision of a structure or design; a small chamber, receptacle, or container. A large container separated into smaller mutually isolated units. COMPARTMENTALIZED Something separated into compartments or categories in a manner tending to preclude interrelationships. COMPATIBILITY The matching of protective chemical clothing to the hazardous material involved to provide the best protection for the worker. The ability of two materials to be safely brought together during storage or spill. COMPATIBILITY CHARTS Permeation and penetration data supplied by manufacturers of chemical protective clothing to indicate chemical resistance and breakthrough time of various garment materials as tested against a battery of chemicals. This test data should be in accordance with ASTM and NFPA standards. COMPLEMENT The entire number of firefighters assigned to a working unit, the number of units assigned to any given alarm, or the amount of like items with similar purposes. COMPOSITE An item made of several types of materials that contribute special properties to its overall performance. The common car tire is an excellent example of a composite that combines the flexibility of the rubber matrix with the strength of the carcass and belt cord. In the case of chemical protective clothing, the material is often a composite of a high-strength tear-resistant fabric and a chemical protective elastomer or plastic film. COMPOUND A pure substance composed of two or more elements. COMPOUND GAUGE A pressure gauge on fire department pumpers that records both the pressures above and below atmospheric pressure. The pressure below atmospheric pressure is usually measured in inches of mercury and is called a vacuum. Pressure gauge capable of measuring positive or negative pressures; a term used to describe the gauge that measures the intake pressure on a fire pump. COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT (CERCLA) Known as CERCLA or SUPERFUND, it addresses hazardous substance releases into the environment and the cleanup of inactive hazardous waste sites. It also requires those who release hazardous substances, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), above certain levels (known as "reportable quantities") to notify the National Response Center. COMPRESSED GAS Any material or mixture having in the container absolute pressure exceeding 40 psi at 70 degrees F (21 degrees C), or having an absolute pressure exceeding 104 psi at 130 degrees F (54 degrees C). Also includes cryogenic or "refrigerated liquids" (DOT) with boiling points lower than -130 degrees at 1 atmosphere. COMPRESSED GAS IN SOLUTION A non-liquefied gas that is dissolved in a solvent, but at high pressures. COMPUTER-AIDED MANAGEMENT OF EMERGENCY OPERATIONS A computer database storage-retrieval system of preplanning data for on-scene use at hazardous materials incidents. CONCEALED SPACES An area between walls and partitions, ceilings and roofs, and floors and basements, through which fire may spread undetected. CONCENTRATION The amount of a chemical agent present in a unit volume of air, usually expressed in milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3.) CONCENTRATION (CORROSIVES) In corrosives the amount of acid or base compared to the amount of water present. Corrosives have "strength" and "concentration." See Strength. CONCENTRATION TIME The amount of a chemical agent present in a unit volume of air multiplied by the time an individual is exposed to that concentration. CONDENSATION Going from the gaseous to the liquid state. Water vapor in the atmosphere caused to condense and release water by a reduction of temperature such as that following extinguishment of fire. CONDENSATION POINT That point where a gas or vapor changes into a liquid by cooling. CONDITIONING In physical testing, conditioning is one or more actions-such as laundering, flexing, abrading or exposure to light, heat or radiation-used to consistently reproduce the effects of actual usage. CONDUCTION Heat transfer through the movement of atoms within a substance. The transfer of heat from one body to another by direct contact (electric stove electrode to the utensil), within the same body (metal bar heated at one end), or through another heat-conducting medium (double boiler). CONDUITS Channels or pipes for carrying liquids long distances, such as an aqueduct. Tubes or underground passages for electric wires or cables. CONE ROOF Type of roof covering the top of a liquid storage tank. It may be open to the weather or enclosed in a weather protection device such as a geodesic dome. CONFINED SPACE A space that (1) is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; (2) has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (e.g., tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoopers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry); and (3) is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. CONFINED SPACE (PERMIT REQUIRED) Has one or more of the following characteristics: 1) Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere. A hazardous atmosphere would be created by any of the following, including: a) Vapors exceed 10% of the lower flammable limit (LEL) b) Airborne combustible dust exceeds its LEL c) Atmospheric oxygen concentrations below 19.5% or above 23.5% d) Atmospheric concentration of any substance for which a dose or PEL is published and which could result in employee exposure in excess of these values e) Any other atmospheric condition which is immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) 2) Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant. 3) Has an internal configuration such that a person could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross section. 4) Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard. CONFINEMENT Firefighting operations required to prevent fire from extending to uninvolved areas or to other structures. Those procedures taken to keep a material in a defined or local area once released. CONFLAGRATION A large, uncontrollable fire covering a considerable area and one that crosses natural fire barriers such as streets, usually involving buildings in more than one block and frequently resulting in a large fire loss. Forest fires can also be considered conflagrations. CONJUNCTIVITIS Redness in the eye. CONNECTION BOX Contains fittings for trailer emergency and service brake connections and electrical connector to which the lines from the towing vehicle may be connected. Formerly called junction box, light box, bird box. CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENT Measures to alleviate the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused by emergencies. It includes measures to restore essential government service, protect public health and safety, and provide emergency relief to affected governments, businesses, and individuals. CONSIGNEE The person who is to receive a shipment. CONSIST A rail shipping paper similar to a cargo manifest. It may contain a list of the cars in the train in order or a list of those cars carrying hazardous materials and their location on the train. CONSTANT PRESSURE RELAY Method of establishing a relay water supply utilizing two or more pumpers to supply the attack pumper. CONTAGIOUS Capable of being transmitted from one person to another. CONTAINER An article of transport equipment that is: 1. Of a permanent character and strong enough for repeated use. 2. Specifically designed to facilitate the carriage of goods by one or more modes of transport without intermediate reloading. 3. Fitted with devices permitting its ready handling, particularly its transfer from one mode to another. The term CONTAINER does not include vehicles. Also referred as: freight container, cargo container, and intermodal container. CONTAINER CHASSIS A trailer chassis having simply a frame with locking devices for securing and transporting a container as a wheeled vehicle. CONTAINER SHIP A ship specially equipped to transport large freight containers in horizontal, or, more commonly, in vertical container cells. The containers are loaded and unloaded usually automatically by special cranes. CONTAINER SPECIFICATION NUMBER A number found on a shipping container preceded by the initials DOT, which indicate that the container has been built according to federal specifications. CONTAINMENT Those procedures taken to keep a material in its container. CONTAMINANT A pesticide or other toxic material found as a residue in or on a substance where it is not wanted. The attempt to prevent the spreading of contamination by holding it in, enclosing, encapsulating, or by controlling it. A toxic substance that is potentially harmful to people, animals, and the environment. A substance not in pure form. CONTAMINATION An unwanted and non-beneficial substance. CONTAMINATION REDUCTION ZONE Commonly referred to as the warm zone, the area between the hot and cold zones. This is where decontamination takes place. CONTINUOUS SAMPLER A device used to obtain a sample of commodity without the tank being hooked up for unloading or otherwise opening the tank. Air monitoring devices, such as those used in many industrial workplaces, that siren or alert persons when a release has occurred or certain levels of exposure have been exceeded. CONTROL The overall program of control and suppression of fire. A fire is under control when the advance of the fire has been halted. CONTROL AGENTS Any material that is used to contain or extinguish a hazardous material or its vapor. CONTROL CENTER A communications or dispatch center used by the fire service for emergency communication operations. There are also mobile command posts that may be taken directly to the fire scene. CONVECTION Heat transfer from one place to another by actual motion of the hot material. The transfer of heat by circulation currents in liquids and gases. See law of heat flow. CONVECTION COLUMN The rising column of heated air above continuing heat or fire source. CONVULSIONS Violent, involuntary contracting and relaxing of the muscles; a spasm. COOLING The reduction of heat as the result of the quenching action or heat absorption by the extinguishing agent. COOLING SYSTEM The cooling system on vehicles consists of a radiator, fan, water pump, and heat exchanger used to cool the engine. CORNICE A concealed space near the eave of the building and enclosure. CORPUS DELICTI Evidence of substantial and fundamental facts necessary to prove the commission of a crime. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS Actions taken by the incident commander to correct the problem at hand in a hazardous materials emergency. CORROSION PRODUCT A chemical species formed by the action of a corrosive chemical on another material. Rust, a common corrosion product, is formed by the corrosive action of oxygen on iron. CORROSIVE The ability to cause destruction of living tissue or many solid materials surfaces by chemical action. A chemical that causes visible destruction of or irreversible alterations in living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact; a liquid that causes a severe corrosion rate in steel. A corrosive is either an acid or a caustic (a material that reads at either end of the pH scale). COUPLER A device located at both ends of all railcars and locomotives in a standard location to provide a way to connect one railcar to another. COUPLING Fitting permanently attached to the end of a hose; used to connect two hoselines together or a hoseline to such devices as nozzles, appliances, discharge valves, or hydrants. COVER (also cover-in) The practice of surrounding fire departments to "cover-in" units into depleted areas to provide emergency service to that area; to cover exposures by placing primary fire streams in advantageous positions to protect the buildings exposed to heat and fire. CPE See Chemical Protective Equipment. CPSC Consumer Product Safety Commission. CRACKING PRESSURE For exhaust valves in totally encapsulating chemical protective suits, this is the pressure at which the valve allows air to begin to escape (limiting the internal suit pressure). CRACKS Narrow splits or breaks in the container metal which may penetrate through the metal of the container. It may also be caused by fatigue. It is a major mechanism that could cause catastrophic failure. CRISIS MANAGEMENT Measures to resolve the hostile situation, investigate, and prepare a criminal case for persecution under Federal law. CRITICAL PRESSURE The pressure required to liquefy a gas at its critical temperature. CRITICAL TEMPERATURE The temperature above which a gas cannot be liquefied by pressure. CRITIQUE An element of incident termination which examines the overall effectiveness of the emergency response effort and develops recommendations for improving the organization's emergency response system. CROSS-CONTAMINATION Contamination that takes place when a person or piece of equipment that has been exposed to a substance contaminates another which had no direct contact. Often referred to as secondary contamination. CROSS-SECTIONAL A representative sample. A drawing showing levels and profiles. CROSSOVER LINE Installed in a tank piping system to allow unloading from either side of the tank. CRYOGENIC Substances having temperatures below -150 degrees F (-101.1 degrees C). Materials, which exist at extremely low temperatures, such as nitrogen. Those gases that must be cooled to a very low temperature in order to bring about a change from a gas to a liquid. CRYOGENIC BURN Frostbite; damage to tissues as the result of exposure to low temperatures. It may involve only the skin, extend to the tissue immediately beneath it, or lead to gangrene and loss of affected parts. CRYOGENIC CYLINDER An insulated metal cylinder contained within an outer protective metal jacket. The area between the cylinder and the jacket is normally under vacuum. The cylinders have a small protective ring at the top to protect the valves and a foot ring that allows for handling with a special hand truck. The cylinders range in size from a dewar (similar to a small thermos) up to 24 inches in diameter and five feet high. Examples of materials found in these types of cylinders are argon, helium, nitrogen, and oxygen. CRYOGENIC LIQUID Generally, a cryogenic liquid is any liquid with a temperature less than -101.1 degrees C. Liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen are the most common cryogenic liquids encountered. Some common gases-such as ammonia, natural gas, chlorine and hydrogen chloride-are often shipped as cold liquids but are actually cryogenic liquids. Certain components of chemical protective clothing ensembles, especially elastomeric gloves, can become stiff and brittle when exposed to these liquefied gases. CRYOGENS Gases that must be cooled to a very low temperature in order to bring about a change from a gas to a liquid. CSP (CERTIFIED SAFETY PROFESSIONAL) A certification granted by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. CUBIC CAPACITY Useful internal load carrying space usually expressed in cubic feet, cubic yards, or cubic meters. Also referred to as available cube, or simply cube. CULTURE A population of microorganisms grown in a medium. CUMULATIVE Additional exposure rather than repeated exposure. For example, a one-hour exposure of HD followed within a few hours by another exposure of one hour, had the same effect as a single exposure lasting for two hours. CUMULATIVE PERMEATION The total mass of chemical that permeates during a specified time from when the material is first contacted. CURIE The amount of radioactive material that will give 37 billion disintegrations per second. CUTANEOUS Pertaining to the skin. CWA Chemical Warfare Agents CYLINDER A container for liquids, gases, or solids under pressure. Ranges in size from aerosol containers found at home, such as spray deodorant, to the cryogenic (insulated) cylinders for nitrogen that can be approximately 24 inches in diameter and five feet high. All cylinders have a circular cross section with a valve arrangement at one end, and a majority will have a pressure relief device. Pressure ranges from a few pounds to several thousand pounds per square inch. |
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